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

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 Jul 27, 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.
Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner Rnfa job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,223 per year, or $64.5 per hour.
Advanced Practice Provider, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery

Advanced Practice Provider, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery

The University of Chicago Medicine

Chicago, IL • On-site

$112K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


University Of Chicago Medicine rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Join UChicago Medicine as an Advanced Practice Provider (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) within the Neurosurgery team. As an inpatient Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP), you will manage our general neurosurgery and consultative neurosurgery patients and leverage knowledge of critical neurological conditions to care for the adult and pediatric patient populations.
Sign on bonus up to $10,000.00 and Relocation
Our adult and pediatric Neurosurgery clinical teams have expertise in the treatment of many neurological disorders, including:
  • Brain and spinal cord injuries
  • Brain infections (encephalitis and meningitis)
  • Brain swelling
  • Brain tumors
  • Nerve and muscle problems that affect breathing, such as myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Status epilepticus
  • Stroke
  • Any catastrophic disorder affecting neurologic function

Job Summary:
As an Advanced Practice Provider, you will be responsible for comprehensive direct patient care management. In this role, the APP will manage a caseload of patients and exercise autonomous decision-making in assessing, diagnosing, and initiating delegated medical treatments. The scope of practice includes family support, discharge planning, staff education, consultation, and research. The APP is also responsible for planning, organizing, and directing patient care efforts collaborating with medical and surgical physicians and other team members.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Required Qualifications
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Current and/or eligibility for State of Illinois RN and APN licensure/registration
  • Certified as a Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurse's Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
  • Ability to qualify for Illinois and DEA prescribing numbers
  • Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) certification desired

OR
Physician Assistant (PA) Required Qualifications
  • Completion of an accredited (Physician Assistant) educational program
  • Certification by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
  • Current and/or eligibility for State of Illinois licensure/registration
  • Certification in ACLS

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in an academic medical center or tertiary/quaternary care setting
  • Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience or training in a surgical setting
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with attending surgeons, residents, fellows, nursing, and ancillary teams
  • Proficiency with electronic medical records (Epic preferred)

Position Details
  • Job Type/FTE: Full Time (1.0)
  • Shift: Rotating / 12-hour shifts / 3 shifts per week
  • Unit/Department: Neurosurgery
  • CBA Code: Non-Union

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