First Assist RNs who travel gain exposure to surgical techniques and case types that single-facility careers rarely offer. You might specialize in orthopedic first assist at one assignment, then move to a general surgery program with robust trauma volume — building a multi-specialty resume that deepens your expertise. Different surgeons have different preferences for retraction, hemostasis, and closure techniques, and working across programs teaches you adaptive surgical partnering. Travel also means premium compensation that reflects your advanced training and the critical role you play in the sterile field. The 13-week assignment cycle gives you control over where you work and when you take time off between contracts.