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Rn Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 ...

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 ...

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Rn Surgical First Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$24

$56

How much do rn surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn surgical first assistant in Raleigh, NC is $24.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $26.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Rn Surgical First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectRn Surgical First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsRN license, Surgical First Assistant certificationPost-secondary education, Surgical Technologist certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting during surgeriesOperating rooms, preparing surgical instruments, assisting surgical team
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, surgical clinics, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, 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?

RN Surgical First Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing situations in the operating room, maintaining precise communication with surgeons and the surgical team, and managing unexpected complications during procedures. Balancing the technical demands of assisting with instruments and maintaining patient safety protocols can be intense, especially in high-acuity or emergency cases. However, strong teamwork and ongoing learning opportunities help RN First Assistants develop resilience and expertise in overcoming these challenges.

Is it worth it to become an RN Surgical First Assistant?

Becoming an RN Surgical First Assistant can be a valuable career step for registered nurses interested in surgical support, as it offers specialized skills, increased responsibilities, and higher earning potential. It typically requires additional training, certification, and experience in the operating room environment, making it a worthwhile option for those seeking advanced roles in surgical settings.

What is an RN Surgical First Assistant?

An RN Surgical First Assistant is a registered nurse who has received specialized education and training to assist surgeons during operative procedures. Their role includes tasks such as handling tissue, using instruments, providing exposure at the surgical site, controlling bleeding, and suturing incisions. They collaborate closely with surgeons and the surgical team to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. RN Surgical First Assistants are essential in both routine and complex surgeries, and their responsibilities go beyond those of a typical operating room nurse.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RN Surgical First Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RN Surgical First Assistant, you need advanced knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and patient care, along with an active RN license and completion of a recognized RNFA program. Familiarity with operating room equipment, surgical instruments, and sterile technique is essential, and certification such as CNOR or CRNFA is highly valued. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication enable seamless collaboration with surgeons and surgical teams. These skills ensure patient safety, reduce surgical complications, and contribute to efficient, successful operations.
What are popular job titles related to Rn Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Rn Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rn Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Rn Surgical First Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Rn Surgical First Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,058 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Duke Health

Durham, NC

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Duke Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 254 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


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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