RN First Assist

Astrana-Health-1; Aliso Viejo (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Foothill Regional Medical Center is seeking an experienced RN First Assistant to join our surgical team. The RNFA will perform preoperative assessments, intraoperative first‑assist duties, and postoperative evaluations, ensuring patient safety and adherence to aseptic standards.

The candidate must be an RN with CA licensure, CNOR, and an RNFA education program completion, plus at least 3 years perioperative nursing experience. BLS/ACLS verification and strong English communication are required.

Qualifications

• Must hold an active CA RN license and CNOR certification.
• Successful completion of an RNFA program with clinical component.
• Minimum 3 years perioperative nursing experience.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
• BSN degree required; bilingual skills a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeon as scrub or circulator; provide intraoperative first‑assist support.
• Perform preoperative assessments and postoperative evaluations.
• Ensure patient safety and aseptic technique throughout procedures.
• Collaborate with surgical team to optimize outcomes.

Skills

RN license CA

CNOR

AHA BLS

AHA ACLS

RNFA program

Perioperative exp

English proficiency

On-call ability

Education

BSN

Accredited Nursing School

RN First Assistant program

Job description

RN First Assist

Department: 7420-Surgery & Recovery

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: 14662 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 (\"HOSPITAL\")

Reporting To: Glenda Luce

Compensation: $65.00 - $85.00 / hour

Description

About the Role

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a highly skilled perioperative nurse who utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate patient care throughout the surgical experience. The RNFA ensures the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered care for individuals undergoing operative procedures. This role may function as a scrub nurse or circulating nurse, demonstrating expert knowledge of aseptic techniques, infection prevention practices, and established operating room standards.

Who We Are

Serving Tustin, Santa Ana and other surrounding communities, Foothill Regional Medical Center is a fully accredited acute care hospital, licensed for 177 beds—120 beds for general acute care, 15 intensive care beds and 42 pediatric sub-acute beds. Our surgeons are supported by state-of-the-art robotics.

Our Values

• Put Patients First
• Empower Entrepreneurial Provider and Care Teams
• Operate with Integrity & Excellence
• Be Innovative
• Work As One Team

What You'll Do

The RNFA functions as an integral member of the surgical team, providing advanced clinical support to the surgeon during operative procedures to ensure patient safety and achieve optimal surgical outcomes. Utilizing specialized perioperative nursing knowledge and skills, the RNFA independently performs preoperative assessments, intraoperative first-assist responsibilities, and postoperative evaluations of care. This role requires sound clinical judgment, professional accountability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered surgical care across the perioperative continuum.

Qualifications

• Active, current, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of California.
• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• At least three (3) years of perioperative nursing knowledge experience.
• Current Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification.
• Successful completion of an RN First Assistant (RNFA) education program that includes a supervised clinical component.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including on-call shifts, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain composure, adaptability, and professionalism in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Bilingual communication skills to effectively interact with patients and their families.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

Enviornmental Job Requirements and Working Conditions

• Our organization follows an in person work structure where the expectation is to work onsite on a weekly basis. The hospital is located at 14662 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780.
• The total compensation target pay range for this role is $65.00 - 85.00 per hour. The salary range represents our national target range for this role.

Astrana Health is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and we do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. If you require assistance in applying for open positions due to a disability, please email us at [e-mail] to request an accommodation.

Additional Information:

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.