Travel First Assist Nurse Jobs
Make a Difference as a First Assist Travel Nurse
A first assist registered nurse (RNFA) carries a multitude of responsibilities within the operating room, playing a direct role in ensuring optimal patient outcomes. These highly trained individuals possess extensive surgical knowledge and assist surgeons during procedures. This challenging role requires precision, quick thinking, and a deep understanding of surgical procedures and patient care.
Interested in traveling as a first assist RN? Browse travel first assist nurse jobs at outstanding facilities across the country and find your fit.
What is a first assist travel registered nurse?
A first assist registered nurse, also known as a certified surgical first assistant or nurse first assistant (RNFA), plays a critical role in the operating room and helping achieve optimal patient outcomes during surgery. Their responsibilities go beyond that of a regular perioperative registered nurse as they are directly involved in the surgical procedure. Their advanced training and skills contribute significantly to the efficacy and safety of surgical procedures.
Typical RNFA Responsibilities:
- Help in patient preparation for the surgery, including reviewing the medical history and aiding in the formulation of the surgical plan
- Provide hands-on assistance to surgeons, handing them medical devices and instruments as needed
- Help with procedures such as to control bleeding, suturing wounds and incisions, and ensuring the operative site is clearly exposed
- Participate in postoperative patient management including monitoring and wound management and care
- Liaise between health care team members and the patient’s family, providing updates and explaining the procedure outcomes
Choose where you go
With opportunities for travelers all over the country, we’ve selected areas with the most popular medical traveling jobs to help you find your best fit.
Advantages & Perks for Travel First Assist RN Jobs
Competitive pay
Travel nurses are the backbone of medical traveling. Pay transparency means you can see what you'll actually get paid before you even apply.
Per diem
Travel registered nurses qualify for a weekly, tax-free per diem that can help you cover the cost of moving, like your transportation, meals, and other expenses.
Certifications
Level-up, nurse. Get your state licenses and travel nurse requirements reimbursed.
Travel life
See new spaces. See new faces. Grow and learn in your nursing career as you grow and learn in various cities all over the country.Travel Nursing Compliance & Licensure
Being a travel nurse is a great way to grow your experience and learn on the job. What if your dream travel assignment is asking for certifications you don’t have? Don’t sweat. You’ll get training in nursing and financial assistance for the cost of licensing and certifications!
Degrees and Certifications
Keeping up with the world of licensing and certification can be intimidating. Degrees and certifications depend on your modality and specialty but getting compliant for your home state and others you want to travel to are easier as a medical professional. Compliance experts work with your recruiter and the facility to ensure that you have all the relevant credentials required for any and all travel jobs.
Compliance Requirements
Some of your registered nurse compliance requirements are the same across the board, but there are others that will depend on your specialty in nursing.
The three parts of compliance
- Occupational health records: Required immunizations and health examinations
- Documentation: Tax forms, insurance paperwork, and licenses
- Testing: Certifications, online training, and workplace safety exams
FAQs
Who can become a first assist travel nurse?
To become a registered nurse first assistant, you must become a registered nurse (RN) by earning either an associate's or a bachelor's degree in nursing, followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The next step towards becoming an RNFA involves enrolling in a recognized surgical first assistant program. The duration of a RNFA program varies depending on the institution and the individual's pace. However, on average, first assistant education programs takes about six months to a year to complete.
After successfully completing the RNFA program, you must achieve RNFA certification. For instance, the Competency and Credentialing Institute offers the Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) credential. This RNFA certification requires passing an examination and documenting a specified number of RNFA clinical practice hours assisting in surgical procedures.
It is recommended that travel nurses have 12-18 months of hospital-based RN nursing practice in their field. Depending on the specialty or the specific requirements of the facility, the required job experience could be longer.
How much do registered nurse first assistant jobs pay?
The average salary of a RNFA can vary considerably depending on several factors such as geographical location, years of nursing practice experience, level of education, and the size of the healthcare organization. However, according to salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale, the average salary for RNFAs in the United States typically falls between $70,000 and $100,000 annually. A registered nurse first assistant with advanced skills, additional specialized certifications, or those working in high-demand areas may earn salaries at the higher end of this range.
What types of places employ first assist registered nurses?
The most common setting for RNFA clinical practice jobs is in hospitals, specifically within surgical departments or operating rooms. RNFAs may also find employment in an outpatient surgical institution where surgical operations requiring less recovery time are performed. In addition, clinics that perform specialized surgeries and medical offices of physicians who routinely perform surgical procedures may also employ RNFAs.
Will taking travel nursing jobs help my nursing career?
Working as a travel registered nurse is beneficial because it exposes you to different regional nursing procedures and patient populations, provide the opportunity to explore new specialties, and gain experience learning a new clinical environment quickly.