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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Triage Staffing

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Cary, NC · On-site

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Travel Nursing: Registered Nurse First Assistant Cary, NC ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$59.50/hr

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 ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Oncology

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN Oncology for a travel nursing job in Chapel Hill, North ... M/S Oncology About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg

Oxford, NC · On-site

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Oxford, North Carolina ... M/S About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing agencies ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg

Henderson, NC · On-site

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Henderson, North ... M/S About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing agencies ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - CVICU

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/17/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... Posted job title: ICU - CVICU About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Rn First Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$34.5K

$103.8K

$179.8K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Raleigh, NC is $103,824.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $125,900.00 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 Raleigh, NC? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,824 per year, or $49.9 per hour.
Travel-RNFA-Registered Nurse First Assist

Travel-RNFA-Registered Nurse First Assist

WakeMed

Cary, NC • On-site

Temporary

Posted 7 days ago

WakeMed rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 889 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Responsible for perioperative nursing duties and functions as a scrub, circulator or RN First Assist. Assists the operating surgeon during the operative procedure and provides comprehensive nursing management of care to the patient during the perioperative phase.
Department Description
Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed Health & Hospitals is the leading provider of health services in Wake County. With a mission to improve the health and well-being of our community, we are committed to providing outstanding and compassionate care. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org .
EOE
Licensure
Registered Nurse Required Certified Perioperative Nurse Required
Education
Bachelor's Degree Nursing Required Graduate Successful completion of RN first assistant education program Required
Experience
3 Years Nursing Required

What WakeMed employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About WakeMed

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed Health & Hospitals is the leading provider of health services in Wake County. With a mission to improve the health and well-being of our community, we are committed to providing outstanding and compassionate care.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1961

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