Description Surgery-Registered Nurse First Assistant fulltime position for both Clarion and Belmond campuses. Seeking a motivated, flexible, dependable individual to join our surgery team. Primary ...
Description Surgery-Registered Nurse First Assistant fulltime position for both Clarion and Belmond campuses. Seeking a motivated, flexible, dependable individual to join our surgery team. Primary ...
Travel OR RN
West Burlington, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
West Burlington, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
West Burlington, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
West Burlington, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN
Des Moines, IA · 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Travel OR RN - Neuro
Mason City, IA · 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 ...
Travel OR RN - Neuro
Mason City, IA · 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Travel Operating Room Registered Nurse - $2,500 per week
West Union, IA · On-site
$2.5K/wk
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 ...
Travel Operating Room Registered Nurse - $2,500 per week
West Union, IA · On-site
$2.5K/wk
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 ...
Travel OR RN - $2,653 per week
Des Moines, IA · On-site
$2.6K/wk
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 ...
Travel OR RN - $2,653 per week
Des Moines, IA · On-site
$2.6K/wk
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 ...
Travel OR RN - Neuro - $2,301 per week
Mason City, IA · On-site
$2.3K/wk
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 ...
Travel OR RN - Neuro - $2,301 per week
Mason City, IA · On-site
$2.3K/wk
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 ...
Travel OR RN - Orthopedics/Spine - $2,301 per week
Davenport, IA · On-site
$2.3K/wk
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 ...
Travel OR RN - Orthopedics/Spine - $2,301 per week
Davenport, IA · On-site
$2.3K/wk
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 ...
Travel OR RN - $2,371 per week
Des Moines, IA · On-site
$2.3K/wk
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 ...
New
Travel OR RN - $2,371 per week
Des Moines, IA · On-site
$2.3K/wk
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 ...
New
Travel OR RN - $2,447 per week
West Burlington, IA · On-site
$2.4K/wk
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 ...
New
Travel OR RN - $2,447 per week
West Burlington, IA · On-site
$2.4K/wk
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 ...
New
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Rn First Assistant information
See Iowa salary details
$33.3K - $46.1K
3% of jobs
$46.1K - $58.9K
1% of jobs
$58.9K - $71.6K
19% of jobs
$72.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$71.6K - $84.4K
19% of jobs
The median wage is $90K / yr.
$84.4K - $97.2K
17% of jobs
$97.2K - $109.9K
11% of jobs
$115.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$109.9K - $122.7K
11% of jobs
$122.7K - $135.5K
7% of jobs
$135.5K - $148.2K
6% of jobs
$148.2K - $161K
3% of jobs
$161K - $173.8K
2% of jobs
$33.3K
$100.3K
$173.8K
How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Iowa is $100,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,300.00 and $121,600.00 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?
| Aspect | Rn First Assistant | Surgical Technologist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Registered Nurse license, First Assistant certification | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Tech certification |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, surgical centers, operating rooms | Operating rooms, surgical suites, hospitals |
| Role Focus | Assists surgeons during procedures, provides intraoperative support | Prepares 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 Iowa?
For Rn First Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?
The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs?
Cities in Iowa with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 7 days ago
Iowa Specialty Hospital rating
8.2
Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
100th of 1,060 rated hospitals
Job description
Description
Job Description:
Surgery-Registered Nurse First Assistant fulltime position for both Clarion and Belmond campuses.
Seeking a motivated, flexible, dependable individual to join our surgery team.
Primary responsibilities include providing direct patient care, mainly in the OR in the Circulator role.
Will also assist surgeons on cases and independently perform wound closure, including deep tissue, by stapling, suturing, and applying topical skin adhesives.
This position includes call responsibilities.
Requirements:
Valid Iowa Registered Nurse license, certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR);
Successful completion of a RNFA program that meets AORN standards.
ACLS, PALS, and BLS.
Provided Benefits:
IPERS
Short-Term Disability (Employer Paid Coverage)- New York Life
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employer Paid Coverage)-New York Life
Employee Assistance Program-Connections
Access to professional services to help you deal with the following, but not limited to, financial, drug/alcohol or grief.
PTO
Optional Benefits:
Health Insurance (Wellmark BCBS)
Dental Insurance (Delta Dental)
Vision Insurance (Delta Vision)
Supplemental Life Insurance (New York Life)
Supplemental Insurance Plans (Aflac)
Flexible Spending Accounts (TASC)
Health Savings Account (Through local banks)
457 Retirement Savings Plan (First Citizens Trust Company)
Fitness Center Memberships
Iowa Specialty Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Job Description:
Surgery-Registered Nurse First Assistant fulltime position for both Clarion and Belmond campuses.
Seeking a motivated, flexible, dependable individual to join our surgery team.
Primary responsibilities include providing direct patient care, mainly in the OR in the Circulator role.
Will also assist surgeons on cases and independently perform wound closure, including deep tissue, by stapling, suturing, and applying topical skin adhesives.
This position includes call responsibilities.
Requirements:
Valid Iowa Registered Nurse license, certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR);
Successful completion of a RNFA program that meets AORN standards.
ACLS, PALS, and BLS.
Provided Benefits:
IPERS
Short-Term Disability (Employer Paid Coverage)- New York Life
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employer Paid Coverage)-New York Life
Employee Assistance Program-Connections
Access to professional services to help you deal with the following, but not limited to, financial, drug/alcohol or grief.
PTO
Optional Benefits:
Health Insurance (Wellmark BCBS)
Dental Insurance (Delta Dental)
Vision Insurance (Delta Vision)
Supplemental Life Insurance (New York Life)
Supplemental Insurance Plans (Aflac)
Flexible Spending Accounts (TASC)
Health Savings Account (Through local banks)
457 Retirement Savings Plan (First Citizens Trust Company)
Fitness Center Memberships
Iowa Specialty Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
What Iowa Specialty Hospital employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Iowa Specialty Hospital
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Health care and social assistance
Company size
501 - 1,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Clarion, IA, US