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Rn First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

RN First Assistant

OH · On-site

$38 - $58/hr

Description Position Summary The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) ...

Care Career

RN - First Assistant (RNFA)

North Adams, MA · On-site

RN - First Assistant (RNFA) Shift Details: 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM Shifts Per Week: 5 Scheduled Hours: 40 Start Date: 11/10/2025 End Date: 02/09/2026 Duration: 13 Week(s) Float Required: No Call Required:

Care Career

Travel RN First Assistant

Lakeport, CA

Care Career is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Lakeport, California. & Requirements * Specialty: First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 07/13/2026 * Duration ...

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

RN First Assistant

OH · On-site

$38 - $58/hr

Description Position Summary The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) ...

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$35.5K

$106.8K

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How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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:
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Rn First Assistant jobs near you
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.

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Care Career

Lenexa, KS

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Care Career is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

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 Assistant practices perioperative nursing, functions directly under the supervision of the surgeon during the surgical procedure, and does not function simultaneously as the scrub nurse.

Care Career Job ID #36539295. Pay package is based on 10 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN First Assistant (RNFA)

About Care Career

Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading healthcare staffing organizations, each delivering specialized talent solutions across the industry. Wherever you want to go, We Make It Happen.

With travel nursing jobs across the country, you can discover the possibilities that create the lifestyle and financial position that you have dreamed of.

Care Career is a modern, transparent staffing firm creating the ultimate community of US.


Benefits
  • Referral bonus
  • Weekly pay
  • Medical benefits
  • Continuing Education
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits

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