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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.
Nurse Practitioner- CV/CT Surgery - First Assist

Nurse Practitioner- CV/CT Surgery - First Assist

Baylor Scott & White Health

Plano, TX

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Baylor Scott & White Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 736 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

248th of 869 rated healthcare providers

Job description

CV/CT Surgery First Assist Nurse Practitioner (RNFA Required)

Baylor Scott & White Health – The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano

Baylor Scott & White Health is seeking an experienced Nurse Practitioner (NP) to join our Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery team as a First Assist at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, with occasional floating to our Heart Hospitals in Dallas and Frisco.

Position Overview

The CV/CT Surgery First Assist Nurse Practitioner will work closely with a highly collaborative surgical team, providing perioperative care and first-assist support for cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedures. This role offers a predictable weekday schedule with structured call coverage in a well-established heart program.

Schedule

  • Monday–Friday, typically 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Schedule may vary when assigned to call

Call Requirements

  • Rotating weekday call (approximately once per week)

  • Rotating weekend call (Friday–Sunday) every 4th or 5th weekend

Practice Setting

  • Primary location: The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano

  • Occasional floating to Dallas and Frisco Heart Hospitals

Case Volume

  • 1–2 cardiovascular surgery cases per day, depending on call coverage

Team Structure

  • 14 Surgeons

  • 12 Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

  • Established, collaborative CV surgery service

Key Responsibilities

  • First assist in cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedures

  • Preoperative and postoperative patient management

  • Participate in on-call coverage for the CV surgery service

  • Collaborate with surgeons, APPs, nursing staff, and multidisciplinary teams

  • Deliver high-quality, patient-centered surgical care

Experience and Qualifications

  • Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program

  • Active or eligible Texas RN and APRN license

  • Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) required

  • Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic surgical experience strongly preferred

  • Will consider candidates with 2+ years of general surgery or other surgical specialty experience

  • Demonstrated first-assist and perioperative skill set

  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced surgical environment while contributing to a team-based culture

Why Baylor Scott & White Health

  • Nationally recognized heart and vascular program

  • Supportive, team-oriented culture

  • Predictable weekday schedule with structured call rotation

  • Opportunity to practice in a premier Heart Hospital setting

BENEFITS

Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include: 

  • Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
  • 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level

Belonging Statement

We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued, and supported. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
  • EXPERIENCE - More than 1 Year of Experience
  • CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -

       Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Registered Nurse (RN)
RN-First Assist (RNFA)
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
 

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