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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Specialty: First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, rotating * Employment Type: Travel Requirements*: ACLS, BLS, PALS, 2 Years * Additional ...

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Rn First Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$35.2K

$105.9K

$183.4K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Virginia is $105,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $128,400.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,890 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Registered Nurse First Assist RNFA PRN

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

TriCities Hospital
Hospitalsย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse First Assist RNFA PRN

At Parham Doctors' Hospital, our nurses play a vital part. We know that every nurse's path and purpose is unique. Do you want to create your own personal career path in nursing? HCA Healthcare is your career destination! Our scale makes it possible for nurses to create the career path that fits their life โ€“ for life โ€“ and empowers their passion for patient care. Apply today for our Registered Nurse First Assist RNFA PRN opportunity.

Utilizes principles of aseptic technique in creating and maintaining a sterile field.

Plans and provides equipment and supplies based on patient and physician needs.

Demonstrates competency in assisting surgeon as it relates to unit scope of care.

Demonstrates competency in perioperative nursing practice related to preoperative & postoperative nursing care.

Promotes cost containment while delivering quality patient care within the operating room.

Participates in on-call assignments and demonstrates flexibility to cover staffing as needed.

Demonstrates flexibility to perform other functions within Surgical Services to assist in the smooth operation of the department.

Requirements:

Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date.

Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)

Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) preferred

Registered Nurse

Join a family that cares about every stage in your career! We are interviewing candidates for our Registered Nurse First Assist RNFA PRN opening. Apply today and a member of our Talent Acquisition team will reach out.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.