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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Southeast Health

General Surgery APP (PA or NP)

Dothan, AL · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) certification is required for CRNP's * Active Alabama license/DEA or eligibility to obtain an Alabama license/DEA * BCLS/ACLS certification Shift Day Shift ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Dialysis

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... Hemodialysis About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Dialysis

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN Dialysis for a travel nursing job in Tuscaloosa, Alabama ... Hemodialysis About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Alabama

Rn First Assistant information

See Alabama salary details

$32.2K

$96.8K

$167.7K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Alabama is $96,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,700.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a registered nurse first assistant do?

A registered nurse first assistant (RNFA) provides intraoperative patient care by assisting surgeons during surgeries, including tissue handling, suturing, and maintaining a sterile environment. They work closely with surgical teams, often requiring specialized training and certification in surgical assisting. RNFAs help improve surgical efficiency and patient outcomes in operating rooms.

How much does an RN first assist make?

An RN First Assistant typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility. They assist surgeons during procedures and require specialized training and certification, which can influence salary levels.

What is the difference between Rn First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectRn First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsRegistered Nurse license, First Assistant certificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Tech certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, operating roomsOperating rooms, surgical suites, hospitals
Role FocusAssists surgeons during procedures, provides intraoperative supportPrepares operating rooms, sterilizes instruments, assists during surgery

While both roles support surgical teams, Rn First Assistants have advanced nursing credentials and directly assist surgeons during procedures, whereas Surgical Technologists prepare the surgical environment and assist indirectly. Rn First Assistants typically require more advanced certifications and have a broader scope of intraoperative responsibilities.

What are RN First Assistants?

RN First Assistants (Registered Nurse First Assistants) are specialized registered nurses who work alongside surgeons and surgical teams during operations. They play a critical role in patient care by assisting with surgical procedures, providing direct patient care before, during, and after surgery, and helping to ensure the best possible outcomes. RNFAs are trained in advanced surgical techniques, such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues, and they must have additional education and certification beyond standard registered nurse credentials.

Is becoming an RNFA worth it?

Becoming a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) can enhance career opportunities by allowing nurses to assist directly in surgical procedures, often leading to higher earning potential and expanded responsibilities. It requires additional certification and clinical experience, but it can be a valuable credential for those interested in perioperative care and surgical support roles.

What are the most common challenges faced by an RN First Assistant in the operating room?

As an RN First Assistant, one of the most common challenges is balancing direct surgical responsibilities with maintaining patient safety and effective communication within a fast-paced environment. You'll often need to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and adapt quickly to unexpected situations during procedures. Collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other OR staff is crucial, and handling stressful or high-pressure moments with composure is a key part of the role. Continuous learning and staying updated with surgical techniques also help in overcoming these challenges.

Can an RN be a first assist?

Registered nurses (RNs) can become first assistants in surgical procedures if they complete specialized training and certification, such as a perioperative nursing certification or a surgical assisting program. The role typically requires additional education, experience in the operating room, and adherence to state and institutional regulations. Not all RNs are qualified to serve as first assistants without these credentials and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RN First Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RN First Assistant, you need advanced clinical knowledge in perioperative nursing, surgical procedures, and patient assessment, typically supported by RN licensure, perioperative experience, and CNOR or RNFA certification. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile technique, and electronic health records is essential for this role. Strong communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help you collaborate effectively with surgical teams and respond quickly in high-pressure situations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring patient safety, reducing complications, and supporting optimal surgical outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Rn First Assistant jobs in Alabama? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Alabama as of July 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 $96,808 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

RN First Assistant

Gadsden Regional Medical Center

Gadsden, AL

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Gadsden Regional Medical Center rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1,011th of 1,051 rated hospitals

Job description

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

INDNUR

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About Gadsden Regional Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Gadsden Regional Medical Center is a 346 bed Acute Care Hospital with Inpatient and Outpatient care. We are accredited by the Joint Commission and Certified in hip and knee replacements. We have recognized programs in Cardiology, Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine and Stroke Services. We believe in the Power of People to create great care. We're nearly 2,000 Healthcare Professionals Strong, and We work hard every day to be a place of Healing, Caring and Connection for Patients and Families in Gadsden, Albertville, Attalla, Boaz, Fort Payne, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff, Jacksonville, Leesburg, Piedmont, Rainbow City, Southside, Steele, Wellington and surrounding Communities.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gadsden, AL, US

Year founded

1906

Social media

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