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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) provides perioperative support by assisting surgeons in the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. The RNFA performs advanced ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Rn First Assistant information

See Oregon salary details

$37.5K

$112.9K

$195.6K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Oregon is $112,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $136,900.00 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 Oregon?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,924 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Grande Ronde Hospital rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) provides perioperative support by assisting surgeons in the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. The RNFA performs advanced surgical techniques, including tissue handling, retraction, suturing, hemostasis, and wound closure, while ensuring patient safety and adherence to sterile technique. This role collaborates closely with the surgical team, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to anticipate surgical needs, optimize workflow, and support high-quality patient outcomes. The RNFA also participates in preoperative planning, postoperative care, and education, demonstrating clinical expertise, critical thinking, and commitment to professional standards of perioperative nursing.
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) provides perioperative support by assisting surgeons in the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. The CSFA performs advanced surgical techniques, including tissue handling, retraction, suturing, hemostasis, and wound closure, while ensuring patient safety and adherence to sterile technique. This role collaborates closely with the surgical team, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to anticipate surgical needs, optimize workflow, and support high-quality patient outcomes. The CSFA also participates in preoperative planning, postoperative care, and education, demonstrating clinical expertise, critical thinking, and commitment to perioperative professional standards.
The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA):
Qualifications:
• Degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing and completion of an AORN approved RNFA educational program required.
• Current Oregon Registered Nurse license without restriction required.
• Certification as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) required.
• Credential as a Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) preferred.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications required.
• At least two (2) years of experience as a Perioperative RN required.
• At least one (1) year of verifiable experience as an RNFA preferred.
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
Qualifications:
• Graduation from an accredited program in surgical first assisting required.
• Credential as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) required.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within three (3) months of hire.
• At least one (1) year of experience as a CSFA preferred.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist the surgeon during operative procedures by providing exposure, retraction, hemostasis, tissue handling, and wound closure according to accepted surgical
    techniques.
  • Participate in preoperative patient preparation and planning, including skin preparation, draping, reviewing patient history, surgical procedures, and anticipated intraoperative needs.
  • Anticipate and provide instruments, supplies, and equipment while collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to support efficient workflow and optimize patient outcomes during surgical procedures.
  • Monitor patient condition intraoperatively, including vital signs, positioning, and safety measures, and communicate concerns to the surgical team.
  • Perform suturing, wound closure, and other surgical interventions within the RNFA scope of practice while assisting with post-operative care, including wound assessment, documentation, and patient education.
  • Collaborate with the perioperative team to ensure proper sterilization, maintenance, and safe handling of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of surgical procedures, intraoperative events, and patient outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR).
  • Maintain proficiency in surgical techniques, equipment uses, and professional standards through continuing education and skills validation, while consistently adhering to sterile technique and infection control protocols during all surgical procedures.
  • Serve as a resource and mentor for other perioperative nursing staff and assist in orienting new team members to surgical procedures and techniques.
  • Adjust to changing priorities and increased workloads to meet patient care and department needs, including functioning as a Circulating Nurse or Scrub Nurse as
    needed.
  • Identify opportunities for, and actively participate in, performance and quality improvement activities to enhance clinical outcomes, healthcare delivery, and patient
    safety.
  • Participate in the equitable rotation of after-hours call coverage, including weekends and holidays, as applicable to designated clinical areas.

Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and perioperative nursing principles, including sterile technique and aseptic practices.
  • Ability to assist with surgical procedures, including tissue handling, suturing, retraction, hemostasis, and other technical tasks.
  • Able to anticipate surgical needs, coordinate intraoperative workflow, and collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to optimize patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.
  • Ability to operate and monitor relevant equipment within assigned clinical area.
  • Ability to interpret, prepare and maintain patient information using the electronic health record (EHR).
  • Skilled in performing surgical techniques within the RNFA scope of practice, including tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, hemostasis, and use of surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Skilled in making sound decisions and practicing critical thinking, especially when responding to urgent and emergent situations.
  • Knowledge of health equity and ability to provide age-specific, culturally competent care that considers the patient's physical, psychosocial, and socioeconomic needs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently independently with ability to assist with heavier weights (100+ pounds) with team lift or mechanical equipment.
  • Able to sit, stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
  • Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
  • Requires frequent use of computer.
  • Must demonstrate manual dexterity.
  • Occasional exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue, communicable diseases, chemicals, including but not limited to sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp items.
    Employee eligible for Hepatitis B Vaccination if desired.
  • Must be able to perform the primary duties and responsibilities of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation:
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) $45.80-$77.64, DOE
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) $40.25-$58.45 DOE
Benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA and Health Savings Account (HSA) Options
  • 401K Plan with Roth Options
  • 401K 3% employer match and a 2% base non-elective employer contribution
  • Eligibility for company-paid benefits such as life insurance and long-term disability, subject to applicable waiting periods
  • Option to elect Supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Access to the Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounts: available for meals in the cafeteria and over-the-counter pharmacy items
  • Exercise/Fitness Facility: access to the Rehab Therapy Fitness Center for the employee and dependents

Expectations for All Employees
Support the organization's mission, vision and values by adhering to the behavioral standards of Grande Ronde Hospital. Comply with all laws and regulations affecting Grande Ronde Hospital. Be familiar with and adhere to the Personnel Policy Manual and the Code of Conduct and support the Grande Ronde Hospital Compliance Program. Effective communication skills and the ability work effectively with people from various backgrounds are critical.
Mission: Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics will ensure access to high quality, cost-effective health care in a safe and customer-friendly environment for all those in need of our services.
Vision: Quality health care is our mission. Patients are our passion.
Values: Creativity, Compassion, Collaboration, Credibility
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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