ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rn First Assist Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Madison, WI · On-site

$68.71/hr

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Madison, WI · On-site

$64.35/hr

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Madison, WI · On-site

$64.69/hr

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Madison, WI · On-site

$68.13/hr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRn First Assist JobsRn First Assist Jobs in Wisconsin

Rn First Assist information

See Wisconsin salary details

$20

$44

$74

How much do rn first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn first assist in Wisconsin is $44.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.99 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 certification and training, but it can lead to higher compensation and expanded responsibilities. However, it involves a significant time and financial investment in education and credentialing.

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.

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 involved.

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 most commonly searched types of Rn First Assist jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Rn First Assist jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Rn First Assist jobs in Wisconsin? For Rn First Assist jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assist jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assist jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Rn First Assist jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Rn First Assist job openings:
Rn First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assist job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,390 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant - Cardiac Surgery OR

UW Health

Madison, WI • On-site

$151K - $212K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

UW Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 224 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Work Schedule:
100% FTE, Monday through Friday, variable hours between 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, weekend/call 1:7.
Be part of something remarkable
As an Advanced Practice Provider, you'll play an integral role in our inpatient and ambulatory care teams by providing high-quality, cost-effective care to patients.
We are seeking a Nurse Practitioner OR Physician Assistant to:
  • Provide comprehensive care to adult cardiac surgery patients in an outpatient, inpatient, and OR setting.
  • Collaborate with attending or consulting team to adjust plans of care.
  • Assist in the clinic with cardiac surgeons.
  • Perform procedures as cardiac surgery first assist and endoscopic vein harvest.
  • Provide surgical expertise at the bedside for Robotic Thoracic Surgery cases

Education:
  • If Nurse Practitioner: Master's or Doctorate's degree from accredited Nursing Program.
  • If Physician Assistant: Bachelor's or Master's degree from accredited PA Program.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • Minimum - State of Wisconsin NP or PA licensure

If Nurse Practitioner*:
  • Active RN and APRN certifications and licenses, including prescriptive authority, in state(s) of practice AND
  • Active board certification as a NP in area of clinical practice. These may include the following: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Adult and RN First Assist.

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) or required to obtain within the first 12 months of employment.
If Physician Assistant*:
  • Active PA license, including prescriptive authority, in state(s) of practice AND
  • Active PA board certification

All Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant applicants must have*:
  • Active DEA license or ability to apply for such license prior to or upon hire

Our Commitment to Social Impact and Belonging
UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
University Hospital in Madison is a Magnet®-designated facility that's ranked Wisconsin's #1 hospital and considered one of the nation's leading hospitals, teaching institutions and referral centers.
View Full Job Description
UW Medical Foundation benefits

What UW Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

UW Health logo

About UW Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 80 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

View All UW Health Jobs

Apply