ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rn First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mercy Hospital South

RN - Cardiovascular

RN First Assistant Job Title: RN First Assistant Profession: Registered Nurse Specialty: Cardiovascular Surgery Duration: 13 weeks Shift: Days, Monday - Friday Hours per Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM ...

Medlivo

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Clackamas, OR · On-site

Medlivo is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Clackamas, Oregon. & Requirements * Specialty: First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week

Astrana Health, Inc.

$65 - $85/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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHealthcare JobsNursing JobsSurgical Nurse JobsRn First Assistant Jobs

Rn First Assistant information

See salary details

$35.5K

$106.8K

$185K

How much do rn first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 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 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.
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:

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.

RN - Cardiovascular

Mercy Hospital South

Remote

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

RN First Assistant

Job Title: RN First Assistant

Profession: Registered Nurse

Specialty: Cardiovascular Surgery

Duration: 13 weeks

Shift: Days, Monday - Friday

Hours per Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Experience: Minimum 1 year in Cardiovascular Operating Room

License: Current Registered Nurse License in the state

Certifications: BLS and ACLS from AHA only

Must-Have Skills/Experience: 1 year CVOR experience

Description: The RN will utilize the nursing process in perioperative practice. A thorough assessment of the patient's data will include physical, emotional, developmental, social, intellectual, cultural, and spiritual information. The assessment will be documented on the patient's record during the perioperative phase. The RN First Assistant will organize the patient data and identify Nursing Diagnosis, formulating a perioperative nursing care plan in collaboration with the RN circulator or other perioperative nurses. The RN First Assistant implements and coordinates the implementation of the care plan by performing nursing interventions and coordinating the nursing care throughout the patient's entire perioperative experience. A written plan of care is developed based on identified patient problems and needs. The RN First Assistant will continue to contribute to the patient's evaluation and care through discharge. The RN First Assistant will work in collaboration with other RNs in areas where their expertise can contribute to the patient's care planning and outcomes. The RN First Assistant supervises personnel team actions to promote readiness and timeliness for surgical procedures. The RN First Assistant is aware of the appearance of various tissues and structures as they become visible during dissection techniques. The RN First Assistant can anticipate expected locations of tissue planes, neurovascular bundles, and visceral structures. Understanding the physiological consequences associated with manipulation or destruction of normal anatomy is essential. For each surgical intervention within the RN First Assistant's experience and practice, they will have knowledge of the anatomy involved. They will demonstrate understanding of important nursing interventions related to the particular intervention such as positioning, skin prep, draping, special suture requirements, and special instrument and equipment needs. Identifying unique first assisting requirements is crucial. The RN First Assistant will plan for wound closure in collaboration with the surgeon. Planning for special postoperative needs for the patient is necessary. Determining methods of evaluating patient outcomes and documenting is required. The RN First Assistant will apply principles of asepsis and infection control. They will have advanced knowledge in principles of wound healing, wound classification, microbial transmission, and understanding microorganisms of surgical importance. The RN First Assistant will serve as a resource to other perioperative staff members. Proper OR attire must be worn at all times according to written policy. Staff members are expected to follow established procedures for surgical hand scrubbing. Strict adherence to principles of aseptic technique is mandatory. Understanding barriers to microbial transmission is essential. The RN First Assistant will monitor for breaks in aseptic technique. Recognizing normal body defenses and identifying risks and compromised defenses is crucial. Keeping current on practices and techniques in the above areas by reading reports, journals, and attending advanced educational offerings is expected. Universal precautions and infection control guidelines must be followed. The RN First Assistant will have a working knowledge of methods of providing wound exposure. Factors such as the operative procedure, stage of operation, physical characteristics of the patient, types of tissue, location of tissue, anatomy, pathophysiology, and fragility of the tissue will be considered when planning and implementing wound exposure techniques. The RN First Assistant will use manual and retraction instruments appropriately and properly. They will improve visualization of the site with proper and appropriate suctioning techniques to avoid tissue trauma or aspiration injury. Improving visualization with appropriate and proper sponging techniques is essential. The RN First Assistant will have a working knowledge of methods of providing hemostasis and will utilize various techniques appropriately and properly. They will implement manual hemostasis and use instruments for hemostasis, including clips and vascular devices. Chemical agents such as gelatin sponge, collagen sponge, and oxidized cellulose will also be utilized.

City: Saint Louis

State: MO

Benefits: We offer competitive benefits, including:

  • Medical, dental & vision insurance
  • Free and unlimited continuing education units (CEUs)
  • 24/7 dedicated Care Line and clinical liaison support
  • Personalized career consultant and "single point of contact" service
  • Industry‑leading pay rates, loyalty rewards & referral bonuses
  • Free tax return assistance for travelers
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term)
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave (where required by applicable state or local law)
  • Supplemental Insurance Plans
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career Growth and Professional Development Opportunities

Disclaimer: Benefits eligibility, accrual rates, and usage limits may vary based on employment status, length of service, and work location. Paid Sick Leave is provided in strict accordance with applicable state and municipal mandates. Cynet Health reserves the right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit plans at any time in accordance with applicable laws.

About Cynet Health: Cynet Health is a Joint Commission-accredited, Minority-Owned healthcare staffing agency headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, proudly serving healthcare facilities across the United States since its founding in 2010. As one of the nation's largest and fastest‑growing healthcare staffing firms in the nation, we staff thousands of nursing, allied health, locum tenens, pharmacy, therapy, direct‑hire, and non‑clinical professionals across hospitals, clinics, long‑term care facilities, labs and more. We're one of the most decorated staffing agencies in America-ranked a Top Travel Nursing Company by BluePipes, recognized among the fastest‑growing and most diverse staffing firms by Inc. 5000, Staffing Industry, WBJ and USPAACC-and remain deeply committed to excellence, inclusion, and community impact.

Job Board Disclaimer By applying for jobs on this website, you consent to receive daily messages from CYNET about assignments that match your profile. Email or text "HELP" for more info, or "STOP" to unsubscribe. Your mobile info will not be shared with third parties for marketing. Standard messaging and data rates may apply.

Apply