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

Travel Nurse RN - CVOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$2.6K - $3.5K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

Travel Nurse RN - CVOR

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$2.5K - $3.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

Travel Nurse RN - CVOR

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$2.5K - $3.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/13/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours ... Operating Room - CVOR About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel ...

Travel Nurse RN - CVOR

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$2.5K - $3.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

Travel Nurse RN - CVOR

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$2.5K - $3.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/13/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours ... Operating Room - CVOR About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel ...

Travel Nurse RN - Oncology

Chicago, IL · On-site

$2.1K - $2.9K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Accepts first time travelers but would prefer someone who has traveled before. Certs Required: BLS ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

Travel Nurse RN - CVOR

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$2.5K - $3.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

Travel Nurse RN - PCU - Progressive Care Unit

Chicago, IL · On-site

$2.1K - $2.8K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN PCU - Progressive Care Unit for a travel nursing job in ... Stepdown - General About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel ...

Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 12 weeks * 32 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours ... Observe and report patient behavioral changes. Assist patients in understanding the nature of ...

Travel Nurse RN - Telemetry

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Telemetry for a travel nursing job in Arlington ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

Travel Nurse RN - Telemetry

Glenview, IL · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Telemetry for a travel nursing job in Glenview ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

Travel Nurse RN - Telemetry

Naperville, IL · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Telemetry for a travel nursing job in Naperville ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

Showing results 21-40

Rn First Assistant information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$35.1K

$105.6K

$182.9K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Elgin, IL is $105,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,100.00 and $128,000.00 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 Elgin, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,579 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (with RNFA) - Thoracic Surgery, Full-time, Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

$63/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 390 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for either a motivated Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to work with our Thoracic Surgery team. This APP will support a hybrid practice model, including surgical first assist responsibilities, and care delivery through the Lung Health Clinic, including review of CT scan results and patient follow up.
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Essential Functions:
  • Demonstrates clinical expertise and expanded knowledge through patient care activities which may include diagnosis and management of a wide range of health problems.
  • Responsible for health outcome of an assigned patient population.
  • Confers with collaborating physician and other health professionals in area of clinical expertise.
  • Develops appropriate educational systems for patients, families and staff in areas of expertise.
  • Mentors graduate students in aspects of advanced practice and patient care.
  • Actively participates in quality improvement and/or research pertinent to area of expertise.

Responsibilities:
  • Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients' health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in clinical area.
  • Provides direct clinical care to patients.
  • Prescribes/orders medications, therapies; orders/interprets laboratory tests, x-rays and procedures according to clinical privileges.
  • Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care.
  • Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and families.
  • Documents in the medical record all care and education provided and/or procedures performed for which the Licensed Advanced Practice Provider is responsible.
  • Refers to other disciplines as appropriate.
  • Consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise.
  • Integrates research based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making.
  • Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation.
  • Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, and the community.
  • Maintains certifications and continuing education as required for licensure and privileging.
  • Serves as a patient advocate and role model for "Patients First".
  • Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces as appropriate.
  • Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families.
  • Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff.
  • Serves as a role model and preceptor to students.
  • Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty.
  • Participates in quality improvement and/or research initiatives for specific patient population as appropriate.

AA/EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Master's degree from an accredited school/college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program
  • Acute care certification required for APRNs (inpatient experience as an NP will be considered in lieu of acute care certification)
  • First Assist Certification for all APRNs
  • Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number OR Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program/Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number
  • Privileged and credentialed through the Northwestern Medicine Medical Staff Office (MSO)
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation - BLS, issued by the American Heart Association

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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