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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN - $2,653 per week

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.6K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

New

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN - Neuro

Mason City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

New

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

Access Dubuque

RN-Surgery

Dubuque, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

From preparing the operating room to advocating for patients throughout their surgical experience ... Assistant Men's Volleyball Coach Loras College Budget & Financial Analyst Q Casino + Resort ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsSurgical First JobsSurgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Surgical First Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$35

$71

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Iowa is $35.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.22 and $39.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized surgical fields can also influence earning potential.

How does a surgical first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other members of the surgical team during procedures?

A Surgical First Assistant works closely with the lead surgeon and the entire operating room team to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. Their responsibilities include anticipating the surgeon’s needs, providing technical support such as tissue retraction, suction, and suturing, and maintaining clear communication throughout the surgery. Collaboration requires adaptability, quick decision-making, and a thorough understanding of surgical protocols. Effective teamwork is vital, as the assistant helps maintain sterile fields, manages instruments, and supports patient safety at every stage of the operation.

What is a surgical first assistant?

A Surgical First Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include providing exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the surgical field is maintained. They work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other operating room staff to help ensure surgeries are conducted safely and efficiently. Surgical First Assistants may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or other certified professionals who have completed additional specialized training.

How do you become a surgical first assistant?

You can become a Surgical First Assistant by first getting certified as a Surgical Technologist. You can then pursue the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential to enhance your learning process as well as your professional profile. The minimum education requirement for this job is an associate degree, but some employers will prefer a bachelor’s degree prior to your certification. At your earliest opportunity, you should begin working in a medical environment, such as a hospital or clinic.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical first assistant?

To become a surgical first assistant, candidates typically need to have a healthcare background such as a registered nurse, surgical technologist, or physician assistant, along with specialized training in surgical assisting. Certification through organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the American Association of Surgical Assistants (AASA) is often required or preferred. Additionally, strong knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical first assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical First Assistant, you need in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, sterile techniques, and typically a certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent. Familiarity with surgical instruments, advanced suturing techniques, and operating room technology is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate surgeons’ needs are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and optimal support for surgeons during procedures.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during operations, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical procedures. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in hospitals or surgical centers. The role demands strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

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

AspectSurgical First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), surgical assisting certificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical tech certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons during procedures, work closely in the operating roomPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Surgical First Assistant and Surgical Technologist roles both operate in the operating room environment but differ significantly. Surgical First Assistants actively assist surgeons during procedures, requiring advanced certifications like CSFA. Surgical Technologists prepare the OR and support the surgical team but do not directly assist during surgery. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Surgical First Assistant jobs

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,559 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Travel OR RN - Orthopedics/Spine - $2,301 per week

TNAA TotalMed RN

Davenport, IA • On-site

$2.3K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Davenport, Iowa.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

We're looking for Operating Room RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in Davenport, IA. The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements.
As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients, as well as providing pre- and post-surgery care and education to the patient. Circulating OR Nurses work within the operating suite but outside of the sterile field; Scrub OR Nurses handle and prepare operating instruments and equipment within the sterile field. Surgery responsibilities may include preparing instruments for specific surgical procedures, monitoring and observing the patient during surgery, and responding to potential complications alongside the physician.
As an OR Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Provide basic bedside care.
  • Prepare, administer and record prescribed medication, reporting any adverse reactions to treatment.
  • Serve as the communication liaison between patients' family members and members of the operating team.
  • Ensure that the correct procedure(s) is being performed on the correct patient.
  • Initiate patient education plan as prescribed by physician; teach patients and families how to manage medication and home care needs.
Additional duties for Circulating OR Nurses may include:
  • Responding to comfort and safety needs of patient.
  • Accurate care and handling of specimens.
  • Monitoring equipment used during surgery.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for Scrub OR Nurses may include:
  • Selection and handling of surgical instruments and supplies during procedures.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include:
  • Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care.
  • Help control bleeding.
  • Suture patients following surgery.
OR Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, as well as bend, lean and stoop without difficulty. RNs should be able to easily lift 20 pounds. Moving or lifting of patients may require lifting of up to 50 pounds at times. RNs may face hazards from exposure to certain chemicals or infectious diseases in the operating room environment.
Requirements*: BLS, NIH, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

TotalMed Travel Job ID #1473353. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Operating Room - OR RN - Travel Nurse

About TNAA TotalMed RN

TotalMed is a Top Ten, travel nursing and healthcare staffing agency with the mission of igniting purpose in healthcare. The organization staffs nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other clinicians of all specialties in all 50 states. They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both facilities and patients. As an organization, they focus on putting highly-skilled staff into facilities to ensure adequate staffing for a better patient experience.

TotalMed specializes in recruiting and placing healthcare professionals in travel, PRN, and permanent positions across the country in Nursing and Allied Health. Throughout 2020, the organization filled roles at even the most short-staffed facilities during the most challenging time in healthcare. By matching the right travel healthcare professional with the right organization, TotalMed continues to offer a lifeline to facilities and their patients.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness and fitness programs
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Benefits start day 1

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