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

LifeCenter Northwest

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$99K - $148K/yr

First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST. LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic ...

Trustaff

Travel Nurse RN - Labor and Delivery

Burien, WA · On-site

You'll monitor mother and baby before, during, and after birth and assist throughout the process ... Labor & Delivery About Trustaff Our nurse-first attitude has set us apart from other travel nursing ...

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All JobsRn First JobsRn First Assistant JobsRn First Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA

Rn First Assistant information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$40.4K

$121.5K

$210.5K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in Seattle, WA is $121,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $147,400.00 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 Seattle, WA? For Rn First Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,548 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

TNAA

Issaquah, WA

$57.50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a Travel OR RN for a great Travel nursing job in Issaquah, WA.

This OR Travel nursing job pays for 40 hours a week for 13 weeks. With Wanderly you can compare Travel nurse salary from leading Travel nurse agencies in the United States.

With Wanderly you can chat and apply to any agency with Wanderly’s Universal Application, below are the details of this Travel Nursing Job including the Travel nurse salary:

  • Specialty: OR RN
  • Travel Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse : Issaquah, WA
  • Travel Nurse Salary: $2300/Week
  • Start Date: August 12, 2026
  • Travel Nursing Job Assignment Length: 13 weeks
  • Travel Nurse Hours: 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, Rotating

We're looking for Operating Room RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in Issaquah, WA. 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, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients, as well as providing pre- and post-surgery care and education to the patient. Circulating OR Nurses work within the operating suite but outside of the sterile field; Scrub OR Nurses handle and prepare operating instruments and equipment within the sterile field. Surgery responsibilities may include preparing instruments for specific surgical procedures, monitoring and observing the patient during surgery, and responding to potential complications alongside the physician.
As an OR Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Provide basic bedside care.
  • Prepare, administer and record prescribed medication, reporting any adverse reactions to treatment.
  • Serve as the communication liaison between patients' family members and members of the operating team.
  • Ensure that the correct procedure(s) is being performed on the correct patient.
  • Initiate patient education plan as prescribed by physician; teach patients and families how to manage medication and home care needs.
Additional duties for Circulating OR Nurses may include:
  • Responding to comfort and safety needs of patient.
  • Accurate care and handling of specimens.
  • Monitoring equipment used during surgery.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for Scrub OR Nurses may include:
  • Selection and handling of surgical instruments and supplies during procedures.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include:
  • Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care.
  • Help control bleeding.
  • Suture patients following surgery.
OR Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, as well as bend, lean and stoop without difficulty. RNs should be able to easily lift 20 pounds. Moving or lifting of patients may require lifting of up to 50 pounds at times. RNs may face hazards from exposure to certain chemicals or infectious diseases in the operating room environment.
Requirements*: BLS, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

PK-1459595

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