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Rn First Assist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kaleida Health

RN First Assistant

Williamsville, NY · On-site

RN First Assistant Department : MFS Operating Room Location: Millard Fillmore Suburban Location of Job : US:NY:Williamsville Work Type : Full-Time Scheduled Work Hours: 7a-5p; 8a-6p; 9a-7p Shift 1 ...

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How much do rn first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn first assist in the United States is $44.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $51.92 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.

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Rn First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,525 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Staff Registered Nurse First Assistant

Berkshire Health Systems

Pittsfield, MA • On-site

$45.25/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 23 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist surgeons during surgical procedures as a first assistant, demonstrating expertise in operative techniques and surgical anatomy.

  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes and provide advanced perioperative nursing care.

  • Perform as a scrub or circulating nurse as needed to support comprehensive patient care throughout the surgical process.

Berkshire Health Systems rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

  • DEFINITION/PRIMARY FUNCTION
    • The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a Registered Nurse with specialized education and documented competency in perioperative nursing practice consistent with the RNFA Standards of Practice established by the Association of periOperative Nurses (AORN) through successful completion of a post-basic nursing education program whose intent is the preparation of registered nurses to practice as first assistants at surgery.
      The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is an integral member of the surgical team, providing advanced perioperative nursing care to patients. The RNFA collaborates with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes and demonstrates expertise in the first assistant role during surgery. In addition to primary RNFA responsibilities, this position requires the ability to function as a scrub or circulating nurse as needed, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive patient care throughout the surgical process. While functioning in the RNFA role, the RN works under the direct supervision of the surgeon.
  • POSITION QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum qualifications are required unless stated otherwise.)
    • Experience:
      • Two years of perioperative nursing experience required.
      • One year of med/surg nursing experience preferred.
      • Demonstrated competency in the scrub and circulating roles.
    • Education and Training:
      • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
      • Successful completion of a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) education program that meets current professional standards and includes didactic and clinical components.
      • Required One of the Following:
      • Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma-prepared nurses who completed RNFA training and established practice as an RNFA prior to implementation of BSN-preferred standards will be considered qualified.
    • License, Certification & Registration:
      • RN - Currently licensed as an RN in Massachusetts
      • (BLS) certification
      • ACLS within 6 months of hire
      • RNFAG- National RNFA certification obtained within 3-years of hire, unless exempt due to grandfathered status.
        • Acceptable RNFA Certifications Include:
          • Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) through the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) - Preferred.
            Registered Nurse First Assistant Advanced Specialist (RNFA-AS).
            Registered Nurse First Assistant-Certified (RNFA-C).
            Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery-Certified (RNAS-C).
    • Other Requirements:
      • Maintenance of all certifications and continuing education requirements applicable to RNFA practice and State regulations
      • Assures compliance with unit-specific scope of practice.
      • Must be able to speak the English language in an understandable manner.
      • Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of the position can be fully met.
      • Call Rotation
      • Occasional weekend or evening shifts based on department needs.
      • Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations
      • Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
      • Knowledge of operative techniques related to the procedures in which the RNFA assists.
      • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the customer being served.
      • Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Joint Commission and National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG).

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