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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Surgical First Assistant Location: Milwaukee, WI Pay: $2728.80 per week Shifts: Day Shift Seven ... and a nurse-first approach that prioritizes your needs. Our benefits include: * License ...

WI · On-site

$91K - $148K/yr

First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST. Benefits and Compensation LifeCenter Northwest offers ...

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Rn First Assistant information

See Wisconsin salary details

$35.8K

$107.8K

$186.7K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Wisconsin is $107,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $130,700.00 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 Wisconsin?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,805 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

RN First Assist, Surgery/Operating Room, 4-10hr shifts and on-call schedule

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

RN First Assist

The RN First Assist is a specially trained individual who under the supervision/delegation of a surgeon, may perform tasks to include but not limited to the following: using instruments and medical devices, providing surgical site exposure, handling and/or cutting tissue, providing hemostasis, suturing, and wound management.

As an employee, you will have access to a variety of programs to enhance your experience and well-being, including learning and career growth opportunities, an employee wellness program, employee resource groups, and volunteer opportunities.

You may be eligible for some of our programs:

  • Tuition Assistance to aid with school costs.
  • Relocation Assistance to help you make the Louisville Metropolitan or Southern Indiana area your new home.
  • Encompass Program: Supports new graduate nurses during transition from the role of student to practicing nurse, helping them gain confidence and develop professional relationships in the process.
  • Employee Referral Incentive to support your networking and help others join our team.
  • Comprehensive Benefits to choose from to support your needs.

Required:

  • One year RN experience
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • RNAS-C (Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery–Certified) & CRNFA (Certified Registered Nurse First Assist) OR Hold and maintain a certification by one (1) of the following: The National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) OR The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) AND Demonstrate State Certification as Applicable (Required in KY, not IN)
  • Must have hospital and/or payer credentialing completed before functioning in this role

Desired:

  • Three years of RN experience in surgical services