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

Travel Med Surg RN

Henderson, NC · On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/wk

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Henderson, North ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

Travel Med Surg RN

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Float Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Raleigh ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

New

Travel Med Surg / Tele RN

Oxford, NC · On-site

$1.8K - $2.4K/wk

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg / Telemetry for a travel nursing job in ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

New

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Raleigh, North ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

New

Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Raleigh, North ... They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both ...

New

TRS Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Oxford, North Carolina. & Requirements * Specialty: Med Surg * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Physician Assistant - Thoracic Surgery, APP Robotic

Duke Health

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 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.

Duke Health Integrated Practice

Duke Health Integrated Practice comprises more than 110 primary and specialty outpatient clinics, extending the reach of the Duke Health mission across the state of North Carolina.


Job Location

(Duke Medical Pavillion, Duke North OR, and South Clinic Durham, NC)

Job Summary

We are seeking a Physician Assistant to join Duke's Cardiothoracic Surgery team as part of a premier robotic thoracic surgery group. The role would serve as a primary robotic first assistant on general thoracic surgery cases; including anterior mediastinum, foregut, and lung resections. The role will also include responsibilities such as managing robotic APP coverage, clinical instruction, and research.

One day per week will include providing APP coverage in the multidisciplinary benign esophageal outpatient clinic.

Desired Experience:

  • Minimally invasive surgery experience
  • Robotic PA experience
  • Prefer thoracic surgery experience
  • General surgery experience

Job Hours

Monday-Friday, day shift, with flexibility to meet clinic and OR coverage needs. There are no on-call requirements for this role.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

  • Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases
  • Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage.
  • Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to assist physician in diagnosing medical and surgical problems and prescribing necessary treatment and services for quality patient care; record the normal and abnormal data for review by the physician.
  • Take patient histories, conduct physical examinations, and record in the patient's record; write progress notes; prepare patient workups and summaries noting pertinent positive and negative findings; obtain psychosocial history relevant to patient care, and assume responsibility for developing therapeutic relationships with patients.
  • Order and schedule laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures; explain necessity, preparation, nature and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patient.
  • Triage outpatient phone calls and coordinate all necessary efforts in support of direct patient care. Communicate with family members regarding patient care and concerns; provide patient care support and follow up to ensure patient care is coordinated/communicated effectively; provide clinical instruction and oversight to nursing staff. Ensure appropriate communication with all referring physicians. Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of care to outpatient coverage.
  • Initiate referrals to other healthcare providers, and/or consults with the attending physician(s) or the collaborating physician.
  • Provide timely documentation in the electronic medical record of all relevant data including results of diagnostic tests; laboratory results; patients' condition and response to therapies/interventions; communications with physician colleagues and other healthcare providers.
  • Review outside records including clinic notes, hospital records, imaging, lab, and other test results
  • Analyze clinical practice patterns to provide the best medical care and to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Participate in basic science and clinical research projects conducted by supervising physician. Participate in teaching students and residents when requested in clinic.
  • Attend the monthly multidisciplinary conference and participate in patient follow-up from that.
  • Regularly monitor and respond to patient and provider mychart messages, including cross coverage when necessary of the Esophageal Center at Duke Pool
  • Attendance at Surgery Grand Rounds and participation in other divisional educational events is encouraged.

Minimum Job Eligibility Requirements

Education

  • Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. A Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.

Certification

  • BLS required.

License

  • Must be licensed in the state of NC, and be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

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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