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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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:

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.

Nurse Practitioner with RNFA, Surgical First Assist, OR (Per Diem)

Hackensack Meridian Health Inc.

Edison, NJ • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


Hackensack Meridian Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The OR Surgical First Assist NP/RNFA-Per Diem utilizes a patient-centered coordinated care model, demonstrating competencies in leadership, direct clinical practice, consultation/collaboration, coaching/guiding, research, and ethical decision-making. The APN works collaboratively with the practice/hospital team to assess, plan, and implement care for individuals with health and safety needs.

This position is for the Operating Room. The Nurse Practitioner will also need to hold a RN First Assist Certification.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Educational Background:Must be a graduate of an NLN/AACN accredited nursing program, holding a Master's or Doctorate degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
  • Clinical Competency:Demonstrated commitment to maintaining clinical skills and knowledge through ongoing continuing education and active clinical practice.
  • Relevant Experience:Proven experience in a pertinent patient care setting, in accordance with all applicable regulations.
  • Communication Proficiency:Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Technical Skills:Proficient in computer use, including but not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
  • State Licensure:Must hold a current and valid NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License and an Advance Practice Nurse License.
  • National Certification:Board certification from the AANP or ANCC is mandatory.
  • Prescriptive Authority:Must possess active prescriptive authority, including CDS and DEA registration as required by New Jersey state law.
  • Physician Collaboration:A collaborative agreement with physicians on staff must be in place.
  • Life Support Certification:Requires a current BLS AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.
  • Surgical Certification:A Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) certification is required.
Preferred Licenses and Certifications:
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification.
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