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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Inova Simplicity Health Clinics, with locations opening in Sterling, Alexandria and Annandale, is seeking a full-time Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) for each 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 (CVOR) APP (NP/PA)

Inova Health System

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Cardiac Surgery Advanced Practice Provider

Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is seeking an experienced advanced practice provider for a full-time position in the cardiovascular surgery operating room.

Our program:

  • Our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons have performed thousands of procedures and pioneered many new treatment and recovery approaches with results rarely matched nationwide
  • STS 3-star composite score for CABG and isolated AVR
  • Top 2% in the country for TAVR volume
  • Mitral valve repair center of excellence
  • Gold level ELSO award for excellence in life support
  • Busy heart and lung transplant program performing 100 total transplants in 2022

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.

Featured benefits:

  • Competitive compensation package: includes a market-competitive base salary, comprehensive performance incentive plan, and productivity-based RVU compensation structure designed to reward quality, patient access, and clinical productivity. Additionally, opportunities for sign-on, retention, relocation
  • Committed to team member health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions – starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and student loan assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental health support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/life balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and remote and hybrid career opportunities.

Cardiac surgery advanced practice provider job responsibilities:

  • You will first assist our surgeons on a wide variety of cases including but not limited to CABG, valves, maze procedures, complex aortic surgeries (open and endovascular), mechanical circulatory support cases including a large ECMO volume, heart and lung transplant, and structural heart procedures.
  • Applicants must be experienced in endoscopic vein harvesting using the Getinge Vasoview Hemopro 2 Vessel Harvesting system. Endoscopic radial artery harvesting is strongly preferred.
  • Flexible work week schedule, depending on the needs of the department. Additional OR call coverage is required.
  • Performs high-quality clinical practices and effective patient management, under physician supervision, in accordance with state regulations, including primary and secondary specialty care in clinical and/or surgical practice settings
  • Demonstrates technical expertise in the operating room
  • Excellent communication and teamwork
  • Displays respect and appreciation for the contribution from all team members to foster positive working relationships
  • Participates in quality and best practice initiatives by adhering to standards and guidelines to deliver excellent patient care and enhanced outcomes
  • Seeks and accepts feedback related to performance and demonstrates a high level of coachability

Minimum qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program
  • Board Certified Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with RNFA certification. Employees must maintain certification requirements.
  • ACLS Certification for physician assistants, ACLS and BLS certification for nurse practitioners
  • Current Virginia medical license
  • Current DEA number National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
  • Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or Physician Associate

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience as an Advanced Practice Provider in a CVOR setting

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