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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Pullman, WA (NOW HIRING)

Travel Nurse RN - Telemetry

Lewiston, ID ยท On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... Telemetry About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

Travel Nurse RN - Telemetry

Lewiston, ID ยท On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN Telemetry for a travel nursing job in Lewiston, Idaho ... Telemetry About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

Director of Surgical Services

Colfax, WA

$123K - $156K/yr

Manager of Prep/Recovery Services * RNs * Surgical Techs * RN First Assist * RN Prep/ Recovery Lead * Service Coordinator STANDARD EXPECTATIONS * Creates a Positive Working Environment * Builds and ...

Endoscopy Registered Nurse

Clarkston, WA ยท On-site

$53.90 - $63.70/hr

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

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Showing results 1-20

Rn First Assistant information

See Pullman, WA salary details

$34.7K

$104.4K

$180.8K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Pullman, WA is $104,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $126,500.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Rn First Assistant jobs in Pullman, WA? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Pullman, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Pullman, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Pullman, WA are:
What cities near Pullman, WA are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities near Pullman, WA with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Pullman, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,353 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse First Assist - RNFA

Right Hire Consulting

Lewiston, ID โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse First Assist - RNFA

Lewiston, Idaho, United States

About the Job

Full-Time: 80-hrs per pay period

Hours: 7:30am - 5:00pm

Call Schedule: 1 day/week and 1 weekend/month ($4.00/hour while on call)

Call Back: minimum of 2-hours of pay when called in at time & one half

Shift Differential: (pay is based on majority of hours worked)

Evening Shift (3pm 11:30pm) = 8%

Night Shift (11:00pm 7:30am) = 11%

No Weekend Differential

Benefits May Include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401k w/ employer match
  • Short & Long-term disabilities
  • Life & AD&D insurances
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
  • and more

Position Summary:

A Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a nursing professional who renders direct patient care as a part of the perioperative role by functioning as first assistant to the surgeon. The RNFA practices an expanded role of perioperative nursing and has acquired knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to assist the surgeon, through organized instruction and supervised practice. The individual must acquire and/or demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span. As she/he also contributes to the perioperative team by assisting with scrub and circulating duties in the OR, she/he will be responsible to meet the requirements of the Operating Room RN position summary.

Primary (Essential) Duties

1. An RNFA implements technical assistance to the surgeon during operative procedures including:

  • a) Participates in the pre-operative assessment of the patient.
  • b) Provides hemostasis by clamping the blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, using suture to tie off clamped blood vessels, place hemoclips or other ligating devices on vessels or tissue, and by
  • other means as directed and supervised by the surgeon.
  • c) Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, sponging techniques and packs sponges into body cavities.
  • d) Handles tissue as directed by the surgeon.
  • e) Sutures, tying knots firmly to avoid slipping, using staples, clips, or other devices to approximate tissue as directed by the surgeon.
  • f) The RNFA may provide closure of the subcutaneous and skin without the surgeons assistance.
  • g) Places and sutures drains as directed.
  • h) The RNFA must be aware of his/her limitations and must remain within the scope of practice as defined by these policies and the Idaho Nurse Practice Act.
  • i) In the event the surgeon is unable to complete the operation, with the exception of subcutaneous and skin closure, a qualified physician shall be called to complete the operation.
  • j) Documents experiences needed to maintain competency as first assistant.

2. Identifies patient/family learning needs and implements appropriate measures when assisting responsibilities and time permits.

3. Documents role in patient care activities in a timely, accurate, and concise manner.

4. Participates in development of scheduling system for RNFA to assure absence of conflict.

5. Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to patient and family rights.

6. Contributes to and participates in Quality Improvement and other appropriate committee activities.

7. Maintains a current knowledge regarding this specialty practice.

8. Consistently utilizes effective communication methods to promote patients/staff relationships and effect conflict resolution

9. Identifies and solves problems effectively and appropriately and includes others as necessary.

10. Functions in the circulating or scrub role when not scheduled in RNFA position.

11. Participates in charge establishment, product evaluation, cost containment, and ordering of supplies.

12. Participates in continuing education to meet professional development

13. Assists with staff education activities.

14. Continues to fulfill the minimum call requirements.

The above statements reflect general duties and shall not be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
  • Licensed (or licensure eligible) to practice as a Registered Nurse by the State of Idaho
  • Required to provide documentation of completion of RNFA course.
  • Three years perioperative RN experience required.
  • CNOR certification required.
  • Must meet requirements to obtain allied health privileges through medical staff credentialing.