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Nurse Practitioner Rnfa Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Nurse Practitioner Rnfa information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.8K

$134.2K

$206K

How much do nurse practitioner rnfa jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner rnfa in Chicago, IL is $134,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,300.00 and $154,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nurse practitioner RNFA?

A Nurse Practitioner RNFA, or Registered Nurse First Assistant, is an advanced practice nurse who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. In addition to performing traditional nursing duties, RNFAs are trained to help with tasks such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and providing wound exposure. Nurse Practitioner RNFAs must complete specialized education and certification to perform these responsibilities. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical teams to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes during surgery.

How does a nurse practitioner RNFA typically interact with surgical teams during procedures?

As a Nurse Practitioner RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant), you play a vital role in the operating room by working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative nurses. You may assist with surgical procedures, provide direct patient care before, during, and after surgery, and help with tasks such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and tissue handling. Effective communication and collaboration with the surgical team are essential to ensure patient safety and smooth workflow. This role offers opportunities to develop advanced clinical skills and often serves as a bridge between surgical and nursing teams for optimal patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Nurse Practitioner Rnfa vs Physician Assistant?

AspectNurse Practitioner RnfaPhysician Assistant
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Nursing, RN license, Rnfa certificationMaster's or Bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant Studies, PA certification
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, primary care settingsHospitals, clinics, specialty practices
Scope of PracticeDiagnose, treat, prescribe, often with some autonomy depending on state lawsDiagnose, treat, prescribe, generally under physician supervision or collaboration

Both Nurse Practitioner Rnfa and Physician Assistant roles involve diagnosing and treating patients, but Nurse Practitioners often have more autonomy in primary care settings, especially with Rnfa certification. PAs typically work under physician supervision but have a broader scope in certain specialties. The choice depends on your preferred work environment and scope of practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nurse practitioner RNFA, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nurse Practitioner RNFA, you need advanced clinical assessment skills, surgical assisting expertise, and at minimum a master's degree in nursing along with RNFA certification. Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic health records (EHRs), and perioperative care systems is essential for this role. Critical thinking, strong communication, and teamwork are key soft skills that help coordinate patient care and collaborate with surgical teams. These skills and qualities ensure safe, effective patient outcomes and seamless support throughout the perioperative process.
What are popular job titles related to Nurse Practitioner Rnfa jobs in Chicago, IL? For Nurse Practitioner Rnfa jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nurse Practitioner Rnfa jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Nurse Practitioner Rnfa jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Nurse Practitioner Rnfa jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner Rnfa job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,223 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (with RNFA) - Cardiac Surgery, Full-time, Days

Northwestern Medical Group

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for a Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to work in our expanding Cardiac Surgery department! This Advanced Practice Provider will be working a mix of OR first assist and inpatient rounding. Experience is required.

Schedule: 4-10 hour days 

  • On-call rotations is to be determined 

Essential Functions: 

  • Demonstrates clinical expertise and expanded knowledge through patient care activities which may include diagnosis and management of a wide range of health problems.
  • Responsible for health outcome of an assigned patient population.
  • Confers with collaborating physician and other health professionals in area of clinical expertise.
  • Develops appropriate educational systems for patients, families and staff in areas of expertise.
  • Mentors graduate students in aspects of advanced practice and patient care.
  • Actively participates in quality improvement and/or research pertinent to area of expertise. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients' health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in clinical area.
  • Provides direct clinical care to patients.
  • Prescribes/orders medications, therapies; orders/interprets laboratory tests, x-rays and procedures according to clinical privileges.
  • Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care.
  • Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and families.
  • Documents in the medical record all care and education provided and/or procedures performed for which the Licensed Advanced Practice Provider is responsible.
  • Refers to other disciplines as appropriate.
  • Consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise.
  • Integrates research based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making.
  • Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation.
  • Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, and the community.
  • Maintains certifications and continuing education as required for licensure and privileging.
  • Serves as a patient advocate and role model for 'Patients First'.
  • Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces as appropriate.
  • Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families.
  • Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff.
  • Serves as a role model and preceptor to students.
  • Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty.
  • Participates in quality improvement and/or research initiatives for specific patient population as appropriate. 

AA/EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Master's degree from an accredited school/college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program  
  • Acute care certification required for APRNs (inpatient experience as an NP will be considered in lieu of acute care certification)
  • First Assist Certification for all APRNs
  • Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number OR Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program/Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois.  Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number
  • Privileged and credentialed through the Northwestern Medicine Medical Staff Office (MSO)
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation - BLS, issued by the American Heart Association 

Preferred: 

  • Experience as a Surgical PA or ACNP with RNFA

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Master's degree from an accredited school/college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program  
  • Acute care certification required for APRNs (inpatient experience as an NP will be considered in lieu of acute care certification)
  • First Assist Certification for all APRNs
  • Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number OR Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program/Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois.  Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number
  • Privileged and credentialed through the Northwestern Medicine Medical Staff Office (MSO)
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation - BLS, issued by the American Heart Association 

Preferred: 

  • Experience as a Surgical PA or ACNP with RNFA
Education:Licensed Patient Care GiverEmployment Type: Full-time

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