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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

CVOR NP, locums

Falls Church, VA ยท On-site

$115 - $135/hr

* CVOR Nurse Practitioner * 5+ years EVH and first assist experience * 4 10-12 hour days * OR Only * Rotating Call * Duration: 6 months * Summer Start * Virginia * Must have 5 or more years of ...

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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$81.9K

$131.6K

$181.4K

How much do nurse practitioner first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $131,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,300.00 and $145,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nurse practitioner first assistant?

To thrive as a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant, you need advanced clinical knowledge, surgical assisting expertise, and an active RN license with completion of a Nurse Practitioner program and a First Assistant certification (such as RNFA). Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic health records (EHRs), and perioperative care protocols is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help ensure safe and efficient collaboration with surgeons and operating room staff. These competencies are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and providing high-quality surgical support.

What is the difference between Nurse Practitioner First Assistant vs Physician Assistant?

AspectNurse Practitioner First AssistantPhysician Assistant
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) + specialized training or certification as a First AssistantMaster's degree in Physician Assistant Studies + certification (PANCE)
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, surgical teams, hospitalsHospitals, clinics, surgical settings
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssisting surgeons during procedures, pre- and post-operative carePerforming exams, diagnosing, assisting in surgeries

Both Nurse Practitioner First Assistants and Physician Assistants work closely in surgical settings, assisting during procedures and providing patient care. While Nurse Practitioner First Assistants typically have advanced nursing credentials and specialized surgical training, Physician Assistants hold a master's degree and are trained to perform a broad range of medical tasks. Understanding these differences helps clarify their roles in healthcare teams.

What is a nurse practitioner first assistant?

A Nurse Practitioner First Assistant (NPFA) is an advanced practice registered nurse who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. In this role, they provide direct patient care before, during, and after surgery, and perform specific tasks such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues under the supervision of a surgeon. NPFA professionals are required to have specialized training and certification in surgical first assisting, in addition to their nurse practitioner credentials. Their expertise helps ensure surgeries run smoothly and patients receive comprehensive care throughout the surgical experience.

How does a nurse practitioner first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other operating room staff during procedures?

As a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant (NPFA), you work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical nurses to ensure optimal patient outcomes during operations. Your responsibilities include providing direct surgical assistance, such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues, as well as anticipating the surgeon's needs throughout the procedure. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as you help coordinate patient care before, during, and after surgery. This collaborative environment not only enhances patient safety but also offers valuable opportunities for professional development and skill-building within a multidisciplinary team.
What job categories do people searching Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:

Cardiac Surgery First Assist Nurse Practitioner (NP and RNFA) or Physician Assistant

University of Maryland Medical System

Towson, MD โ€ข On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Requirements

University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center (UM SJMC), a member of the University of Maryland Medical System has an opening available for an experienced Cardiac Surgery First Assist Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (RNFA) to join their team located in Towson, Maryland.


The University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center has a long history of excellence and is one of the premier programs in the region. St. Joseph is the only cardiac surgery program in Baltimore County, and a referral center for complex valvular, aortic, and coronary surgery. 3-Star Rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures.ย 


Qualifications:

ย ย ย ย ย ย Proficient in first and second assist roles in all cardiac surgery cases

ย ย ย ย ย ย Proficient in conduit harvesting

ย ย ย ย ย ย Successful applicant would work four ten-hour shifts per week with night and weekend call

ย ย ย ย ย ย Successful applicant would be one of six sharing call

ย ย ย ย ย ย Master's degree as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) is required

ย ย ย ย ย ย Certification as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner/Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) is required

ย ย ย ย ย ย Maryland licensure as Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner is required

ย ย ย ย ย ย Current Basic Life Support certification is required

ย ย ย ย ย ย Ideal candidate would have three years experience in cardiac surgery, less experience could be considered on a case-by-case basis


As a UMMS provider, you can expect:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid malpractice insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • CME leave and CME allowance
  • Retirement plan - 403-B with employer match

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.


Work Experience

Education and Experience

1.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Graduation from a Physician Assistant Training Program approved by the Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required.ย Evidence of current certification as a Physician Assistant by the Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance.

2.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Certification or eligibility for certification by National Commission for Certifying Physician's Assistants is required. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification is required.

3.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Unrestricted Physician Assistant License from the Maryland State Board of Physicians

ย OR;

1.ย ย ย ย ย ย Successful completion of a recognized planned program of instruction designed for the Registered Nurse First-Assistant (RNFA) to include:

a.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Didactic instruction of at least 50 hours which includes:

b.ย ย ย ย ย ย Pre-operative and post-operative assessment, evaluation of physical and laboratory findings, patient pain management and patient and staff teaching.

c.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Intraoperative considerations including anatomy and physiology and surgical interventions as related to each system.

d.ย ย ย ย ย ย Surgical techniques.

e.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Surgical hazards and appropriate interventions.

f.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Clinical instruction and experience including:

2.ย ย ย ย ย ย A minimum of 200 hours assisting in major surgical procedures including positioning, prepping and draping, siding in exposure, retraction, hemostasis, surgical instrumentation, etc...

3.ย ย ย ย ย ย Instruction provided by qualified surgeons participating in the program.

4.ย ย ย ย ย ย The surgeon preceptor(s) written documentation of the registered nurse's competency in the intraoperative surgical first assistant role.

IV.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served.ย Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.ย 

2.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Highly effective verbal and written skills are required to work with all levels of hospital personnel, administrators and clinical staff.

3.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Ability to work in a team atmosphere and maximize efficient system operations.


ย 


Employment Type: FULL_TIME