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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL (NOW HIRING)

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

New

Protouch Staffing

RN Clinic

Elgin, IL

$4.2K/wk

Minimum 1 year of experience (RN) * First-time travelers accepted * Urology clinic experience ... Prepare and assist in procedure room * Preferred Skills * Bladder scanning * Foley catheter ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

Rn First Assistant information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$35.3K

$106.1K

$183.8K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Mount Prospect, IL is $106,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $128,700.00 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 Mount Prospect, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Rn First Assistant jobs near you

RN-First Assistant

5 Star Global Recruitment Partners

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

RN-First Assistant

Chicago, Illinois, United States

$ 38,000.00 - 52,000.00 (US Dollar)

Or refer someone

About the Job RN-First Assistant

A Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) assists surgeons during operative procedures, performing advanced technical functions under the surgeon's supervision. This role includes pre, intra, and post operative nursing care to enhance surgical outcomes, improve efficiency, and maintain patient safety.

Role & Responsibilities

Pre operative Duties

  • Conduct comprehensive patient assessments (e.g., history review, physical evaluation).
  • Provide pre surgical patient/family education and teaching
  • Ensure proper surgical positioning, preparation, and draping of the patient

Intra operative Duties (as RN First Assistant)

  • Provide surgical field exposure: use of retractors, suction, sponges.
  • Achieve hemostasis: clamp, ligate vessels, use electrocautery, apply pressure
  • Handle tissues appropriately, perform precise dissection (including vessel, muscle, fascia).
  • Suture closures under supervision: peritoneum, fascia, subcuticular, skin
  • Place drains when directed by the surgeon.
  • May cannulate for cardiopulmonary bypass or assist in advanced specialties (e.g., CVOR, orthopedics, robotics)
  • Maintain aseptic technique and instrument sterilization.
  • Participate in instrument and sponge counts, uphold surgical safety protocols

Post operative Duties

  • Apply and manage surgical dressings.
  • Evaluate post operative patients for complications and provide teaching.
  • Work with the team to ensure seamless transition of care.
  • Document perioperative events in EMRs like Cerner, SurgiNet
  • Collaboration & Leadership
  • Coordinate and collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, scrub and circulating nurses, and perioperative staff
  • Provide leadership in the OR, uphold professional nursing standards, and mentor junior staff
  • Participate in continuous quality improvement (CQI), research, performance evaluations, and in services

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Sustain prolonged standing, lifting/positioning adult patients (?35lbs), and maintaining dexterity under sterile conditions

Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and potentially hazardous materials

Qualifications

Required

  • 1. Registered Nurse (RN) license, active and in good standing specifically licensure in Illinois
  • 2. Completion of an accredited RNFA program (didactic & clinical per AORN standards)
  • 3. Perioperative nursing certification (CNOR) required before or shortly after hire
  • 4. RNFA certification (CRNFA) from recognized board within 2 years of hire
  • 5. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification includes CPR, AED, choking response
  • 6. 2+ years OR experience as scrub or circulating RN

Preferred

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification
  • Experience across multiple surgical specialties (e.g., cardiothoracic, ortho, robotics)
  • Specialty training (e.g., robotics, perfusion assistance).
  • Experience with EMRs (e.g., Cerner, Meditech, SurgiNet)

Required Citizenship / Work Permit / Visa Status US &GC

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