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First Assistant Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Looking to fill a Registered Nurse First Assist position in a 4 OR suite, dynamic OR setting. This is a multi-service line OR consisting of patients with complex acuity. There are weekend, weekday ...

Looking to fill a Registered Nurse First Assist position in a 4 OR suite, dynamic OR setting. This is a multi-service line OR consisting of patients with complex acuity. There are weekend, weekday ...

Epic APPs not utilized in OR as the first assist Will be working autonomously, but attending trauma surgeons in-house 24/7 and always available if needed Must have experience working on trauma ...

The Surgical Technician First Assistant, under the direction of a Registered Nurse, will provide patient care, in an atmosphere sensitive to each person's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual ...

The Surgical Technician First Assistant, under the direction of a Registered Nurse, will provide patient care, in an atmosphere sensitive to each person's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual ...

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First Assistant information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$30.7K

$126K

$180.8K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Columbus, OH is $125,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $170,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are First Assistants?

First Assistants, often referred to as First Assistant Directors (First ADs) in film and television production, are responsible for coordinating all production activities on set. They assist the director by managing the shooting schedule, ensuring that cast and crew are prepared, and facilitating communication between departments. Their role is essential in keeping the production running smoothly, safely, and on time. First Assistants also help enforce safety protocols and can be involved in overseeing rehearsals and blocking scenes. Overall, they play a key organizational and leadership role in any production.

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

To thrive as a First Assistant, you need a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anatomy, usually backed by a relevant certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent clinical training. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical records is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure optimal surgical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and support seamless teamwork in the operating room.

What is the difference between First Assistant vs Second Assistant?

AspectFirst AssistantSecond Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires medical or legal certifications, depending on industrySimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentHigh-pressure settings, assisting lead professionalsSupport role, often in administrative or support settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in legal, medical, or film industries as a primary support roleSupporting role, often subordinate to First Assistant
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for responsibilities and qualificationsLess frequently searched in comparison to First Assistant

The First Assistant typically holds more responsibilities, requires specific certifications, and works closely with lead professionals in high-pressure environments. The Second Assistant generally provides support and performs delegated tasks, often with less experience or certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and role expectations within the industry.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A First Assistant in certain industries, such as film or theater, can earn around $3,000 a month depending on experience and workload. Other roles like administrative assistants, sales representatives, or skilled trades workers may also reach this income level without a formal degree, often requiring on-the-job training or certifications. Income varies based on location, industry, and experience.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A First Assistant, such as an executive or personal assistant, can earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience, strong organizational skills, and sometimes specialized knowledge. High-level assistants in corporate or entertainment industries may reach this income level, especially with overtime, bonuses, or working for high-net-worth clients.

What are some common challenges First Assistants face when supporting high-level executives or teams?

First Assistants often juggle multiple priorities, such as managing complex calendars, responding to urgent requests, and coordinating logistics for meetings or events. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication and anticipating the needs of executives, which requires strong organizational skills and discretion. Additionally, First Assistants may need to adapt quickly to changing schedules or last-minute tasks, making flexibility and problem-solving essential. Building good relationships with both internal teams and external contacts also helps ensure smooth workflow and successful collaboration.
What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Columbus, OH? The most popular types of First jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Columbus, OH as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,984 per year, or $60.6 per hour.
RNFA w/Call, Surgery

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


OhioHealth rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 333 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

405th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more - in our careers and in our communities.

Job Description Summary:

Looking to fill a Registered Nurse First Assist position in a 4 OR suite, dynamic OR setting.
This is a multi-service line OR consisting of patients with complex acuity.
There are weekend, weekday and Holiday on-call requirements.
The RNFA will work under the direction and direct supervision of the surgeon. The RNFA having acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment and skills specific to the role of RNFA works in collaboration with the surgeon and other healthcare team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Responsibilities And Duties:

RNFA IN SCOPE BEHAVIORS IN THE PERIOPERATIVE AREA INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
In scope behaviors for the RNFA are as defined in the Staff RN job code 3178.
15% Preoperative patient management
In collaboration with the healthcare team, the RNFA can perform nursing assessments and preoperative evaluations. The RNFA can also communicate with the healthcare team members the plan of care.
15% Postoperative patient management
In collaboration with the healthcare team, the RNFA can participate in postoperative rounds and discharge planning.
70% Intraoperative performance
Work under the "direction of the surgeon - the surgeon is required to be within Surgical Services
Functions as a first assist to the primary surgeon
Can utilize appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes, wound layers, subcutaneous, an skin closures
Can inject local anesthetic
Work under the "direct supervision of the surgeon - the surgeon is physically present with the patient
Can participate in the desiccation of tissue
Can provide hemostasis
Can place laparoscopic trocars
Can coordinate the camera or changes out robotic arms and instruments during endoscopic surgery
Can provide exposure for the surgeon and visualization of the operative site>br>Can activate cautery and operate the electrosurgical unit
Performa specialized tissue handling, dissection, or cutting techniques i.e. trocar placement, preparation of allografts, saphenous vein harvesting
RNFA OUT OF SCOPE BEHAVIORS:
The RNFA cannot be the sole provider in the room during the surgical timeout.
The RNFA cannot perform the initial incision.
The RNFA cannot mark the surgical site.
The RNFA cannot independently write orders.
The RNFA cannot be involved in any other role or function during the surgical procedure scrub or circulator
As a High Reliability Organization (HRO), responsibilities require focus on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.
The job profile provides an overview of responsibilities and duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is subject to change at any time

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's Degree (Required)CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room - Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI), RNFA - Registered Nurse First Assist - Competency and Credentialing Institute, RN - Registered Nurse - Ohio Board of Nursing

Additional Job Description:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • RN licensure
  • Certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR)
  • Completion of RNFA program that meets the AORN recommended education standards for RNFA programs.
  • 2+ years as operating room nurse as both circulator and scrub

Work Shift:

Day

Scheduled Weekly Hours :

40

Department

Surgery Main

Join us!
if your passion is to work in a caring environment
if you believe that learning is a life-long process
if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry

Equal Employment Opportunity

OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all person in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment


What OhioHealth employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About OhioHealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

OhioHealth is a not-for-profit, faith-based health system based in Columbus, Ohio, US. Operating since 1981, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in its area of operation. OhioHealth's business is grounded at the union of the healthcare and medical industry. The organization provides a full range of healthcare services from acute hospital care to rehabilitative and long-term care, including medical research and development.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, OH, US