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Rn First Assist Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

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Rn First Assist information

See Alabama salary details

$18

$40

$66

How much do rn first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn first assist in Alabama is $40.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.48 and $47.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RN First Assist?

An RN First Assist (RNFA) is a specialized registered nurse who works alongside surgeons during procedures to provide hands-on assistance. Their responsibilities include suturing, controlling bleeding, handling instruments, and ensuring patient safety in the operating room. RNFAs must have advanced training, typically including certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR) and a formal RNFA program. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and specialty practices to enhance surgical team efficiency.

What does an RN First Assist do?

A typical day for an RN First Assist involves preparing the operating room, assisting surgeons throughout various surgical procedures, and helping to manage patient care before, during, and after surgery. You will often be responsible for tasks such as tissue handling, suturing, and controlling bleeding under the surgeon’s supervision. Collaboration with surgeons, surgical technologists, anesthesiologists, and other nurses is a key part of the role. The work environment is fast-paced and requires quick critical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to patient safety. As an RN First Assist, your role is central to ensuring optimal surgical outcomes and supporting the entire surgical team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RN First Assist?

To thrive as an RN First Assist, you need advanced perioperative nursing skills, a current RN license, and completion of a recognized RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) program. Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic health records, sterile technique protocols, and current certifications such as CNOR are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are highly valued soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for supporting surgeons during procedures, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining smooth surgical workflows.

How much does an RN First Assist make?

An RN First Assist typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility. They often work in surgical or hospital settings, requiring specialized training and certification in perioperative nursing. Salaries can vary based on demand and the complexity of procedures performed.

Is RN First Assist in demand?

RN First Assist is a specialized nursing role that is in growing demand due to an increasing need for advanced perioperative care. RNs with this certification are often sought after in hospitals and surgical centers, and the role typically requires additional training and certification in surgical assisting. Employment prospects are strong for qualified RNs in this field.

Is becoming an RN First Assist worth it?

Becoming an RN First Assist is generally considered worthwhile for registered nurses seeking advanced roles in surgical settings, as it allows them to participate directly in surgeries and improve patient care. The role requires additional training, certification, and experience, but offers increased responsibility, specialized skills, and higher compensation. It is a demanding position that can enhance career advancement opportunities in perioperative nursing.

What job categories do people searching Rn First Assist jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Rn First Assist jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Rn First Assist jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Rn First Assist job openings:

Infographic showing various Rn First Assist job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,863 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

RN First Assistant

Gadsden, AL • On-site


Community Health Systems

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

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Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Job Summary

The RN First Assist (RNFA) provides advanced perioperative nursing care, assisting surgeons during operative procedures to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This role includes preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative responsibilities, supporting a variety of surgical specialties and units. The RNFA collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, utilizing advanced skills in tissue handling, wound management, and surgical techniques while maintaining compliance with regulatory and institutional standards.

Essential Functions

  • Provides advanced surgical assistance to the operating surgeon, including tissue handling, suturing, and wound management.

  • Collaborates with the surgical team to plan, implement, and evaluate individualized perioperative care plans.

  • Ensures the operative field is maintained aseptically, adhering to infection control protocols and surgical standards.

  • Assesses patient needs preoperatively and postoperatively, providing education and emotional support as needed.

  • Monitors and manages intraoperative patient status, responding to changes and communicating effectively with the surgical team.

  • Maintains accurate and thorough documentation of perioperative care in compliance with organizational policies.

  • Provides mentorship and education to nursing staff and students, promoting best practices in perioperative care.

  • Collaborates with various units and specialties to provide RNFA support tailored to specific surgical procedures and patient populations.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

  • 2-4 years of perioperative nursing experience in an operating room setting required

  • 1-2 years of experience as a certified RN First Assist providing intraoperative surgical assistance preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Advanced knowledge of surgical techniques, aseptic principles, and perioperative nursing practices.

  • Strong clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.

  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

  • Proficiency in surgical instruments, technologies, and documentation systems.

  • Commitment to patient safety and quality improvement in the surgical setting.

Licenses and Certifications

  • RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required and

  • CRNFA - Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant required

  • BCLS - Basic Life Support required and

  • ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support required

  • CNOR - Certified Operating Room Nurse preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, the facility complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to: hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you are an applicant with a mental or physical disability who needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the director of Human Resources at the facility to which you are seeking employment; Simply go to http://www.chs.net/serving-communities/locations/ to obtain the main telephone number of the facility and ask for Human Resources.


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