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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

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$79.5K

$127.7K

$176K

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

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in the United States is $127,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant, and why are they important?

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.
More about Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs are:
Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,682 per year, or $61.4 per hour.
NP - Cardiac Surgery job in Loveland CO

NP - Cardiac Surgery job in Loveland CO

Archway Physician Recruitment

Loveland, CO

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 12 hours ago

Job description

Locums | Cardiac Surgery NP (First Assist) | Call + OR | Loveland, CO
Why This Role
  • High-acuity cardiac surgery role with strong team support
  • Consistent full-time schedule with defined call expectations
  • Opportunity to work in a Level I trauma center

Assignment Details
  • Start: September (90–120 day credentialing)
  • Schedule: 4x10s per week
  • Call: 1 night/week + 1 weekend/month
  • Practice setting: Inpatient / OR
  • EMR: Epic
  • 100% adult patients

Clinical Details
  • 1–3 cardiac surgeries per day
  • Focus on cardiac surgery (no vascular coverage)
  • Procedures include CABG (on/off pump), valve repair/replacement, aneurysm repair, thoracic cases
  • EVH and endoscopic radial harvesting required
  • Arterial line insertion/removal required
  • 300-bed hospital | 12-bed CICU
  • Established team: 5 surgeons + multiple APPs

Requirements
  • Board Certified NP
  • OR First Assist Certification
  • Active CO license highly preferred
  • Minimum 6 months cardiac surgery experience (CABG, valve, structural heart, aortic)
  • Must be able to perform EVH and arterial line procedures
  • BLS
  • NPDB (within 30 days)
  • Clean malpractice/background preferred

Compensation
  • Rates: Facility is accepting bids
  • Malpractice: Provided
  • Travel: Reimbursed
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About Archway Physician Recruitment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Archway Physician Recruitment, located in Saint Louis, MO, US, is a leading company in the healthcare industry specializing in medical staffing. Their primary service is to recruit highly-qualified physicians and connect them with healthcare facilities in need. The company was grounded on principles of ensuring complete transparency, dedication, and ethical practices, which they maintain firmly as they continue to grow their operations. Archway Physician Recruitment's mission is to provide healthcare facilities with the highest caliber of medical professionals while also assisting the physicians in discovering ideal career opportunities. The company takes great pride in being recognized as a reliable and trusted organization in the healthcare industry.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

2013

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