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Rn First Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Rn First Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$36.9K

$111.1K

$192.5K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Reston, VA is $111,116.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $134,700.00 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 and typically require specialized training and certification in surgical assisting. RNFAs help improve surgical efficiency and patient outcomes in operating rooms.

Do RNFA get paid more than RN?

Registered Nurse First Assistants (RNFAs) typically earn higher salaries than registered nurses (RNs) due to their specialized surgical assisting skills and additional training. The pay difference varies by location, experience, and healthcare facility, but RNFAs generally receive a premium for their advanced role in the operating room.

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 it worth it to become an RNFA?

An RN First Assistant (RNFA) is a registered nurse trained to assist surgeons during procedures, often requiring additional certification and experience. Becoming an RNFA can enhance career opportunities, increase earning potential, and provide a more advanced role in surgical teams. However, it involves additional training, certification, and a commitment to specialized skills.

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 serve as first assistants in surgical procedures if they have completed specialized training and certification in surgical assisting. However, state regulations and hospital policies vary, and additional credentials such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) may be required. RNs in this role typically work closely with surgeons and surgical teams, utilizing their nursing skills and knowledge of sterile techniques and anatomy.

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.
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,116 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper

Manassas, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Title Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)
Job Code: SS1703
Full-time
$15,000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates
ABOUT US
We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Community Health (UVACH), we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know - and making connections with - our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.
As a UVACH team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people's lives every day.
JOB TYPE
Classification: Non-Exempt
Supervises Positions: No
JOB SUMMARY
Description:
The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role to work collaboratively with the surgeon and the surgical team. The RNFA provides first-assist services during surgical procedures, performs perioperative nursing responsibilities, and ensures high-quality patient care throughout the surgical experience.
The RNFA practices under the RN scope of practice, Virginia Board of Nursing regulations, and facility policies, with documented RNFA training, competency, and surgeon delegation. This role integrates both circulating/scrub nursing responsibilities and technical first-assist duties.
Job Competencies:
First Assist Responsibilities
  • Provides first-assist duties including exposure, tissue handling, retraction, hemostasis, suturing, and wound management
  • Applies knowledge of instrumentation, anatomy, and sterile/aseptic technique
  • Independently scrubs and assists across specialties including, but not limited to Orthopedics, General, Robotics, Vascular, Gynecology, and Spine
  • Anticipates surgeon needs and ensures safe, efficient operative flow
  • Participates in preoperative planning with surgeons and the surgical team
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills appropriate to the age and needs of the patient

Perioperative RN Responsibilities
  • Performs circulating nurse duties according to Operating Room standards and policies
  • Prepares the operating room with supplies, instruments, and equipment needed for the scheduled procedure
  • Supports anesthesia providers and ensures safe patient positioning
  • Monitors compliance with aseptic technique and safety protocols
  • Engages in preadmission, preoperative, and postoperative RN duties as applicable to Outpatient Surgery (Outpatient Surgery Center, Preadmission, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)
  • Provides patient and family education regarding the perioperative process
  • Conducts nursing assessments and documents care in accordance with policy

Communication & Collaboration
  • Utilizes SBARQ and other structured communication tools
  • Coordinates patient care activities with physicians, anesthesia, surgical technologists, and perioperative staff
  • Maintains timely and accurate documentation
  • Communicates updates or issues to the leadership team and intra-operative staff

Patient Care & Advocacy
  • Acts as an advocate for patient rights, privacy, and dignity
  • Provides emotional support and individualized patient education
  • Develops and implements nursing plans of care tailored to patient needs
  • Ensures continuity of care across all perioperative phases

Quality, Safety & Competency
  • Follows departmental and organizational policies and guidelines.
  • Maintains, operates, and monitors equipment according to manufacturer and hospital standards.
  • Completes department-specific competency validation and ongoing training.
  • Participates in on-call rotation as assigned.

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required
  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing required
  • Completion of an accredited RNFA program required

Experience:
  • Minimum two years of perioperative RN experience required
  • Experience as an RNFA preferred

Licensure:
  • Current RN license in the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification required
  • RNFA certification or documented completion of RNFA program required
  • Refer to the Life Support Training policy for additional details

Additional Skills/Requirements Required:
  • Ability to independently scrub and first-assist across multiple specialties
  • Strong critical thinking, assessment, and decision-making abilities
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and patient education skills
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and respond effectively in emergencies

Must meet all competency validations for perioperative RN and RNFA duties.
Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demand Code: Nursing 20A / Medical Tech 17A
Work Function/Activity: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand
  • Constant standing, frequent walking, bending/stooping
  • Ability to lift/push/pull up to 100 lbs. with assistance (Safe Handling Equipment required >35 lbs.)
  • Requires strong visual, auditory, and verbal communication abilities
  • Frequent repetitive motions and ability to maintain attention to detail

OTHER
  • May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes
  • On call responsibilities as directed: Yes
  • Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

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