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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Rehabilitation

Coralville, IA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... M/S Rehab About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Oncology

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... M/S Oncology About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Labor and Delivery

Pella, IA · On-site

You'll monitor mother and baby before, during, and after birth and assist throughout the process ... Labor & Delivery About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Rn First Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$33.3K

$100.3K

$173.8K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 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 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 Iowa? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Iowa are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Registered Nurse - First Assistant

Registered Nurse - First Assistant

Iowa Specialty Hospital

Clarion, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Iowa Specialty Hospital rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 1,051 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.

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