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

Dameron Hospital

RN, First Assistant

Stockton, CA · On-site

$51.52 - $74.22/hr

Required Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) licensure in the state of practice: Required Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification: Required Certified Nurse ...

Ceres PostAcute Care

Registered Nurse

Ceres, CA

$40 - $42/hr

Previous experience supervising LVN's and CNA's * Demonstrates excellent observation, problem solving, verbal and written communication * Ability to work with minimal supervision

Nightingale's List

Registered Nurse RN

Jamestown, CA · On-site

$85/hr

Supervise and train LPNs and nursing assistants. Expand their knowledge and capabilities by attending educational workshops, conferences etc. Requirements Must have at least 1 year RN experience ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Modesto, CA

Rn First Assistant information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$37.5K

$112.7K

$195.2K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Modesto, CA is $112,681.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $136,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
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What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,681 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

RN, First Assistant

Dameron Hospital

Stockton, CA • On-site

$51.52 - $74.22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:
Dameron Hospital is a fully accredited, non-profit, 200+ bed community hospital providing acute and tertiary level care to San Joaquin County residents. Now managed by Adventist Health, our hospital remains committed to providing the high quality care that has earned various state and national recognitions, as well as numerous awards and accolades. The hospital has also been designated by Blue Shield of California as a Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery and for Knee and Hip Replacements as part of the Blue Distinction® Centers for Specialty Care program. In addition to being a top-rated joint replacement center in the Stockton area, and the county's leading orthopedic hospital, Dameron has also been recognized as a Top Performer for its Quality Metrics by The Joint Commission.
Position Summary:
Organizes and facilitates the patient while in the Operating Room (OR). Coordinates the overall care of patient between surgeon, anesthesiologist and room staff. Functions as a first assistant during surgical incision, excision, and repair of pathology throughout the perioperative period on procedures for which privileges have been granted. Participates in preoperative assessment and planning for selected surgical patients in collaboration with the healthcare team members in the preoperative location. Regularly demonstrates subject matter expertise regarding medication, treatment and patient care standards.
Salary Range: $51.52 - $74.22 hourly
Requirements:
Minimum Education
Graduate from an accredited school/college of nursing, as applicable: Required
Bachelor's Degree: Preferred
Minimum Work Experience
Two years' perioperative nursing experience: Preferred
Required Licenses
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice: Required
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) licensure in the state of practice: Required
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification: Required
Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification: Required
Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Status (PEARS)/Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification: Preferred
Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) membership: Preferred
Refer to the Required Licenses and Certifications list for additional job and/or unit specific requirements.
Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA and HI) or the option of COVID-19 vaccine or weekly testing (required in OR), etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.

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