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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Michigan City, IN · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Lafayette, IN · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Lafayette, IN · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Madison, IN · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

CT Assist

Travel CVOR RN First Assistant

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$2.2K - $3.2K/wk

CT Assist is seeking a travel nurse RN CVOR First Assist for a travel nursing job in Lafayette, Indiana. & Requirements * Specialty: CVOR First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Newburgh, IN · On-site

$58.40/hr

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Indiana

Rn First Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$33.8K

$101.6K

$176K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Indiana is $101,633.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $123,200.00 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 Indiana?

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

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

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

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

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

Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,633 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant, Surgery, Full-time Days

Beacon Health System

South Bend, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Beacon Health System rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

534th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Beacon Health System is hiring a full-time day Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant for Surgery Dept in South Bend, IN.
Be a Beacon. Make a Difference.
At Beacon Health System, you're not just part of a team, you're part of something bigger. Every patient interaction is a chance to lead with compassion, build trust, and create lasting impact. Here, your expertise supports healing, and your heart connects us to the communities we serve.
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance through Cigna
  • Life Insurance
  • 403(b) Matching Retirement Fund
  • Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Shift Differentials
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition and Certification Reimbursement
  • Clinical Ladder Program
  • Local and National Discounts
  • Beacon Academy Educational Courses
  • Gym Membership Discount

About Memorial Hospital
Located in the heart of South Bend, Memorial Hospital is deeply rooted in the community it serves. From advanced surgical services to award-winning heart and cancer care, we provide comprehensive treatment with a personal touch. As part of Beacon Health System, we're dedicated to improving health and inspiring hope throughout the region.
What You'll Do
As a Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant, you will reports to the Director, Patient Care Services. Performs functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Practices peri-operative nursing and is responsible for independent nursing behaviors of peri-operative assessment and postoperative evaluation of care. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is interdependent with the surgeon. Daily responsibilities are performed under the supervision of the surgeon who is being assisted
Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant Job Responsibilities:
  • Served as First Assistant during surgical procedures, supporting surgeons across a wide range of specialties and patient populations from neonate to geriatric.
  • Assisted with intraoperative procedures including tissue handling, retraction, suctioning, hemostasis, vessel ligation, and wound closure.
  • Utilized advanced surgical techniques and instrumentation to maintain optimal surgical field exposure and support procedural outcomes.
  • Performed suturing and tissue approximation using appropriate materials and techniques as directed by the surgeon.
  • Responded effectively to emergent and life-threatening situations in accordance with nursing standards and clinical protocols.
  • Delivered comprehensive perioperative nursing care through patient assessment, care planning, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Coordinated patient care throughout the surgical experience to promote quality outcomes, patient safety, and timely discharge.
  • Documented patient care, clinical progress, resource utilization, and anticipated care needs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Delegated responsibilities to surgical assistants and support staff while ensuring quality and scope-of-practice compliance.
  • Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe, efficient surgical care.
  • Advocated for patients by protecting confidentiality, ensuring informed consent, and promoting patient-centered care.
  • Identified and corrected unsafe practices while contributing to a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
  • Mentored, coached, and supported the professional development of nursing and surgical services team members.
  • Maintained clinical competency, professional licensure, certifications, and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
  • Assisted with departmental initiatives, reporting, special projects, and other duties to support Surgical Services operations.

What You Bring
As a Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant, you will demonstrate advanced clinical expertise in perioperative nursing, performing comprehensive patient assessments, treatments, and specialized nursing procedures while consistently adhering to established nursing practices, policies, protocols, and standards of care. You will possess extensive knowledge of surgical services equipment, including its functions, applications, and underlying principles, to support safe and effective patient outcomes. You will utilize strong critical thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills to assess patient conditions, develop and modify care plans, and respond effectively to changing clinical situations. You will work independently in fast-paced environments, prioritizing responsibilities and maintaining high-quality care despite frequent interruptions. You will exhibit strong leadership, professionalism, and collaboration skills, fostering effective relationships with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams. You will communicate clearly and concisely through both verbal and written channels to ensure continuity of care and accurate information sharing. You will maintain proficiency in electronic documentation, data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, and other computer-based systems essential to healthcare operations.
Required Qualifications
  • The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Registered Nurse First Assistant training program.
  • A current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Indiana is required.
  • Requires current BLS competency.
  • Current certification in Advanced Life Support is required (or must be successfully completed within the first year of employment).
  • Certification in the Trauma Nursing Core Course is required (or must be successfully completed within the first year of employment).
  • A current Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification is required.
  • A minimum of three years of clinical experience as a scrub and circulating nurse with demonstrated clinical proficiency is required.

The Beacon Way
At Beacon Health System, our approach to care goes beyond clinical excellence because it's built on meaningful connections. Guided by our core values of Trust, Respect, Integrity, and Compassion, we strive to create an environment where patients feel heard, employees feel valued, and innovation thrives.
If you are a dedicated and compassionate professional with strong patient skills and a passion for patient-centered care, we encourage you to apply today!

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