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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA). * Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) with First Assist certification. Certifications: Preferred certifications may include: * CSFA - Certified Surgical ...

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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 Jul 27, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,815 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Registered Nurse First Assistant - RNFA

Registered Nurse First Assistant - RNFA

BayCare Health System

New Port Richey, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


BayCare Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 398 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At BayCare, we are proud to be one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. Our network consists of 16 community-based hospitals, a long-term acute care facility, home health services, outpatient centers and thousands of physicians. With the support of more than 30,000 team members, we promote a forward-thinking philosophy that's built on a foundation of trust, dignity, respect, responsibility and clinical excellence.
BayCare offers a competitive total reward package including:
  • Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k match and additional yearly contribution
  • Yearly performance appraisals and team award bonus
  • Community discounts
  • AND the chance to be a part of an amazing team and a great place to work!

Position Details:
  • Location: Morton Plant North Bay Hospital 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey, FL 34652
  • Status: Fulltime
  • Shift: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  • On Call: Yes
  • Always in person

Summary:
The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) responsibilities include:
  • The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is proficient in the care of a patient population utilizing effective managerial skills.
  • Acts as a professional role model for other members of the nursing team. This position is responsible for developing self and team members and sharing organizational information
  • Position requires Trocar insertion under direct surgeon supervision and requires injection of local anesthetic under surgeon supervision
  • Competency - Must complete assigned competencies and obtain physician sign off for 6 trocar placements with at least two different surgeons and 6 local injections with at least two different surgeons within 90 days.

For this position, a minimum of 3 years RN experience in the Operating Room is required. CNOR required. Registered Nurse First Assist Technical Program completion required.
Specific Skills:
  • Clinical skills appropriate to position
  • Interpersonal skills

Certifications and Licensures:
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • RN (Registered Nurse)
  • Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR) certification

Education:
  • Associate's Nursing or Nursing Diploma
  • Bachelor's Nursing (Preferred)
  • Technical Diploma - Registered Nurse First Assistant

Experience:
  • Required experience includes 3 years acute care RN Operating Room experience

Facility:
BayCare Health System, Surgery-NBH
Location: Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
Status: Full Time, Exempt: No
Shift Hours: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Shift: Shift 1
Shift 1 = Days, 2 = Evenings, 3 = Nights, 4 = Varies
Weekend Work: Occasional
On Call: Yes

How often will this team member be working remotely? Never
Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

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