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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$40.76 - CA$55.79/hr

As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will provide a wide variety of nursing services to patients ... CNA Neonatal ICU certification. Participation in unit-based committee/group work in last 2 years.

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Rn First Assistant information

See Alberta salary details

$23

$57

$100

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn first assistant in Alberta is $57.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.90 and $72.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is an RN First Assistant?

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.

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.

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

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.
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What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Alberta look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Alberta are:
What cities in Alberta are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities in Alberta with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,573 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

CA$40.76 - CA$55.79/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Your Opportunity:

The Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a 14 bed, Level III medical-surgical unit providing specialized care to high risk neonates with complex medical and surgical needs. All patients are referred from external centers to access ACH's advanced expertise. Staff gain experience in neonatal neuro critical care, medical cardiology, and complex general surgery. The successful candidate provides comprehensive nursing care to critically ill neonates through ongoing assessment, early recognition of changes in condition, and timely intervention. Key responsibilities include safe administration of medications and therapies, including intravenous treatments and advanced respiratory support; operation, monitoring, and adjustment of life sustaining equipment; and accurate, timely documentation of patient care. The role requires effective collaboration with an interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans. The incumbent responds competently to neonatal emergencies, assists physicians and advanced practice providers with procedures, and participates in quality improvement initiatives, policy adherence, and ongoing professional development. In addition, the nurse provides developmental and comfort care to newborns and offers compassionate education and emotional support to families, including guidance related to neonatal conditions, care plans, and discharge or home care needs. May be required to cross train to PICU.

Description:

As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will provide a wide variety of nursing services to patients, families, communities and populations, while taking necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being. In your role, you will utilize nursing processes, through critical thinking, problem solving and decision making, as well as teach, counsel and advocate on behalf of patients and their families. You will play a leadership role in supporting an integrated and holistic approach to patient care, health promotion and maintenance. You will provide safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values. PLEASE NOTE: Provisional Permit holders will be paid $40.76 to $55.79 per hour. Upon obtaining a full practice permit, the rate of pay will be adjusted to the applicable Registered Nurse rate in accordance with UNA Article 25.02(b)(i) or (ii), as applicable.

  • Classification: Registered Nurse
  • Union: United Nurses of Alberta
  • Unit and Program: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Primary Location: Alberta Children's Hospital
  • Location Details: As Per Location
  • Multi-Site: At (UNA only)
  • FTE: 1.00
  • Posting End Date: 10-AUG-2026
  • Employee Class: Regular Full Time
  • Date Available: 08-SEP-2026
  • Hours per Shift: 11.08
  • Length of Shift in weeks: 12
  • Shifts per cycle: 40
  • Shift Pattern: Days, Nights, Weekends
  • Days Off: As Per Rotation
  • Minimum Salary: $44.56
  • Maximum Salary: $60.98
  • Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable
Required Qualifications:

Completion of an accredited nursing education program. Active or eligible for registration and practice permit with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP) certification. If you have not practiced as a Registered Nurse within the past five (5) years, completion of the following free courses is required prior to employment: CRNA Medication Management (Chapters 1-4): https://connect.nurses.ab.ca/home/learning-and-development/learning-modules NextGenU Health Assessment Resources Certification: https://courses.nextgenu.org/course/view.php?id=271.

Additional Required Qualifications:

Minimum 2 years current ACH NICU experience. Active NRP certification. May consider applicants with 2 years L&D or 2 years Pediatric Critical Care (ICU/ER) or 3 years pediatric experience May consider New Grad who has completed Final focus at ACH NICU. Must have 2 years recent acute care experience. Must be currently employed as an RN in an acute care setting. To ensure your skills and qualifications are considered, please attach a resume and cover letter with your application.

Preferred Qualifications:

Baccalaureate degree in nursing. Medical/Surgical NICU experience within last 5 years. Minimum 3 years level III NICU experience within the last 5 years. NRP certification. PICU experience within the last 5 years. Completion of a post-basic graduation neonatal certificate. CNA Neonatal ICU certification. Participation in unit-based committee/group work in last 2 years. Demonstrated Leadership (charge experience, chair of group, teaching). Prior experience with Connect Care.