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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Rn First Assistant information

See Kentucky salary details

$30.8K

$92.8K

$160.7K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Kentucky is $92,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,700.00 and $112,500.00 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 Kentucky? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,764 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Triage Staffing

Jackson, KY • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Triage Staffing is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Jackson, Kentucky.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Travel Nursing: Registered Nurse First Assistant Jackson
Location:         Jackson
Start Date:       6/15/2026
Shift Details:   8H Days
                         40 hours per week
Length:            13 WEEKS

Apply for specific facility details.RNFA

Triage Staffing Job ID #N47TDHE3. Posted job title: Nursing: Registered Nurse First Assistant

About Triage Staffing

At Triage, we prefer to be real. Real about expectations—both ours and yours. Real about how a decision you make today could affect your tomorrows. Real about how compensation actually works. Real about how great—or grating—your next supervisor may be.

Being real allows everyone at Triage to be ready. Ready to serve you with real honesty. So if that gig near the ocean is really no day at the beach, or that third shift comes with a second-class rate, we tell you. So you can be ready, too.

We staff all five major divisions of acute care—nursing, lab, radiology, cardiopulmonary and rehab therapy, offering: 

- Competitive, custom pay packages

- One point of contact for both travelers and facilities (per division)

- A reliable recruiter who's got your back throughout your entire assignment

- In-house compliance and accounting specialists

- A clinical liaison team available 24/7 to offer medical and professional support and career development

- A mentoring program that is run and managed by actual clinicians—yeah, you read that right

- And more (because of course there’s more)

Are we the biggest? No. Are we the best? That’s rather subjective, but we’re trying to be. Will we work like hell to get you as close to your idea of heaven as possible? Yes. Yes, we will.

Benefits:

  • Day One comprehensive, nationwide insurance plans for health, vision and dental and life—including a HSA option
  • Day One 401(k) program with employer-matching contributions once eligible
  • Facility cancelling protection—your time is money on and off-the-clock
  • Guaranteed hours
  • Weekly paychecks via direct deposit
  • Earned vacation bonuses for time worked
  • Paid holidays
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)—your mental health is important, too
  • Continuing education, certification and licensing reimbursement
  • Workers comp—because accidents happen
  • Top-rated professional liability insurance
  • Company provided housing options
  • Referral bonus—$750 in your pocket after they’ve completed a 13-week assignment

Apply