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Temporary Rn First Assist Jobs in Des Moines, IA

TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN - $2,653 per week

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.6K/wk

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Boone, IA · On-site

$66.65/hr

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 ...

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Temporary Rn First Assist information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

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How much do temporary rn first assist jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average weekly pay for temporary rn first assist in Des Moines, IA is $2,390.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,923.08 and $2,805.77 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Temporary RN First Assist?

A Temporary RN First Assist is a registered nurse who is specially trained to assist surgeons during operations and is hired for a limited period, often to fill in staffing gaps or meet increased demand. This role involves tasks such as providing direct assistance during surgical procedures, handling instruments, controlling bleeding, and suturing incisions. Although the position is temporary, a Temporary RN First Assist must have the same qualifications and certifications as a permanent RN First Assist, including advanced perioperative training. These professionals are commonly employed through staffing agencies or on short-term contracts at hospitals and surgical centers.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Temporary RN First Assist in a surgical setting?

A Temporary RN First Assist typically works alongside surgeons and operating room teams to provide direct support during surgical procedures. Daily responsibilities often include preparing the operating room, assisting with patient positioning, providing exposure and hemostasis, and suturing incisions under the surgeon's direction. The role requires adaptability, as assignments can vary based on the surgical specialty and facility needs. Temporary RN First Assists also communicate with perioperative staff to ensure continuity of care before and after procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary RN First Assist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary RN First Assist, you need a current RN license, completion of an RNFA program, and strong knowledge of perioperative procedures and anatomy. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile techniques, and electronic health records is crucial, and CNOR certification is often preferred. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and clear communication are vital for collaborating with surgeons and surgical teams in dynamic operating room environments. These skills ensure patient safety, efficient surgical procedures, and seamless team coordination during temporary assignments.

What is the difference between Temporary Rn First Assist vs Registered Nurse First Assist?

AspectTemporary Rn First AssistRegistered Nurse First Assist
CredentialsRN license, First Assist certificationRN license, First Assist certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, operating roomsHospitals, surgical teams, operating rooms
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities, staffing agenciesHospitals, surgical teams, healthcare providers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Temporary Rn First Assist and Registered Nurse First Assist roles both require RN licensure and specialized First Assist certification. They work in similar environments like hospitals and surgical centers, supporting surgical teams during procedures. The main difference is that Temporary Rn First Assist positions are often temporary staffing roles, while Registered Nurse First Assist roles are more permanent or employed positions within healthcare facilities. Both roles are essential in surgical settings and are frequently compared by job seekers in the healthcare industry.

How much does a Temporary RN First Assist make?

A Temporary RN First Assist typically earns between $50 and $80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the healthcare facility. These roles often require specialized certifications and involve assisting surgeons during procedures in a hospital or surgical center setting.

Is a Temporary RN First Assist in demand?

Temporary RN First Assist positions are in demand due to a shortage of specialized perioperative nurses and the need for experienced surgical support staff. Hospitals and surgical centers often seek RNs with first assist certification and surgical skills to fill staffing gaps quickly, especially during high patient volumes or staff shortages.
Temporary Rn First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Rn First Assist job openings in Des Moines, IA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,289 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Travel OR RN

Des Moines, IA • On-site

TotalMed RN
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about TotalMed RNexternal

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

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

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

We're looking for Operating Room RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in Des Moines, 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*: ACLS, BLS, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

TotalMed RN Job ID #1489662. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Operating Room - OR RN - Travel Nurse

About 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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