ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

UVA Health

Surgical Assistant, Senior

Haymarket, VA

$41.54 - $67.46/hr

Certified Surgical First Assistant or RN First Assistant required or meet another Board-approved pathway (military training, DOL-registered apprenticeship, or applicable grandfathering criteria

UVA Health

Surgical Assistant, Senior

Manassas, VA

$41.54 - $67.46/hr

Graduate of a recognized first assist program with National Certification or RN required. Or, if a physician from another country and practicing in the United States as a First Assistant, this is ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

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 Jul 11, 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, 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 Reston, VA? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
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 July 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

Re-posted 25 days ago

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 ushering in a new era of healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Community Health, part of the world-class UVA Health academic health system, we are committed to caring for the whole person by building meaningful connections with our patients in the local setting of UVA Health's community hospitals, outpatient locations, and provider offices. By combining our team's talent and expertise, the breadth of capabilities across the entire UVA Health system, and our dedication to community wellness, we are bringing expert care close to home.
As a member of the UVA Community Health team, individuals contribute to patient care decisions, support advanced medical technologies, and experience the satisfaction of 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

The base compensation range for this role is $40.44- $66.96 hourly
Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Please note that the pay range does not include any applicable incentive compensation programs such as shift differentials, clinical ladders, and other incentives that may be available for those in eligible positions.

Apply