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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RN/LPN 1st Shift

De Witt, IA · On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

As a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, you will: * Assess residents and help develop ... Support and guide CNAs and other care staff. * Educate and support residents and their families.

RN/LPN 1st Shift

De Witt, IA · On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

As a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, you will: * Assess residents and help develop ... Support and guide CNAs and other care staff. * Educate and support residents and their families.

RN/LPN 1st Shift

De Witt, IA

$21.50 - $29/hr

As a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, you will: * Assess residents and help develop ... Support and guide CNAs and other care staff. * Educate and support residents and their families.

Travel Nurse RN - Rehabilitation

Clive, IA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/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 is seeking a travel nurse RN Oncology for a travel nursing job in Des Moines, Iowa ... Infusion / Chemo Nurse About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel ...

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 ...

Travel Nurse RN - Oncology

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN Oncology for a travel nursing job in Sioux City, Iowa ... M/S Oncology About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 8, 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?

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 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:

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

RN/LPN 1st Shift

De Witt, IA • On-site

WesleyLife
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

$21.50 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


WesleyLife rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience! 

As a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, you will:  

  • Assess residents and help develop care plans.
  • Administer medications and treatments.
  • Provide direct nursing care, including wound care and IV therapy.
  • Coordinate care with physicians, families, and the healthcare team.
  • Support and guide CNAs and other care staff.
  • Educate and support residents and their families.

Open Shifts Available: 

  • 1st Shift (6:00am-6:00pm) Full-Time (12hr shifts or 8hr shifts)

Qualifications: 

  • State of Iowa RN or LPN License

Community Location: 1301 Maynard Way, DeWitt, IA 52742

What We Offer

  • Flexible Scheduling: We work with your needs and schedule  
  • Shift Differentials: 2nd Shift-$3.50/hr, 3rd Shift-$5.00/hr and Weekends-$1.50/hr
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health care, vision, dental, and 401(k). 
  • Free wellness center memberships and cash incentives for healthy habits 
  • Voluntary benefits including life, accident, and critical illness coverage 
  • Full time, Part time and PRN team members are eligible for Education Reimbursement 

Extra Perks: 

  • Referral Bonus Program — bring your friends and earn rewards 
  • Recognition and appreciation programs that highlight your impact 
  • A workplace culture that prioritizes respect, teamwork, and support 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

WesleyLife is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

As part of your pre-hire screening process you will be required to complete a pre-hire health assessment and 4 panel drug screen. 


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