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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Rn First Assistant information

See Texas salary details

$33.1K

$99.5K

$172.4K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Texas is $99,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $120,600.00 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 Texas? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,506 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

University Health

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$43 - $65/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


University Of Nevada (Reno) rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY/RESPONSIBILITIES
Serves as a team member of the Surgery Service Line by providing care in collaboration with the surgeon supervising surgeon. The RNFA practicing in the perioperative environment as a first assistant at surgery functions in an expanded perioperative Circulating RN role; must comply with all statutes, regulations, and institutional policies relevant to the RNFA who first assists at surgery; is required to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, competent surgical first assistant services by completing a program that covers the content of the AORN Standards for RN First Assistant Education Programs; acquiring the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills, to the expanded role of RNFA clinical practice; intraoperatively practices at the direction of the surgeon providing surgical site exposure, handling and/or cutting tissue, providing hemostasis, suturing, and wound management. Does not concurrently function as a scrub tech or circulator. Represents the OR and exemplifies their inter-professional decorum by working synergistically with all members of the team. When not needed as an RNFA, they will be utilized in the Circulating role. Supports and maintains University Health mission, vision, and values.
EDUCATION
Must have a baccalaureate degree, with the exception that the RNFA practicing prior to January 1, 2020, may continue to practice at his or her existing level of education
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
Must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in Texas. Must maintain ACLS and certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR). Must have successfully completed an RNFA program that meets the "AORN standards for RN first assistant education programs and compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, and institutional policies relevant to RNFAs.. Continued Competency the RNFA demonstrates behaviors that progress on a continuum from basic competency to excellence, maintains CNOR status, and is encouraged to achieve and maintain CRNFA certification when eligibility requirements have been met.

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