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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Effingham, IL (NOW HIRING)

Travel Nurse RN - CVOR

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$2.4K - $3.2K/wk

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN CVOR for a travel nursing job in Mattoon, Illinois ... Operating Room - CVOR About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel ...

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Mattoon, Illinois ... M/S About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing agencies ...

Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/28/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours ... Case Management About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

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Rn First Assistant information

See Effingham, IL salary details

$32.7K

$98.3K

$170.2K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Effingham, IL is $98,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,800.00 and $119,100.00 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 Effingham, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Effingham, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Effingham, IL are:

What cities near Effingham, IL are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Effingham, IL with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Effingham, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,267 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse First Assistant

Mattoon, IL • On-site


Sarah Bush Lincoln
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$45.36 - $70.31/hr

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse First Assistant

Registered Nurse- First Assistants are responsible for assisting in patient care and preparation of surgical patients by performing scrub, circulating duties. Provides assistance in emergency procedures as well as elective and scheduled cases. Assists in preparation, transportation, and supervision of patients. Maintains education in surgical operating room and related aspects of patient care. Performs patient care and service through a multidisciplinary team approach.

Department: Operating Room

Hours: Full-time/36 hours per week

Required: ADN; RN; CRNFA; BLS/CPR & ACLS within 90 days of hire

Responsibilities

Assesses patients' conditions and care delivery through direct observation, rounding, and data input from other team members. Collects pertinent data and information relative to the patient's health or the situation. Recognizes normal and abnormal findings when gathering data. Assumes accountability for verification of operative procedure being performed, identification of specimens, completion of sponge, sharp and instrument counts and assurance of sterile integrity according to the role assigned. Coordinates bed and patient care assignments during shift and in preparation for the next shift to ensure consistency in care delivery. Plans and evaluates care in collaboration with appropriate disciplines for assigned patients. Analyzes assessment data to determine actual or potential diagnosis, problems, and issues. Documents and reports care delivered to the physicians and other team members as needed. Enhances professional growth through classes related to communication, teaching, stress management, conflict resolution, team building annually. Evaluates outcomes of care delivered to patients and adjusts nursing approach accordingly. Evaluates progress toward attainment of goals and outcomes. Reports data and outcomes to as appropriate to physician and/or other disciplines. Implements care and supervises care delivered by other team members in alignment with the plan of care and approved safety and infection control standards. In collaboration with Leader/Director, actively pursues required knowledge and skills through orientation activities specific to the unit, unit based in-service programs, reading current literature and seeking new clinical learning opportunities. Makes perioperative patient assessments and develops patient plans. Identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the patient or situation. Performs circulating and scrub duties as assigned. Develops a plan that prescribes strategies to attain expected, measurable outcomes. Predicts potential risk to patients and others and initiates actions to minimize or prevent the risk. Establishes effective working relationships with peers, physicians, and other members of the health care team. Identifies and confers with appropriate resources regarding patient care decisions. Serves as strong, positive role model for other health care team members. Takes call after hours as assigned.

Requirements

ADN (Required)ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (within 90 Days of hire) - Sarah Bush Lincoln, BLS or CPR certification (within 90 days of hire) - Sarah Bush Lincoln, RN-Registered Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Compensation

Estimated Compensation Range $45.36 - $70.31 Pay based on experience



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