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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Anders Group

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 07/20/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Anders Group Job ID #1363386. Pay package is based on ...

Sentara

Previous RN FIRST ASSISTANT EXP PREFERRED * NEW GRADS WELCOME (WITH CERTIFICATION) Keywords: #Indeed, Glassdoor, Talroo, LinkedIn, #Zip Recruiter, OR, Operating Room, Surgical Assistant, Surgical ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Virginia

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 Jul 14, 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 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 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:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,890 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist - $2,235 per week

AMN Healthcare Nursing

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$2.1K - $2.3K/day

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

AMN Healthcare Nursing is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Norfolk, Virginia.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 07/20/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Job Description & Requirements
Registered Nurse - First Assistant - Travel - (RNFA - Operating Room)
StartDate: 7/20/2026 Available Shifts: 12 D Pay Rate: $2168.00 - $2302.00
This nurse must understand the dynamics of a fast paced OR. Must be accountable to all elements of the role while delivering care to patients whose protective reflexes or self-care abilities are potentially compromised during surgical or other invasive procedures.
Required Qualifications
Registered Nurse, First Assist
Ability to scrub and circulate is necessary
2 years’ hands on pediatric knowledge and skill
FLU REQUIRED NO EXCEPTIONS
Facility Location
Known as “America’s first region,” the areas of Virginia Beach and Norfolk are not only teeming with history, but also offer some beautifully relaxing beaches. Combine the region’s natural beauty and culture with a prominent medical presence, and you have a coveted location, filled with a kaleidoscope of opportunities. From wildlife refuge parks to a thriving nightlife and dining scene, the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area is primed for fun.
Job Benefits
At AMN Healthcare we take care of our travelers! We offer:

  • Competitive pay rates
  • Free, quality, private housing
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k) and Flex Spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident and Short-term Disability Coverage
  • Free Continuing Education
  • Refer a friend and earn extra cash!

About the Company
At AMN Healthcare, we strive to be recognized as the most trusted, innovative, and influential force in helping healthcare organizations provide quality patient care that continually evolves to make healthcare more human, more effective, and more achievable.
rnfa, registered nurse first assistant, rnfa operating room, intraoperative, preoperative, postoperative, nurse practitioner, NP, NP RN, registered nurse, master's, APRN, healthcare, health care, hospital, patient care, nurse practitioner, NP

American Mobile Healthcare Job ID #3525024. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Registered Nurse - First Assistant - Travel - (RNFA - Operating Room)

About AMN Healthcare Nursing

AMN Healthcare is a leader in Nurse staffing. Our relationships with numerous healthcare facilities - including hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities - enable us to offer the most current travel nurse, local staffing, rapid response and crisis nurse jobs nationwide. We''re committed to finding you the best nursing job to fit your career goals. AMN Healthcare is an EEO/AA/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer. We encourage minority and female applicants to apply.

Why Vivian Health?

Be sure to apply via Vivian Health to increase your chances of landing your perfect job. Just complete your Vivian Health profileonce, and get access to thousands of opportunities across the country. Then keep up to date with your job application process and conversations with our easy to use app.

Benefits
  • Company provided housing options
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Continuing Education

Apply