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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 Jul 10, 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 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.
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Rn First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn First Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,806 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) - First Assist

Tenet Desert

Palm Springs, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Tenet Desert is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) First Assist for a nursing job in Palm Springs, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours
  • Employment Type: Staff

Up to $25,000 Sign-On bonus for experienced Registered Nurse / RN

Shift: Days

Job type: Full Time

Hours:

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative nurse who may function as an assistant to the surgeon in the operating room during surgical procedures. The RNFA performs first assistant behaviors according to standardized hospital policies. In addition to first assisting, responsibilities may include circulating, scrubbing and other duties as assigned.

  • Maintains clinical competence by assisting on surgical procedures
  • Participates in the call rotation
  • Participate in preoperative assessment and planning for selected surgical patients
  • Recognize safety hazards and initiate appropriate preventative and corrective actions
  • Provide exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging
  • Handle and dissect tissues in collaboration with the surgeon
  • Clamp blood vessels, coagulate bleeding points, ligate vessels, and perform other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon
  • Suture muscle, fascia, subcutaneous, and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon
  • Place drains as surgically indicated

Required:

OR/ RNFA experience strongly required  


•    Graduate of an approved school of Nursing, and posses a current California RN license
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited school
•    Certified as a perioperative nurse (CNOR) required or Certified Advance Practice Registered Nurse APRN and/or NP.
•    Completion of an approved/accredited RNFA course, including the completion of the required internship hours 
•    Proficient in perioperative nursing practice as both scrub and circulating nurse with diversified operating room experience.
•    Current American Heart Association BLS Certification (maintain current at all times) 

#LI-JS4

Tenet Desert Job ID #2603002502. Posted job title: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) - Surgery

Benefits
  • Sign-On bonus

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