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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

ILLUUM COSMETIC SURGERY

OR FIRST ASSIST

Novi, MI

EducationCurrent Michigan RN license, BSN preferredRegistered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) and/or Certified Surgical Tech First Assist (CSTFA)Must currently be RNFA certified or obtain your RNFA ...

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Rn First Assistant information

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$30.9K

$93.1K

$161.2K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 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 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.
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Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Registered Nurse - First Assistant - Operating Room - 36 hours - Day Shift

Registered Nurse - First Assistant - Operating Room - 36 hours - Day Shift

Henry Ford Health System

Novi, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Henry Ford Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 546 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY:
  • Provide direct assistance to surgeons before, during and after surgical procedures.
  • Position patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment, when necessary, while maximizing patient comfort and safety.
  • Implement physicians' orders to provide visualization of the operative site using appropriate methods, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning and irrigation.
  • Utilize appropriate techniques to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
  • Assist with body plane closure, application of wound dressings and securing of drainage systems.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
  • Diploma from an accredited school/college of nursing OR required professional licensure at time of hire.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURES REQUIRED:
  • Registered Nurse credentialed from the Michigan Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required.
  • One or more of the following required:
    • Advanced Life Support obtained within 6 Months (180 days) of hire date or job transfer date required. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
    • BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date required. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
  • Certified Registered Nurse specializing in Operating Room credentialed from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) preferred.
  • Certified Registered Nurse specializing in First Assistant credentialed from the National Assistant at Surgery Certification preferred.
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Graduate of an RN First Assist Program
  • 1 year of First Assist experience

Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital is a 277-bed facility offering advanced specialty care spanning cardiology, oncology, neuroscience, orthopedics, women's services, and more, including treatment at its comprehensive stroke center and Level II trauma center.
The hospital provides leading-edge treatments and technologies to address the diverse healthcare needs of the local community.

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About Henry Ford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Henry Ford Health provides a full continuum of services from Primary and Preventative care, to Complex and Cpecialty care, Health Insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, Virtual care, Pharmacy, Eye care and other Healthcare retail. It is one of the Nation’s leading Academic Medical Centers, recognized for Clinical excellence in Cancer care, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Sports medicine, and Multi organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top five NIH funded institutions in Michigan, Henry Ford Health engages in more than 2,000 research projects annually. Equally committed to educating the next generation of Health Professionals, Henry Ford Health trains more than 4,000 Medical students, Residents and fellows every year across 50+ accredited programs. With more than 33,000 valued team members, Henry Ford Health is also among Michigan’s largest and most Diverse employers, including nearly 6,000 physicians and researchers from the Henry Ford Medical Group, Henry Ford Physician Network and Jackson Health Network.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1915

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