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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

HAN Staff

RN - First Assist

Cleveland, OH · On-site

RN - First Assist Registered Nurse - Health Advocates Network is urgently hiring First Assist RNs with at least 2 years of recent experience! * Travel packages up to $ 3,011 weekly * 8 hour DAY ...

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

RN First Assistant

OH · On-site

$38 - $58/hr

The Registered Nurse First Assistant is responsible through nursing processes for providing and coordinating nursing care and resource management for patients and families in the operating room.

Premier Health

RN First Assistant (RNFA)

Middletown, OH · On-site

The RN First Assistant (RNFA) collaborates with the surgeon in performing an invasive or operative procedure in a safe manner with optimal outcomes for the patient whose protective reflexes or self ...

Premier Health

RN First Assistant (RNFA)

Middletown, OH · On-site

The RN First Assistant (RNFA) collaborates with the surgeon in performing an invasive or operative procedure in a safe manner with optimal outcomes for the patient whose protective reflexes or self ...

Premier Health

RN First Assistant (RNFA)

Middletown, OH · On-site

The RN First Assistant (RNFA) collaborates with the surgeon in performing an invasive or operative procedure in a safe manner with optimal outcomes for the patient whose protective reflexes or self ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Ohio

Rn First Assistant information

See Ohio salary details

$33.8K

$101.5K

$175.9K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Ohio is $101,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $123,100.00 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 Ohio?

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

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

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

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

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

Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,540 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Registered Nurse First Assistant

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

OH • On-site

$38 - $58/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
About This Job
As a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), you play a critical role in the surgical team, directly supporting surgeons and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. You extend the surgeon's capabilities, providing advanced nursing care in the operating room. This position demands precision, expertise, and a deep commitment to patient safety and surgical excellence. You contribute significantly to the efficiency and success of surgical procedures, directly impacting patient recovery and well-being.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assists surgeons directly during various surgical procedures, anticipating needs and responding effectively.
  • Performs precise suturing and wound closure techniques, ensuring optimal healing and cosmetic results.
  • Achieves and maintains hemostasis through various methods, minimizing blood loss and complications.
  • Handles delicate tissue with expert care, preventing damage and promoting patient recovery.
  • Maintains strict sterile technique and aseptic technique throughout the surgical field, preventing infection.
  • Contributes to comprehensive perioperative care, from patient assessment to post-operative planning.
  • Executes safe and effective patient positioning for surgery, preventing injury and optimizing surgical access.
  • Manages and utilizes a wide range of surgical instruments with proficiency and confidence.
  • Collaborates with the surgical team, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver seamless care.
  • Applies advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures to support decision-making.
Required Qualifications
Education
  • Holds a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license and current CNOR certification. BLS required
  • Completion of an accredited Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program.
Experience
  • Possesses a minimum of two years of operating room (OR) experience as a circulating or scrub nurse.
  • Demonstrates prior experience in a first assistant role.
Knowledge/Skills
  • Applies expert knowledge in Surgical Assisting, Suturing, Hemostasis, and Tissue Handling.
  • Masters techniques for Wound Closure, Sterile Technique, and Aseptic Technique.
  • Understands and implements best practices in Perioperative Care and Patient Positioning.
  • Proficiently uses and identifies Surgical Instruments.
  • Exhibits strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  • Communicates clearly and effectively with surgical team members and patients.
Required Qualifications
  • Possesses experience in a specialized surgical area (e.g., cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopedics).

Requirements
Schedule: Four 10 Hour Shifts | 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM | Minimal On-Call Requirement
Location: Fairlawn, OH - Hospital - 3557 Embassy Pkwy | On-Site
Specialties: Operating Room, First Assisting, Orthopaedics, Plastics

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