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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Rn First Assistant information

See Florida salary details

$26.5K

$79.8K

$138.3K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Florida is $79,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $96,800.00 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 Florida?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,815 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) - First Assist

Palm Beach Health Network - Tenet

Delray Beach, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Palm Beach Health Network - Tenet is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) First Assist for a nursing job in Delray Beach, Florida.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Employment Type: Staff

Full Time Day

Position Summary

A non-physician first assistant sponsored by a surgeon (or group of surgeons) or is a hospital-based employee. Has privileges to first assist on surgical procedures performed only by the sponsoring surgeons.

The Registered Nurse First Assistant renders direct patient care as part of the perioperative expanded role in compliance with the Florida State Board of Nursing, and the Association of Operating Room Nursing Official Statement on First Assistants.  The RNFA functions as described in the Job Description, Privilege Delineation and Guidelines Developed within the policies of Patient Care Services at Delray Community Hospital. 

EDUCATION:

Minimum:              Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Preferred:                BSN

EXPERIENCE:              

Extensive prior clinical experience in Operating Room setting. Minimum 2 years of perioperative nursing experience in both a scrub and circulating role.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE/REGISTRATION:

Current Florida RN license and CNOR or CRNFA Certification; American Hear Association BLS; 

PALS certification within 6 months of hire into position.

#LI-MQ1

Tenet Palm Beach Job ID #2503037271. Posted job title: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) - Operating Room

About Palm Beach Health Network - Tenet

Tenetโ€™s Palm Beach Health Network is one of the largest healthcare networks in Palm Beach County, consisting of Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Childrenโ€™s Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Maryโ€™s Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center, along with various ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient facilities and urgent care centers. All of our hospitals have received prestigious awards and accolades, national rankings and multiple accreditations. We are dedicated to the standards of excellent patient care that are the hallmark of the Tenet brand.

Benefits
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Discount program