The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients. * The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative ...
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients. * The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative ...
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients. * The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative ...
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients. * The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative ...
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients. * The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative ...
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients. * The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative ...
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients. * The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative ...
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients. * The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative ...
Overview The Clinical Nurse, First Assist (RNFA) is responsible for perioperative nursing duties and functions as a scrub, circulator or RN First Assist. Assists the operating surgeon during the ...
Overview The Clinical Nurse, First Assist (RNFA) is responsible for perioperative nursing duties and functions as a scrub, circulator or RN First Assist. Assists the operating surgeon during the ...
Overview Responsible for perioperative nursing duties and functions as a scrub, circulator or RN First Assist. Assists the operating surgeon during the operative procedure and provides comprehensive ...
Overview Responsible for perioperative nursing duties and functions as a scrub, circulator or RN First Assist. Assists the operating surgeon during the operative procedure and provides comprehensive ...
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist
Cary, NC · On-site
TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Cary, North Carolina. & Requirements * Specialty: First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/24/2026
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist
Cary, NC · On-site
TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Cary, North Carolina. & Requirements * Specialty: First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/24/2026
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist
Cary, NC · On-site
First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Requirements*: BLS, 2 Years * Additional certifications may be required before ...
New
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist
Cary, NC · On-site
First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Requirements*: BLS, 2 Years * Additional certifications may be required before ...
New
Travel Medical-Surgical RN
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
$1.5K - $1.6K/wk
Specialty: Med Surg * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours * Employment Type: Travel RN - Surgical, Neurology | Chapel Hill, NC ...
Travel Medical-Surgical RN
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
$1.5K - $1.6K/wk
Specialty: Med Surg * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours * Employment Type: Travel RN - Surgical, Neurology | Chapel Hill, NC ...
Travel Med Surg Tele RN
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
$1.6K - $1.7K/wk
Travel RN - Surgical, Neurology | Chapel Hill, NC | Contract Quick Look * Weekly Gross Pay: $1,640 - $1,726 * Shift: Nights, 12 Hours * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks GLC is hiring: RN ...
Travel Med Surg Tele RN
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
$1.6K - $1.7K/wk
Travel RN - Surgical, Neurology | Chapel Hill, NC | Contract Quick Look * Weekly Gross Pay: $1,640 - $1,726 * Shift: Nights, 12 Hours * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks GLC is hiring: RN ...
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist
Cary, NC · On-site
First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Travel Nursing: Registered Nurse First Assistant Cary, NC ...
Travel Nurse RN - First Assist
Cary, NC · On-site
First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Travel Nursing: Registered Nurse First Assistant Cary, NC ...
Travel Med Surg Tele RN - $1,726 per week
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
$1.7K/wk
Travel RN - Surgical, Neurology | Chapel Hill, NC | Contract Quick Look * Weekly Gross Pay: $1,640 - $1,726 * Shift: Nights, 12 Hours * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks GLC is hiring: RN ...
Travel Med Surg Tele RN - $1,726 per week
Chapel Hill, NC · On-site
$1.7K/wk
Travel RN - Surgical, Neurology | Chapel Hill, NC | Contract Quick Look * Weekly Gross Pay: $1,640 - $1,726 * Shift: Nights, 12 Hours * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks GLC is hiring: RN ...
Registered Nurse (RN) | Registered Nurse First Assistant Location: Cary, NC Agency: Triage Staffing Pay: $2,929 per week Shift Information: Days - 4 days x 10 hours Contract Duration: 13 Weeks Start ...
Registered Nurse (RN) | Registered Nurse First Assistant Location: Cary, NC Agency: Triage Staffing Pay: $2,929 per week Shift Information: Days - 4 days x 10 hours Contract Duration: 13 Weeks Start ...
Registered Nurse (RN) - Surgical Oncology Work Arrangement: Regular or Temporary: Regular Location ... Delegate tasks and supervise the activities of other licensed and unlicensed care providers. Assist ...
Registered Nurse (RN) - Surgical Oncology Work Arrangement: Regular or Temporary: Regular Location ... Delegate tasks and supervise the activities of other licensed and unlicensed care providers. Assist ...
First Assistant, Certified
Henderson, NC · On-site
How you'll contribute A Certified Surgical Tech (CST) - First Assistant who excels in this role: * Positions patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment when ...
First Assistant, Certified
Henderson, NC · On-site
How you'll contribute A Certified Surgical Tech (CST) - First Assistant who excels in this role: * Positions patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment when ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases ... Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of ...
Rn Surgical First Assistant information
See Raleigh, NC salary details
$12.03 - $16.04
21% of jobs
$16.48 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.04 - $20.04
36% of jobs
$23.88 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$20.04 - $24.05
19% of jobs
$24.05 - $28.05
8% of jobs
$28.05 - $32.05
4% of jobs
$32.05 - $36.06
3% of jobs
$36.06 - $40.06
2% of jobs
$40.06 - $44.07
3% of jobs
$44.07 - $48.07
1% of jobs
$48.07 - $52.08
1% of jobs
$52.08 - $56.08
1% of jobs
$12
$24
$56
How much do rn surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?
