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Rn First Assist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Overview Registered Nurse First Assistant, Surgery Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Fort Sanders Regional Overview: Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized ...

Registered Nurse First Assistant, Surgery Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Fort Sanders Regional Overview: Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for ...

Registered Nurse, First Assistant, Surgery Part Time, 48 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines ...

Overview Registered Nurse, First Assistant, Surgery Part Time, 48 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville ...

Overview Registered Nurse First Assistant, Surgery Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville ...

Registered Nurse First Assistant, Surgery Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines ...

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 Tennessee salary details

$18

$40

$66

How much do rn first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn first assist in Tennessee is $40.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $47.12 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 are the most commonly searched types of Rn First Assist jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Rn First Assist jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Rn First Assist jobs in Tennessee?

For Rn First Assist jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Rn First Assist job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,977 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

RN FIRST ASSISTANT II

Covenant Health (Tennessee)

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

Registered Nurse First Assistant, Surgery

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Parkwest Overview:

Parkwest Medical Center , Covenant Health’s flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines world-class cardiac expertise with the warmth of home in serving a vibrant East Tennessee community. Since 1973, Parkwest has grown into the region’s largest hospital in the area, offering advanced services like an all-digital catheterization lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It’s consistently ranked among Tennessee's top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and earns national recognition as a Top 100 Heart Hospital, as well as an “A” safety grade from Leapfrog. As part of Covenant Health, the region’s largest employer, Parkwest Medical Center, marries cutting-edge technology with compassionate, community-centered care, earning accolades for cardiology, stroke, surgical excellence, and patient safety.

To learn more about Parkwest Medical Center and our units, visit Covenant Health Parkwest Medical Center Opportunities .

Position Summary:

The RN First Assistant II (CRNFA) is a registered nurse with specialized education and nationally recognized certification. The development of specific technical skills enables the CRNFA to assist the surgeon with specific intraoperative procedures that are beyond the scope of practice for registered nurses without CRNFA education and training. The CRNFA may provide direct patient care to patients using the nursing process and intraoperatively functions interdependently with the surgeon and applies knowledge, skill and judgment necessary to assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation that yields optimal results for the patient.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborates with other health team members to develop, coordinate and implement a perioperative plan of care unique to individual patient needs.

  • Maintains the dignity of the patient while assuming the responsibility of patient advocate.

  • Skillfully applies principles of asepsis and infection control.

  • Has excellent knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique specific to the surgical procedure to work in collaboration with the surgeon.

  • Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate preventative and/or corrective actions to ensure a safe environment for the patient and the surgical team throughout the perioperative experience.

  • Participates in the performance of positioning, prepping and draping of the patient.

  • Preparation and administration of medications perioperatively; as directed by the surgeon and anesthesiologist.

  • Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning and sponging techniques.

  • Handles and dissects tissue in collaboration with the surgeon.

  • Clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, ligating vessels and other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon to achieve hemostasis.

  • Sutures muscle, fascia, subcutaneous and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon.

  • Places drains as surgically indicated.

  • Application of surgical dressings.

  • Possesses knowledge of and works within appropriate regulatory guidelines and legal constraints.

  • Practices according to recognized standards of nursing practice and the AORN “Standards of perioperative professional performance.”

  • Participates in the orientation of new personnel; serve as educator, mentor, consultant and resource to colleagues and other healthcare personnel.

  • Responsible for following through specific work projects or studies assigned by supervisor.

  • Analyze and evaluate services rendered to improve quality of patient care given.

  • Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority. Also must have completed a recognized RNFA certification program.

Minimum Experience:

Five (5) year’s perioperative nursing experience. 2500 hours Surgeon supervised clinical practice in First Assistant Role.

Licensure Requirement:

Must hold current RN license and current RNFA license. CPR, CNOR and CRNFA certifications are required.

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Job Title RN FIRST ASSISTANT II

ID T4546688

Facility Parkwest Medical Center

Department Name SURGERY