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Rn First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrana Health, Inc.

RN First Assist

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

$135 - $177/hr

RN First Assist Department: 7420-Surgery & Recovery Employment Type: Full Time Location: 14662 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 ("HOSPITAL") Reporting To: Glenda Luce Compensation: $65.00 - $85.00 ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 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.
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Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,806 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

TNAA TotalMed RN

Rochester, NY • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Rochester, New York.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/21/2026
  • Duration: 17 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

❤️ Travel CVOR RNFA | Rochester, NY ❤️
1487983

Join a premier cardiac surgery team in Rochester, New York! We're seeking an experienced CVOR RN First Assist with strong cardiac skills and vein harvesting experience for a rewarding travel opportunity.

✅ Required Qualifications

Active New York RN License
ACLS (AHA)
BLS (AHA)
CNOR Certification
Minimum 2 years of Cardiac RNFA experience
Ability to independently perform vein harvesting for CABG procedures
Ability to assist with chest exposure and closure

🏥 Position Highlights

Work with a high-acuity cardiac surgical team
Telemetry experience required
Exposure to advanced cardiac and heart failure procedures
Heart transplant program on-site

🔬 Preferred Experience

First assisting in Da Vinci robotic cardiac procedures
Scrubbing and circulating complex cardiac cases
Heart transplant experience
Experience with:
CABG procedures
Bentall procedures
Structural heart cases
Mini Aortic Valve Replacements
Impella and advanced heart failure cases

🫀 Clinical Expertise Needed

Cardiac First Assist
Chest exposure and closure
Endoscopic/open vein harvesting
Complex cardiac surgical procedures
Advanced cardiac patient care

📩 Ready for your next cardiac travel assignment?

Apply today!

Job ID 1487983 Required Qualifications Active New York RN License ACLS (AHA) BLS (AHA) CNOR Certification Minimum 2 years of Cardiac RNFA experience Ability to independently perform vein harvesting for CABG procedures Ability to assist with chest exposure and closure

About TNAA TotalMed RN

TotalMed is a Top Ten, travel nursing and healthcare staffing agency with the mission of igniting purpose in healthcare. The organization staffs nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other clinicians of all specialties in all 50 states. They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both facilities and patients. As an organization, they focus on putting highly-skilled staff into facilities to ensure adequate staffing for a better patient experience.


TotalMed specializes in recruiting and placing healthcare professionals in travel, PRN, and permanent positions across the country in Nursing and Allied Health. Throughout 2020, the organization filled roles at even the most short-staffed facilities during the most challenging time in healthcare. By matching the right travel healthcare professional with the right organization, TotalMed continues to offer a lifeline to facilities and their patients.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness and fitness programs
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Benefits start day 1
Travel Nurse Across America logo

About Travel Nurse Across America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) is a leading healthcare staffing firm headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. Their primary focus lies within the healthcare industry, specializing in providing travel nurses for medical facilities across the country. Founded in 1999, TNAA has thrived over the years by maintaining an unwavering dedication to quality service, reliability, and personalized care for both the clients and the teams they contract. Their mission is driven by their commitment to improve the lives of the patients they serve by ensuring they're provided with the most highly skilled, caring, and dedicated healthcare professionals.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

North Little Rock, AR, US

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