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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Rn First Assistant information

See Arizona salary details

$33.1K

$99.5K

$172.4K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Arizona is $99,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $120,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

Is it worth it to become an RN First Assistant?

Becoming an RN First Assistant allows registered nurses to perform advanced surgical assisting duties, often leading to higher compensation and expanded responsibilities. It requires additional training, certification, and experience in surgical settings, making it a valuable career advancement for RNs interested in perioperative care.

What are popular job titles related to Rn First Assistant jobs in Arizona?

For Rn First Assistant jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,531 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Physician Assistant OR Nurse Practitioner - Neurosurgery

HOPCo | Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

$110K - $300K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Physician Assistant Or Nurse Practitioner With The Core Institute

The CORE Institute's fellowship-trained physicians provide specialized care in the areas of surgical, non-surgical and rehabilitative hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle procedures, joint replacement, sports medicine, arthroscopy, fracture management, orthopedic traumatology, hand and wrist procedures, complex articular cartilage restoration, musculoskeletal oncology, foot and ankle reconstruction, physical medicine and rehabilitation, comprehensive spine care, pain management, clinical neurophysiology, epilepsy, headache and facial pain, neuromuscular medicine, spine and peripheral nerve disease, clinical neuroimmunology, multiple sclerosis, and general neurology care.

HOPCo (Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company) is the corporate parent of Arizona-based entities, The CORE Institute, Northern Arizona Orthopaedics, The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital, and Michigan-based The CORE Institute. HOPCo is a vertically integrated musculoskeletal outcomes management company. HOPCo manages physician practices, hospital service lines, population health and value-based care programs, and musculoskeletal delivery networks.

Please see below for the functions and requirements to be a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with The Core Institute.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND POSITION:

This position includes office and a variety of excellent benefits. Both inpatient and outpatient in clinic, hospital, and operative time. This will be in rotation with the other APPs on the service. We offer a competitive base salary and opportunity for monthly productivity bonus.

Benefits:

  • APP Lead Team with APP leadership and oversight alongside physician oversight for medical decision making.
  • Compensation: $110,000 - $300,000 annual salary
  • Competitive health and welfare benefits
  • HSA with qualifying plans with company match available
  • 401k plan with company match (Part-time employees included)
  • Employee Assistance Program that is available 24/7 to the provider

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Assesses patient health status including state of wellness, compliance with the care plan and determines appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
  2. Provides acute and chronic patient care including taking histories, doing physicals, monitoring therapies, giving injections and medications, suturing wounds.
  3. Triages patient calls and evaluates patient problems.
  4. Responds to emergencies including the use of CPR.
  5. Documents patient information and care provided in the patient record and maintains patient statistics.
  6. Educates patients and families as appropriate. It provides continuity of care.
  7. Assists physicians with surgeries in the operating room.
  8. Participates in rounds at the hospital and responds to patient calls received after hours and on weekends.
  9. Consults with other staff as necessary.
  10. Maintains patient confidentiality.

Education:

CPR and ACLS Certification

Physician Assistant:

BA/BS, MS preferred. Graduate of AMA accredited physician assistant program. Active or scheduled NCCPA Certification.

Nurse Practitioner:

Current Arizona license for Registered Nurse. Current Arizona license for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Certification by national certifying body as approved by the Arizona APRN Board.

NP requirement to act as first assist in the OR includes completion of a program that covers the content of the AORN Standards for RN First Assist education programs as a standalone program or a portion of a graduate or postgraduate program.

Experience:

Experience preferred. We are open to training the right new graduate.

Knowledge:

  1. Knowledge of acute and chronic protocols, administration of medications, delivering physical care following the treatment plan.
  2. Knowledge of how to assess patient health and measure/record physiologic and growth indices.
  3. Knowledge of health promotion principles and techniques and patient learning measurements.

Skills:

  1. Skill in gathering and analyzing physiological, socioeconomic, and emotional patient data.
  2. Skill in accurately evaluating patient problems in person or via phone and providing appropriate advice, intervention, or referral.
  3. Skill in evaluating and revising the care plan based on patient changes.

Abilities:

  1. Ability to make responsible decisions within the scope of a dependent medical practitioner.
  2. Ability to develop health education programs and materials.
  3. Ability to work collaboratively with all members of the health care team.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.