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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Beebe Healthcare

SURGICAL FIRST ASSIST

Lewes, DE · On-site

$30 - $46.50/hr

Pet Insurance Overview The Surgical First Assist provides direct support to the surgeon during ... Associate or bachelor's degree in related field (Nursing, Surg Tech) preferred Other Information ...

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Rn First Assistant information

See Delaware salary details

$35.5K

$106.9K

$185.2K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Delaware is $106,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $129,600.00 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 Delaware? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Delaware are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,898 per year, or $51.4 per hour.
RN FIRST ASSIST - OPERATING ROOM - PER DIEM

RN FIRST ASSIST - OPERATING ROOM - PER DIEM

Beebe Healthcare

Lewes, DE

Per diem

Posted 21 days ago

Beebe Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

638th of 882 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Why Beebe?
Become part of the Beebe team-an inclusive, mission-driven organization located in a vibrant coastal community. At Beebe, you'll build a rewarding career while making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our patients. Join a team committed to excellence, collaboration, and compassionate care, and experience the fulfillment that comes from supporting a community that trusts and values the work you do every day.
Overview
The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a clinically competent, professional registered nurse who demonstrates advanced expertise in the perioperative field. The per diem RNFA delivers comprehensive perioperative care to surgical patients through all phases of the nursing process, including assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation.
With specialized RN First Assist training completed, the RNFA functions as an essential member of the surgical team, supporting safe, efficient, and evidence-based surgical care. This role integrates advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and perioperative knowledge to optimize patient outcomes throughout the operative experience.
Responsibilities
First Assisting Responsibilities
  • Initiate appropriate intraoperative behaviors unique to first assisting: provide hemostasis to reduce potential for fluid volume deficit by clamping and/or legating vessels using ESU, direct pressure, applying chemical agents that promote coagulation and other means as directed by the surgeon.
  • Provide exposure of the operative site through appropriate use of retractors, other instruments, and through suctioning and sponging.
  • Use surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon.

Scrub / Surgical Routines & Aseptic Technique
  • Demonstrates competency in performance of scrub/surgical routines and aseptic technique.
  • Utilizes proper scrub, gown and gloving technique for self, surgeon, and assistant.
  • Ongoing monitoring of asepsis in all roles-scrub, circulator, and assistant.
  • Anticipates needs of surgeon.
  • Consistently recognizes sequence of procedures in all roles-scrub, circulator, and assistant.
  • Passes instruments correctly.
  • Appropriate review and preparation for assigned procedures.

Sterilization Processes & Instrument Handling
  • Understands and utilizes established guidelines for operation of autoclaves and steris units.
  • Performs daily A-Test/Biological tests as required.
  • Performs proper care, handling, and assembly of instruments for processing.
  • Ensures complete/thorough documentation of all flash and steris cycles as per protocol.

Supply, Instrument, and Equipment Accountability
  • Accepts personal accountability for proper handling, judicious use, and optimum care of all department supply, instrument, and equipment inventory.

Perioperative Nursing Process
  • Patient assessment: collecting, interpreting, recording, and communicating pertinent data relevant to patient care in surgery.
  • Care planning: utilization of collected data to plan appropriately for intraoperative nursing care.
  • Implementing: provides direct patient care to meet physical and psychological needs.
  • Evaluating care: continuously evaluates patient response to nursing intervention and modifies care plan to achieve desired outcome.

Theoretical Knowledge & Clinical Competence
  • Demonstrates and conveys theoretical knowledge and skills related to perioperative nursing care.
  • Understands the "why" concept as well as the "how" process.

Intraoperative Documentation
  • Thorough/Accurate/Complete documentation of intraoperative patient care.

Patient Positioning & Skin Integrity
  • Understands/Demonstrates/Conveys knowledge related to proper intraoperative patient positioning.
  • Universal skin care precautions.
  • Prevention of nerve damage.
  • Prevention of pressure-related skin breakdown.

Surgical Counts
  • Assists with completion and accuracy of surgical sponge, sharps/miscellaneous items, and instrument counts as per established policies and guidelines.

Preference Sheet Management
  • Assists with maintenance of up-to-date preference sheets in conjunction with Resource RNs and department Nurse Managers.

Critical Thinking, Prioritization & Time Management
  • Effectively demonstrates critical thinking.
  • Prioritizes duties appropriately.
  • Demonstrates strong time management skills throughout the perioperative arena.

Charge Accuracy & Cost Efficiency
  • Maintains accuracy with patient charge process.
  • Uses case supplies cost efficiently.
  • Ensures all pertinent data is provided to post-case data personnel to facilitate a time-efficient billing process.

Turnover Efficiency
  • Strives to ensure efficiency in turnaround time between procedures.
  • Readily available as needed.
  • Communicates with OR Desk/Charge RN and/or department Nurse Manager.
  • Performs gross cleaning of body fluid spills to confine contamination throughout the procedure.
  • Prioritizes case completion process.
  • Assists with room cleanup tasks as necessary.
  • Prioritizes case setup process toward maximum efficiency.

Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance
  • Adheres to all accreditation, regulatory, and safety requirements throughout the perioperative process.

Qualifications
  • Completed RN First Assist Training
  • Minimum of 2 years of recent perioperative nursing experience
  • Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and commitment to patient-centered care

Credentials
  • RN - Registered Nurse
  • BLS - Basic Life Saving certification
  • CNOR - Certified Nursing - OR

Education
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing school

Entry
USD $39.88/Hr.
Max
USD $65.80/Hr.

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