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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Duluth, MN · On-site

$68.72/hr

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

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Aitkin, MN

$63.97/hr

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

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Duluth, MN

$68.13/hr

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 ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - CVICU

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN CVICU for a travel nursing job in Minneapolis, Minnesota ... Posted job title: ICU - CVICU About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - CVICU

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN CVICU for a travel nursing job in Minneapolis, Minnesota ... Posted job title: ICU - CVICU About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Rn First Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$34.8K

$104.6K

$181.2K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Minnesota is $104,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $126,800.00 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 Minnesota? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,607 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
RN-First Assistant (Non-Exempt) (10024N)

RN-First Assistant (Non-Exempt) (10024N)

Mercy

Anoka, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Mercy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 206 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

643rd of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy!Utilizes the nursing process to provide patient care. Maintains professional accountability for provision of patient care for the assigned patients. Evaluates the overall effectiveness of care provided by other direct caregivers. Coordinates the patient care in conjunction with other departments. Maintains patient rights and confidentiality of patient information. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.Position Details:Mercy South Registered Nurse First Assistant- Main OR
  • Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
  • Licensure: Active RN licensure in the state of practice.
  • Experience: Must have a minimum of 1 year perioperative nursing experience.
  • Certifications: BLS/ACLS required within first year.
  • Other: Demonstrates continued competence in assisting and in perioperative nursing.
  • Preferred: CNOR certification and/or RN-First Assistant certification class preferred
Physical Requirements:
  • Position requires the ability to push, pull, and/or lift 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
  • Position requires prolonged standing and walking during each shift.
  • Position requires the ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties.
Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.

What Mercy employees say

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About Mercy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission is clear. We bring to life a healing ministry through our compassionate care and exceptional service. At Mercy, we believe in careers that match the unique gifts of unique individuals - careers that not only make the most of your skills and talents, but also your heart.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chesterfield, MO, US

Year founded

1827

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