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Trainee Rn First Assist Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

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Trainee Rn First Assist information

What is a Trainee RN First Assist?

A Trainee RN First Assist is a registered nurse who is undergoing specialized training to become a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) in surgical procedures. This role involves working alongside surgeons and operating room teams to provide direct patient care during surgery, such as handling tissue, controlling bleeding, and suturing incisions under supervision. The trainee is building skills and experience required for certification as a full RNFA, often while completing a formal education program. This position is ideal for nurses seeking to advance their surgical expertise and responsibility within the operating room environment.

What kind of support and mentorship can a Trainee RN First Assist expect during their training period?

As a Trainee RN First Assist, you will typically work closely under the supervision of experienced surgeons, RN First Assists, and surgical teams. Most hospitals and surgical centers provide structured mentorship programs and hands-on training to ensure you develop the necessary technical and clinical skills. You can expect regular feedback sessions, opportunities to observe complex procedures, and guided practice in both routine and emergency surgical situations. This collaborative environment is designed to support your learning while ensuring patient safety, and it also helps to build your confidence as you progress toward independent practice.

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

To thrive as a Trainee RN First Assist, you need a registered nursing license, strong knowledge of surgical procedures, and foundational clinical skills. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile technique, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems is typically required, while certification as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) may be pursued during or after training. Excellent communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills help you collaborate effectively with surgeons and the perioperative team. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure patient safety, efficient surgical procedures, and successful outcomes in the operating room.

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

AspectTrainee Rn First AssistRegistered Nurse First Assist
CredentialsLicensed RN, undergoing specialized trainingLicensed RN with certified First Assist training
Work EnvironmentAssists in surgeries under supervision, hospital ORPerforms surgical assistance independently, hospital OR
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, surgical centers, healthcare facilities

While both roles involve assisting in surgeries, a Trainee Rn First Assist is an RN in training, gaining experience under supervision, whereas a Registered Nurse First Assist is a fully qualified professional authorized to independently assist during surgeries. The main difference lies in certification status and level of independence in the operating room.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rn First Assist jobs in New Jersey?

The most popular types of Rn First Assist jobs in New Jersey are:

Trainee Rn First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Rn First Assist job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Registered Nurse- First Assist (RNFA)

Cape May Court House, NJ • On-site

Cooper University Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Cooper University Hospitalexternal

$45.28 - $67.94/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Cooper University Health Care rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Cooper University Health Care is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving residents and visitors throughout Cape May County. The system includes Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, three urgent care facilities; Cape Regional Physicians Associates with primary care and specialty care providers delivering services in multiple locations throughout Cape May County; The Cancer Center at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, the Claire C. Brodesser Surgery Center; AMI at Cooper, Miracles Fitness and numerous freestanding outpatient facilities providing wound care, lab, and physical therapy services. We have a commitment to our employees by providing competitive rates and compensation programs.  Cooper offers full and part time employees a comprehensive employee benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, on-site Early Education Center (employee discount), attractive working conditions, and the chance to build and explore a career opportunity by offering professional development.

Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional is accredited by and received the Gold Seal of approval from The Joint Commission.


Work as Registered Nurse-First Assist (RNFA) in Surgical operating rooms assisting Surgeons across our surgical Divisions:

  • Applied knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques relative to operative procedures as RN First Assist while applying principles of asepsis and infection control skillfully   
  • Performs position, prepping, and draping of the patient 
  • Handles tissue as directed by the surgeon during the operative procedure while providing exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning/sponging techniques
  • Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon; sutures the peritoneum, fascia, subcutaneous tissues, and skin with application of surgical dressings
  • Assists with transfer of the patient from the operating room 
  • Recognizes safety hazard and initiates appropriate corrective actions while practicing within limitation of preparation and experience 
  • Performs pre/post-operative evaluation and teaching
  • Maintains Continuing Education and teaching 
  • Visits patients and makes rounds with/without the sponsoring physician; writing assessments on progress notes, which must be co-signed by sponsoring surgeon  
  • May write post-operative orders as directed by operating surgeon, which are signed immediately by the operating surgeon, while the patient is in the recovery room. (RNFA may NOT dictate or write operative reports or discharge summaries) 
  • In the event of incapacity or unavailability of the operating surgeon during a major surgical procedure, the functions of a first assist, who is not a surgeon, shall be limited to maintaining the status of the patient while a substitute operating surgeon is summoned, except in matters of dire emergency. “Dire Emergency” shall include only those circumstances posing a significant risk of imminent death or serious bodily injury to the patient, such as uncontrolled bleeding. 

  • BSN required 

  • NJ RN License
  • CNOR Certification
  • CRNFA Certification from the National Board of Perioperative Nursing
  • American Heart BLS
  • ACLS Preferred 

  • Monday- Friday 0700-1700 & 0800-1800 with on-call weekday & weekend requirement

USD $45.28
USD $67.94

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