What is the difference between Rn Surgical First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?
| Aspect | Rn Surgical First Assistant | Surgical Technologist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | RN license, Surgical First Assistant certification | Post-secondary education, Surgical Technologist certification |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, surgical centers, assisting during surgeries | Operating rooms, preparing surgical instruments, assisting surgical team |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Hospitals, surgical clinics, healthcare facilities | Hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics |
The main difference is that Rn Surgical First Assistants are licensed registered nurses with specialized certification, actively assisting surgeons during procedures. Surgical Technologists support the surgical team by preparing instruments and maintaining sterile environments but do not perform direct patient care or assist during surgery at the same level. Both roles are vital in surgical settings but differ in scope, credentials, and responsibilities.
What are some common challenges faced by RN Surgical First Assistants during surgical procedures?
Is it worth it to become an RN Surgical First Assistant?
What is an RN Surgical First Assistant?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RN Surgical First Assistant, and why are they important?

Duke Health rating
7.3
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Job description
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
Occ Summary
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) will support the continuity of care for Perioperative patients.
The scope of practice includes preoperative patient care management, intraoperative surgical first assisting, and postoperative patient care management.
The role will help expedite surgical productivity, support the education of surgical residents, 2nd assist where needed, and first assist the Surgeons when surgical Residents are not available.
The CSFA will provide patient care for all ages and provide leadership and direction to the perioperative team where needed.
The CSFA in surgery collaborates with the surgeon and the health care team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient.
The CSFA practices in collaboration with and at the surgeon's direction during the intra- operative experience.
Work Performed
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) possesses and demonstrates competencies related to all aspects of perioperative care, including preoperative review of patient history and physical, preoperative tests results, and postoperative transfer of care and monitoring for complications.
The CSFA serves as the first assistant in designated surgical procedures under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon/physician; handles all variety of tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury or compromised blood supply; uses surgical instruments properly, employs principles of safe tissue handling:
Provides exposure to the operative site
Provides and maintains hemostasis
Performs wound closure
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of normal and pathological anatomy and physiology
Safely positions patients for the surgical procedure and assists with transport to and from the operative suite
Assists surgeon in identifying patient and staff safety hazards
Surgical prepping and draping of patients for the surgical procedure
Provides exposure of the operative site by the appropriate use of retractors
Manipulates equipment and instruments to enhance the visual field
Suctions and sponges to maintain a dry surgical field resulting in an optimal visualization of the surgical field
Provides counter-traction of tissue utilizing various instruments
Assists with maintaining hemostasis to reduce potential for fluid volume deficits by clamping/ligating vessels, using electrocautery to tissue, applying manual direct pressure, assisting with use of pharmaceutical agents (e.g. topical thrombin) and other means as directed by the surgeon/physician
Ties and cuts sutures
Skillfully sutures all varieties of tissues/tissue planes with appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques
Assists in closure of wound or independentlycloses wound under the direction of the surgeon
Assists and independently applies dressing and tape at the end of the surgical procedure using proper aseptic/sterile techniques
Maintains current knowledge of procedures performed
The Certified Surgical First Assistant may take a scrub role when not needed as a first assistant.
Other Considerations:
Scope of position does not include dissection down to the area to be repaired, replaced, etc., which is done by the surgeon.
The CSFA may share a single surgical site with the surgeon being assisted and may not independently perform a procedure on an opposite site except subcutaneous tissue and skin closure.
Placing a screw or manipulating a tool when manipulation and positioning of hardware must beheld in such a specific position that the maneuver can only be accomplished by the orthopedic surgeon.
All prosthetic placements, use of tools (drills, saws, etc.) and measurement to determine prosthetic size is performed by the orthopedic surgeon.
The CSFA may prepare a tendon for grafting with the surgeon harvesting the tendon for grafting.
Robotic Cases
The CSFA will follow the Guideline Statement for the Surgical Assistant in Robotic Surgery from the Association of Surgical Assistant (ASA) and maintain defined competencies: https://www.surgicalassistant.org/assets/docs/Guidelines_Surgical_Roboti cs.pdf
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
CSFA must have sound clinical knowledge of technology and treatment applications; must also possess skills to educate/train staff and complies with AORN education standards for the CSFA; and a demonstrated knowledge of the surgeries in which the CSFA participates.
Must have sound clinical OR skills (scrubbing) and have excellent interpersonal skills and organizational capability.
Level Characteristics
N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Graduates from a CSA/CFA program from:
Commission on Accreditation of allied health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)/SA-C,
National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) or CCI Institute/ CRNFA
Associate of Science in Surgical Technology preferred.
Experience
3 years of experience as a Surgical Technologist.
Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA)
BLS certification from American Heart Association required
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
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