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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

RN (Registered Nurse)

Merced, CA · On-site

$74.25 - $87.75/hr

Whether you are an experienced traveler, or this is your first travel position, SkyBridge Health ... Minimum Requirements: 1 year full time RN Labor and Delivery experience within the last 2 years.

The RN is expected to develop the plan of care and collaborate with physicians, therapists and nursing assistants. The RN will also monitor assigned staff to ensure that all safety regulations are ...

Overview As a Registered Nurse (RN), your primary responsibility is to provide patient care using ... Responsibilities * Assist in assessing and planning individual treatment programs, consulting with ...

Overview As a Registered Nurse (RN), your primary responsibility is to provide patient care using ... Responsibilities * Assist in assessing and planning individual treatment programs, consulting with ...

Registered Nurse (RN)

Merced, CA · On-site

$59.22 - $65.80/hr

... first culture • Excellent career growth opportunities Join us and find a career that supports ... Key Responsibilities * Assist in assessing and planning individual treatment programs, consulting ...

Registered Nurse (RN)

Merced, CA · On-site

$59.22 - $65.80/hr

... first culture • Excellent career growth opportunities Join us and find a career that supports ... Key Responsibilities * Assist in assessing and planning individual treatment programs, consulting ...

... first culture • Excellent career growth opportunities Join us and find a career that supports ... Key Responsibilities * Assist in assessing and planning individual treatment programs, consulting ...

... first culture • Excellent career growth opportunities Join us and find a career that supports ... Key Responsibilities * Assist in assessing and planning individual treatment programs, consulting ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rn First Assistant information

See Merced, CA salary details

$37.5K

$112.8K

$195.4K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Merced, CA is $112,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $136,800.00 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 Merced, CA? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Merced, CA 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 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,790 per year, or $54.2 per hour.
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Tenet Health

Turlock, CA • On-site

$65.32 - $104.52/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Tenet Healthcare rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

728th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Welcome to Emanuel Medical Center
Since 1917, Emanuel has been the heart of healthcare in Turlock, California, providing incredible high-quality care with compassion to the patients we serve. We are so excited to bring you this same experience online! Lately, we've been thinking a lot about what a hospital is- and what it CAN be. At its fundamental level, we know a hospital is a medical facility. But Emanuel Medical is more than a medical facility, we are a community resource that tries to help people live better, healthier lives. We invite you in to be part of our nearly 100-year tradition. Take a look around and see how we promote health and wellness while providing you the health care you expect and deserve.
We offer competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k), several health & dental plans to choose from, generous tuition assistance plans, and relocation assistance for select positions.
  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, long- and short-term plan coverage
  • Savings and retirement including a 401(k) Plan with a 50% match up to 6% of pay, employee stock purchase plan, flexible spending accounts, retirement readiness tools, rollover support, and financial well-being counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, and online educational program
  • Additional benefits life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and employee discount program
  • Registered nurses - Retirement medical benefit account (RMBA) - 2% of annual eligible income set aside in accordance with program guidelines
  • Benefits may vary by location and role

www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org/team
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director of Surgical Services/RN Shift Manager/Operations Coordinator/Designee the RNFA is responsible for assisting the primary surgeon in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative period. Care is provided to pediatric through geriatric patient populations; acts in the absence of a qualified physician.
Qualifications
  • Current CA RN license
  • Current ACLS certification
  • Current PALS certification
  • CNOR certification within one year of hire or from transfer
  • Certified Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) preferred
  • TCAR certification preferred

#LI-TB1
Tenet complies with federal, state, and/or local laws regarding mandatory vaccination of its workforce. If you are offered this position and must be vaccinated under any applicable law, you will be required to show proof of full vaccination or obtain an approval of a religious or medical exemption prior to your start date. If you receive an exemption from the vaccination requirement, you will be required to submit to regular testing in accordance with the law.
About Us
Who We Are
We are a community built on care. Our caregivers and supporting staff extend compassion to those in need, helping to improve the health and well-being of those we serve, and provide comfort and healing. Your community is our community.
Our Story
We started out as a small operation in California. In May 1969, we acquired four hospitals, some additional care facilities and real estate for the future development of hospitals. Over the years, we've grown tremendously in size, scope and capability, building a home in new markets over time, and curating those homes to provide a compassionate environment for those entrusting us with their care.
We have a rich history at Tenet. There are so many stories of compassionate care; so many "firsts" in terms of medical innovation; so many examples of enhancing healthcare delivery and shaping a business that is truly centered around patients and community need. Tenet and our predecessors have enabled us to touch many different elements of healthcare and make a difference in the lives of others.
Our Impact Today
Today, we are leading health system and services platform that continues to evolve in lockstep with community need. Tenet's operations include three businesses - our hospitals and physicians, USPI and Conifer Health Solutions.
Our impact spreads far and deep with 65 hospitals and approximately 510 outpatient centers and additional sites of care. We are differentiated by our top notch medical specialists and service lines that are tailored within each community we serve. The work Conifer is doing will help provide the foundation for better health for clients across the country, through the delivery of healthcare-focused revenue cycle management and value-based care solutions.
Together as an enterprise, we work to save lives and can accept nothing less than excellence from ourselves in service of our patients and their families, every day.
About the Team
Careers at Tenet
At Tenet Healthcare, the heart of what we do centers on caring with compassion, which ultimately creates a bond between our caregivers and patients. Everyone contributes to these moments, whether providing care directly or supporting those who do.
As an organization, we provide employees with resources, tools and support to serve our patients and customers in the best way possible. We also take care of one another, helping team members further develop their career pathways and maximize their potential.

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