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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Trinity Health

NP/PA Gastroenterology

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Opportunity to assist with procedures and pre/post-procedure care * Strong onboarding program with ... Certified Nurse Practitioner (FNP or AGNP) or Physician Assistant * Eligible for Iowa licensure

Trinity Health

NP/PA Gastroenterology

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Opportunity to assist with procedures and pre/post-procedure care * Strong onboarding program with ... Certified Nurse Practitioner (FNP or AGNP) or Physician Assistant * Eligible for Iowa licensure

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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

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$74K

$118.9K

$163.9K

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Waterloo, IA is $118,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $131,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA?

For Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:

Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,901 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

NP/PA Gastroenterology

Trinity Health

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Trinity Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

574th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Employment Type:
Full timeShift:
Description:
Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) - Gastroenterology
MercyOne Waterloo & Cedar Falls, Iowa
MercyOne Northeast Iowa is seeking a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join our Gastroenterology team serving the Waterloo and Cedar Falls communities.
Position Highlights
  • Join a collaborative GI team with experienced physicians and supportive clinical staff
  • Primarily outpatient clinic role with opportunity for inpatient consults (based on experience/interests)
  • Support care of patients with a wide range of GI conditions
  • Opportunity to assist with procedures and pre/post-procedure care
  • Strong onboarding program with mentorship and ongoing training
  • Monday-Friday schedule with strong focus on work-life balance
  • Limited or shared call expectations

Practice Setting
  • Based at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center and affiliated clinics
  • Access to modern endoscopy suites and diagnostic technology
  • Integrated system with strong referral base and specialty support
  • Established workflows designed to support APP autonomy and efficiency

Responsibilities
  • Evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients with gastrointestinal conditions
  • Provide patient education and follow-up care
  • Collaborate closely with gastroenterologists and care team
  • Participate in care coordination and quality improvement initiatives
  • Document care in the EMR system (Epic, if applicable)

Qualifications
  • Certified Nurse Practitioner (FNP or AGNP) or Physician Assistant
  • Eligible for Iowa licensure
  • GI experience preferred, but new graduates with strong interest in GI are encouraged to apply
  • Strong communication and team-based care skills

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Sign-on bonus and relocation assistance
  • Comprehensive benefits package including:
    • Health, dental, and vision insurance
    • Retirement plans with employer match
    • Paid time off and CME allowance
    • Malpractice coverage

Why Waterloo & Cedar Falls?
  • Affordable cost of living and family-friendly communities
  • Excellent schools and access to University of Northern Iowa
  • Outdoor recreation, trails, and parks
  • Short commute times and strong sense of community

About MercyOne
MercyOne is a connected system of hospitals and providers across Iowa, dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care while supporting provider growth and satisfaction.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US

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