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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jul 5, 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:
Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,682 per year, or $61.4 per hour.
Nurse Practitioner First Assist or Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery

Nurse Practitioner First Assist or Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery

Ochsner Health

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Ochsner Health rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 438 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

595th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.
At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!
This job works in a collaborative model including but not limited to: residents, fellows, attendings, and staff who care for outpatient clinic patients of the organization. This job works under the supervision of the Medical Director or approved staff physician and in association with the PCCs, staff nurses, and discharge coordinator in the planning, implementation and evaluation of medical and nursing care; and assumes responsibility for primary and urgent medical management, emergency stabilization of all critically ill patients, teaching of residents and medical students, staff development and education, patient education and discharge planning.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Nurse Practitioner first assist or Physician Assistant
Education
Nurse Practitioner
Required - Master's degree in Nursing
Physician Assistant
Required - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physician Assistant medicine or Health Sciences, or graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Training Program
Work Experience
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
Required - None
Preferred - 3 years' related working experience
Certifications
Nurse Practitioner:
Required - Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of practice.
Certification in related specialty through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
RN First Assist (RNFA) certification through an accredited program.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) from the American Heart Association.
Eligible for prescriptive authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Nursing/Medical Examiners.
Physician Assistant:
Required - Current license as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certified
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification from the American Heart Association
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Medical Examiners
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of required job information.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
  • Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at a department and campus/system level.
  • Reliable transportation as must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
  • Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).

Job Duties
  • Utilizes the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care.
  • Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas.
  • Maintains an attitude of inquiry towards medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology.
  • Provides education experiences to patient families, staff, other health professionals, and to the community.
  • Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
The employer is 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, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.
Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!
Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.
Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.
Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) or careers@ochsner.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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