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Rn Surgical First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seven Healthcare

Surgical First Assistant

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$2.7K/wk

Surgical First Assistant Surgical First Assistant - Travel Location: Oak Lawn, IL Pay: $2728.80 ... Nurse Company 2024 by BluePipes. We offer competitive compensation, personalized support, and ...

UCHealth

RN Surgical First Assistant

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$45.05 - $69.82/hr

PVH Operating Room - This position will support ortho, spine, robotics, and plastic surgery. Work ... Completion of a nationally recognized RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) program, including ...

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

As of Sep 9, 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.

First Assistant - Surgery

Covington, LA • On-site

St. Tammany Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about St. Tammany Health Systemexternal

Other

Posted 5 days ago

St. Tammany Health System rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At St. Tammany Health System, delivering world-class healthcare close to home is our goal. That means we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best professionals for every position in our health system.
We believe the pristine beauty of St. Tammany Parish adds to our attractive compensation package. The health system is nestled in the heart of Covington on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is a peaceful, scenic, community-oriented area with an abundance of amenities to suit every taste.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Work Shift: Mid position - Monday through Friday 10:30 am to 7 pm. Call is required.
Summary of the Job:
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 team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The First Assistant practices perioperative practice and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice. The First Assistant practices in collaboration with and at the direction of the surgeon during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience.
The Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. This role will vary considerably with the surgical operation and specialty. Clinical skills performed under direct supervision of the surgeon may include the following: positioning the patient, preparing the skin, providing visualization of the operative site, utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis, utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes, assisting with selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings and providing assistance in securing drainage system to tissue.
If this employee has a formal background as a RN, this employee will function as a First Assistant or Circulator according to the needs of the department/ staffing assignment.
If this employee has a formal background as a Surgical Technologist, this employee will function as a First Assistant or a Surgical Technologist according to the needs of the department/ staffing assignment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Certification as a Surgical First Assistant from an accredited certifying agency; Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing and/or School of Surgical Technology; Current registered nurse licensure in LA, if formal RN background; Current BLS certification through any International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) provided courses such as but not limited to: Ochsner Health System, American Heart Association, and American Red Cross. The ILCOR course must include a manikin check off.
The Surgical First Assistant must be available in-house within 30 minutes when on call.
Preferred Qualifications:
CNOR; Two years perioperative services experience.
Physical Demands:
Must possess good physical health. Some requirements include but are not limited to standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Lifting at least 50 pounds is required. Must be able to work with a moderate level of noise.
Physical Effort required:
Constant (67%-100%) - reaching, handling/feeling, talking, hearing, seeing
Frequently (34%-66%)- lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, balancing
Occasionally (1%-33%)- stooping, crouching, crawling
EMPLOYMENT
Each St. Tammany Health System staff member is expected to conduct himself or herself according to our mission, vision and values. Please take time to review those expectations, which can be found by clicking here, before applying for employment. If you feel you are unable to demonstrate those characteristics, we respectfully request that you do not proceed with the application process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
St. Tammany Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Tammany Health System is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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