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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Rn First Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$30.9K

$93.1K

$161.2K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Michigan is $93,092.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $112,900.00 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,092 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Travel RN First Assistant

Travel Nurses, Inc.

Lansing, MI โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Travel Nurses, Inc. is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Lansing, Michigan.

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

Travel Nurses, Inc. Job ID #299915. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RNFA Registered Nurse

About Travel Nurses, Inc.

Travel Nurses, Inc. is a nurse-founded and operated healthcare staffing agency connecting nurses and allied health professionals with opportunities nationwide. Since 1988, weโ€™ve grown from supporting operating room teams in the Mid-South to serving a wide range of specialties across the country.

At our core, we believe healthcare professionals are the foundation of care. That belief drives everything we do, from how we support our clinicians to how we build long-term relationships.

We are committed to making travel simple, transparent and rewarding. With clear pay packages, dedicated recruiter support and a focus on career mobility, our clinicians can move forward with confidence.

Wherever your career takes you, youโ€™ll never go alone.


Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Life insurance