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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Rancho Mirage, CA (NOW HIRING)

Medlivo is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Palm Springs, California. & Requirements * Specialty: First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per ...

Trustaff is seeking a travel nurse RN Labor and Delivery for a travel nursing job in Indio ... Labor & Delivery About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

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Rn First Assistant information

See Rancho Mirage, CA salary details

$36.2K

$108.8K

$188.5K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Rancho Mirage, CA is $108,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,000.00 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 job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Rancho Mirage, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Rancho Mirage, CA are:

What cities near Rancho Mirage, CA are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rancho Mirage, CA with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Rancho Mirage, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,844 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Palm Springs, CA โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Trusted Resource Associates (TRA) is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Palm Springs, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/08/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

TRA RN First Assist
TRA is Tenet's in-house nationwide contingent pool for Nursing and Allied travel and local contracts. Receive a greater level of Contract security compared to with an outside agency.
BENEFITS
- Guaranteed hours for Travel Contracts
- Preferred Booking Agreement for Local Contracts
- Weekly Pay
- Holiday Pay
- Contract Security compared to a contract with an outside agency
Minimum education
Graduate of an accredited School of nursing
Minimum Experience
Must have 2 years of Acute Care nursing experience with a minimum one year current as a RN First Assist.
Required Certification/Licensure
- Must be currently licensed, certified or registered to practice profession as required by law, regulation in state of practice or policy. Must meet all certification requirements for each nursing specialty supported
- American Heart Association - CPR-Basic Life Support
- Other credentialing items, such as a skills checklist and health related documents, which will be specified by your Recruiter.
Our Hire Process
- We do qualify our clinicians to meet or exceed the minimum requirements of a travel or local assignment. If you are qualified, we may direct-hire you, reducing the time we can get you to work! When you reach out to a TRA Recruiter for more details, ensure your Vivian profile includes your most updated resume!

Trusted Resource Associates (TRA) Job ID #8257. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined.

Benefits
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Weekly pay
  • Holiday Pay
  • Referral bonus