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Rn Surgical First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LifeCenter Northwest

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, ID · On-site

$99K - $148K/yr

First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST. LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic ...

Mission Hospital

Surgical First Assist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues ...

St. Tammany Parish Hospital

The Surgical First Assistant can have a formal background as a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Surgical Technologist (ST). The Surgical First Assistant collaborates with the surgeon and the healthcare ...

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Rn Surgical First Assistant information

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

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn surgical first assistant in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

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 procedures, as it involves advanced skills like tissue handling and assisting during surgeries. It often requires additional certification and training, leading to higher earning potential and specialized roles in surgical teams. However, it also involves a significant time and financial investment in education and certification.
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Rn Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rn Surgical 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 $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, ID • On-site

LifeCenter Northwest
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about LifeCenter Northwestexternal

$99K - $148K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate process necessary to make the gift of life through organ donation happen. The SFA brings essential equipment for surgery, and scrubs into surgery directly assisting our remarkable Surgical Organ Recovery Specialists. After surgery, the SFA helps deliver organs such as the kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, lungs, and bowel in a chain of handoffs to the transplant recipient.

  • Comprehensive anatomy training
  • Surgical first assist, including sharp dissection
  • Vascular dissection for cannulation of kidneys placed on perfusion devices
  • Renal Pulsatile perfusion
  • How to independently recover research thoracic and abdominal organs
  • Independent recovery of heart for valve tissue processing
  • Logistics around organ recovery and transplantation
This position has 3 career levels, with increased knowledge required at each level. We hire at all levels commiserate with relevant experience. Those with more experience can advance the levels faster while meeting the goals of each level. Applicants with all levels of experience are encouraged to apply.
What you will do:
  • Work a 24-hour on-call schedule
  • Travel by personal automobile, commercial and chartered aircraft throughout LifeCenter's donation service area which includes Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington
  • Provide rapid on-site response
  • Acts as Surgical First Assist to the Surgical Organ Recovery Specialist, or visiting surgeon
  • Responsible for renal pulsatile perfusion of suitable kidneys for optimal transplantation outcomes.
  • Trained to independently recover organs for research and heart for valve processing
  • Preservation and packaging of organs for optimal transplantation outcomes
  • Document case data and complete recovery documentation within assigned timeframe.
  • Ensures effective communication and strong collaboration with hospital personnel, physicians, related donation agencies, transplant centers, and other LifeCenter staff.
  • Assist thoracic recovery teams with recovery perfusion and packaging
What you need:
  • Previous Operating Room (O.R.) experience
  • Certification or relevant surgical training
  • Hands on experience with tissue manipulation, sharp and blunt dissection skills, tying and suturing skills
  • The ability to meet schedule and travel requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds with or without assistance
  • Knowledge of anatomy and aseptic technique
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or applicable medical or religious exemption will be required as a condition of employment upon offer. For those that need to complete the vaccination series, start dates will be adjusted.
Who we want:
  • Someone who shares our values:Integrity, Collaboration, Service, and Courage
  • Surgical First Assist experience

Experience that translates well into this role: The Organ Procurement Industry is unique, but generally we find that people with experience in the following industries can be successful in this position:
First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST.
LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and travel accident insurance. Employees have the option of enrolling in the following supplemental or voluntary plans: life insurance, short-term disability, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage and pet insurance. Employees enrolled in our 403(b) program will receive an employer match of up to 7% after one year, employees are auto enrolled at 3% and may change their enrollment at any time. LifeCenter encourages all employees to find balance and well-being and provides all employees access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and provides a quarterly Wellness Reimbursement. Employees enjoy paid holidays throughout the calendar year and earn 119 hours of PTO annually (to start) as well as Health Time Off hours that is earned 1 hour per 30 worked, paid living donor leave, two weeks paid jury duty leave after 6 months of service, and three weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service is complete. A comprehensive review of benefits can be found at https://lcnw.org/about/employment-opportunities/.
PAY RANGE
SFA I: $91,429 - $132,608 Salary
SFA II: $94,560 - $141,840 Salary
SFA III: $99,200 - $148,800 Salary
The pay range for this role is provided above. Where a candidate's compensation falls within this range is based on several bona fide factors such as experience, tenure, and other specialized knowledge. LifeCenter Northwest is committed to providing its employees equitable and competitive compensation.
This position is eligible for additional compensation to the base pay rate, in the form of Extra Call Pay, Extra Call Worked, Overnight Differential and Holiday Stipend Pay.
LifeCenter Northwest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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