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Rn First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview The role of the RN First Assistant to the surgeon requires the performance of a combination or nursing and medical functions. The RNFA practices advanced surgical assisting skills such as ...

The role of the RN First Assistant to the surgeon requires the performance of a combination or nursing and medical functions. The RNFA practices advanced surgical assisting skills such as providing ...

RN First Assistant

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$53.60/hr

Overview The role of the RN First Assistant to the surgeon requires the performance of a combination or nursing and medical functions. The RNFA practices advanced surgical assisting skills such as ...

RN - First Assistant (RNFA) The RN First Assistant carries out functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe surgical procedure with optimum results for the patient. The RN First ...

Details Client Name Bronson Methodist Hospital Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty First Assistant (RNFA) Job ID 36531618 Job Title RN - First Assistant (RNFA) Weekly Pay $3566.0 ...

Registered Nurse Specialty: RN First Assist Duration: 13 weeks Shift: 07:00 AM - 05:30 PM Hours per Shift: 10 hours Experience: Minimum 5 years of diversified perioperative nursing experience with ...

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Rn First Assistant information

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$35.5K

$106.8K

$185K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for rn first assistant in the United States is $106,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

More about Rn First Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Rn First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Rn First Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Rn First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Rn First Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rn First Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rn First Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,806 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
RN First Assistant

RN First Assistant

AHMC Healthcare

Anaheim, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago


AHMC Healthcare rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

The role of the RN First Assistant to the surgeon requires the performance of a combination or nursing and medical functions. The RNFA practices advanced surgical assisting skills such as providing exposure, tissue handling, suturing, providing hemostasis, and using surgical instruments. The RNFA is involved in all aspects of pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative patient care within the scope of the privileges approved by the Medical Center. The RNFA participates in the daily activities of the department as an active team member and assists in any other capacity according to established procedures.

  • This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the mission of AHMC Anaheim Regional Medical Center. The employee will also be expected to support all organizational expectations including, but not limited to; Customer Service, Patient's Rights, Confidentiality of Information, Environment of Care and Anaheim Regional Medical Center initiatives. Registered Nurse First Assistants must abide by the Principles of Medical Ethics of the American Medical Association, or any other appropriate Code of Ethics consistent with the laws of the United States and the State of California.
Qualifications

Minimum of 3-5 years of diversified OR experience.

             Proficiency in perioperative nursing practice as both a scrub and circulating nurse.Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and operative technique related to the operativeprocedures in which the RN assists.Ability to demonstrate skill in                         behaviors unique to the RN first assistant (as defined)

             Meets requirements of statutes, regulations and institutional policies relevant to RN First Assistants.

             Successful completion of an RNFA program and internship that meet the "AORN recommended education standards for RN first assistant programs."

Employment Type: OTHER

What AHMC Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About AHMC Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Caring for you and your loved ones is our top priority. We encourage our patients to be involved in the care process, and to communicate with our staff about their experience. From our admitting staff, to nurses, patient experience managers, and administration - we're here because we care. Physicians and facility staff are dedicated to achieving the highest level of clinical excellence. AHMC Healthcare hospitals have advanced diagnostics tools such as the MRI GE Signa HDxt1.5TMR system and the Toshiba Aquilon 128-slice CT scanner. Anaheim Regional Medical Center's Heart Center has the second largest volume of open heart surgeries in Orange County. Members of our Nursing staff have been recognized at the Hospital Heroes Awards and the SeniorServ Senior Care Hero Awards. Whichever AHMC Healthcare hospital you choose, you will be choosing a facility dedicated to delivering quality service and care.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alhambra, CA, US

Year founded

2004

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