Travel Registered Nurse First Assist Job

Step into the role of a Registered Nurse, First Assist, in Rochester, New York, where your surgical expertise becomes a cornerstone of patient recovery and safety. In this specialty you will partner with surgeons in the operating room, supporting precision-driven procedures, preoperative planning, instrument handling, tissue management, and postoperative communication. Your leadership at the bedside and mastery of sterile technique will help shape outcomes for diverse patients and expand your capabilities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. This assignment starts March 16, 2026 and runs for several weeks, offering an immersive experience that blends clinical excellence with meaningful care. While you serve in a dynamic urban center, the natural beauty of upstate New York surrounds you—Adirondack vistas, the sparkling shores of Lake Ontario, and the scenic Finger Lakes region—inviting weekend explorations that enrich your work-life balance.

Rochester blends innovation with community warmth. You’ll be part of a medical ecosystem known for collaboration, continuing education, and support for nurses who lead in the OR. The role also offers flexibility to work in various locations across the United States, delivering exposure to different surgical teams, procedures, and patient populations. This mobility enhances your resume and deepens your clinical judgment, while maintaining a strong network of professional peers and mentors. Expect a well-structured schedule that respects your expertise and contributes to sustainable practice, with opportunities to extend assignments to align with your long-term goals.

In this role, responsibilities include assisting surgeons during complex operations, maintaining a pristine sterile field, ensuring instrument readiness and proper disposal, and coordinating with anesthesia and circulating staff to anticipate needs. You’ll participate in case preparation, help with suturing and instrumentation as directed by the surgeon, and contribute to accurate intraoperative documentation and postoperative handoff. You’ll also engage in quality improvement, safety initiatives, and ongoing professional development to sharpen your First Assist skills. The position offers a competitive weekly pay range of $2,205 to $2,360, along with a competitive sign-on bonus, housing assistance, and options to extend the assignment for continued growth and continuity of care. Comprehensive support is provided through a dedicated travel team 24/7, ensuring credentialing, housing, travel logistics, and on-site assistance are available whenever you need them.

Our company is anchored in values that empower nurses to advance their careers and cultivate a supportive, inclusive work environment. We believe in investing in your growth through mentorship, targeted training, leadership development, and clear pathways to enhanced responsibilities. You will find a culture that recognizes your expertise, respects your professional judgment, and collaborates across disciplines to deliver exceptional patient-centered care. When you join, you’re joining more than a job—you’re joining a community that values your contributions and your continued development as a clinical leader in the OR.

If you’re ready to apply, seize this opportunity to join a company that prioritizes your clinical impact, career advancement, and well-being while you deliver outstanding care across Rochester and beyond. Start your journey with us and help shape the future of surgical nursing. Note: The hours and pay rates listed are estimates and may vary. Final compensation packages and guaranteed hours will be confirmed during the hiring process.

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About TLC Nursing

TLC Healthforce is a nationwide travel healthcare staffing agency pairing Nursing and Allied Health professionals with high-quality travel and local contracts across the U.S.

ShiftShield™ – Traveler Protection

ShiftShield™ protects travelers from preventable facility-driven cancellations and ensures fair compensation for schedule disruptions.

Why Travelers Choose TLC

• Competitive weekly pay


• Fast credentialing


• 24/7 recruiter & clinical support


• Nationwide assignments

Referral Bonus

Earn up to $1,000 per referral — no employment required.

EEO Statement

TLC Healthforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.