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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Capstone Health

RN

Flint, MI · On-site

$2.0K - $2.4K/wk

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) Flint, MI Specialty: Operating Room (OR) Position Type: Travel Contract Length: 13 weeks Pay: $2016 - $2429 | Shift: 5x8 days Are you an experienced Registered ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Petoskey, MI · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Marquette, MI · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Jackson, MI · On-site

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Michigan

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:

Rn First Assistant jobs near you
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.

Registered Nurse First Assistant Certified - Operating Room

McLaren USA

Bay City, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Department: Operating Room
Daily Work Times: 6:48 am - 4:18 pm
Shift: Variable
Scheduled Bi-Weekly Hours: 72
Position Summary:
In collaboration with and under the supervision of the physician, the RNFA facilitates quality patient care of the surgicalpatient. Responsible for providing surgical assistance in the exposure, hemostasis, cannulation, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for patients. Interacts with patients and significant others to provide information and emotional support. Serves as a professional resource and provides guidance when necessary to resolve routine patient care problems. Develops and provides continuing education to staff members involved in the care of the robotics patient.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  1. Works in a collegial manner and develops collaborative relationships with nurses, physicians, and other disciplines to ensure an integrated approach to patient care.
  2. Functions primarily as a member of the Surgical Services team under the direction and supervision of the surgeon. When scheduling permits, will assist other members of the medical staff in patient management or in the performance of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
  3. Serves as a liaison between surgeon and family/significant others during operative procedures.
  4. Demonstrates ability to anticipate surgeon's needs and next moves in order to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
  5. Provides visualization of the operative site during the operative procedure.
  6. Demonstrates ability to respond quickly and appropriately to control unexpected intraoperative bleeding. Using appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis (clamping, cauterizing, tying, litigating, applying hemostatic clips, and placing hemostatic agents).
  7. Use appropriate technique to assist with closure of body planes.
  8. Demonstrates competency in the utilization of specified equipment required for patient care.
  9. Functions as first assist on all Robotic procedures, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, General, ENT, Cardio Thoracic, Vascular GYN procedures or any specialty where a first assist is requested.
  10. Performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to: incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources.
  11. Reviews charts of preoperative patients in preparation for discussion with the surgeon including clinical review of medical history, lab results and medications.
  12. Serves as a professional resource for nurses and other hospital personnel related to robotic patients.
  13. Responsible for quality assessment activities by monitoring patient care and identifying issues or problems. Prepare case presentations for the Mortality and Morbidity conference as assigned.
  14. Participates in research and data collection for quality improvement program. Participates in the quality improvement program through participation of interdisciplinary teams aimed at improving processes to reach desired outcomes.
  15. Develops and broadens skills and knowledge through research, professional conference and seminars, and through participation and observation of patient care.
  16. Assists in the development of standards of practice, policies, protocols and documentation guidelines related to specialty.
  17. May Function as OR Circulator RN as needed.
  18. Performs other related job duties as requested as directed by Surgical Services Management team.

Required:
  • Bachelors Degree of Science in Nursing
  • Successful completion of an RNFA program that meets AORN standards for RN First Assistant education programs and is accepted by the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI), or National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC)
  • Three years of prior clinical experience
  • Current State of Michigan Registered Nurse license
  • BLS and ALS certifications from American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or Canadian equivalent, is required before start date and valid at least 60 days beyond start date.
  • Certification in Perioperative Nursing (CNOR)
Preferred:
  • Masters of Science in Nursing
  • Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant certification from the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) organization or Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required
  • Knowledge of surgical services theory, practice and education in order to develop educational programs, conduct patient assessments, and develop plans of care.
  • Substantial interpersonal skills required in instructing patients and families, conduct formal educational programs for employees, and maintain effective contacts with a variety of hospital personnel.
  • High level of analytical skills necessary to resolve patient care problems and develop comprehensive plans of care.
  • Typing, computer skills.

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