The healthcare industry continues to experience unprecedented demand for skilled surgical professionals, creating exceptional opportunities for Registered Nurse First Assistants (RNFAs) seeking travel positions. RNFA travel jobs offer competitive compensation, professional growth, and the chance to explore new locations while advancing your surgical career.
What is an RNFA Travel Job?
RNFA travel jobs are temporary assignments where certified Registered Nurse First Assistants work at healthcare facilities across different locations on short-term contracts. These positions typically last 8-26 weeks and provide housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and competitive tax-free stipends alongside base salaries.
Travel RNFAs function as essential members of surgical teams, providing direct assistance to surgeons during operative procedures while maintaining the same high standards of patient care expected in permanent positions.
Types of RNFA Travel Assignments
Hospital-Based Positions
Most RNFA travel jobs are located in hospital operating rooms, including:
- Academic medical centers with complex surgical cases
- Community hospitals with diverse procedural needs
- Trauma centers requiring emergency surgical support
- Specialty hospitals focusing on cardiac, orthopedic, or neurosurgical procedures
Outpatient Surgery Centers
Ambulatory surgical centers offer RNFA opportunities in:
- Same-day surgical procedures
- Minimally invasive operations
- Specialized outpatient services
- High-volume routine surgeries
Emergency and Crisis Assignments
Crisis staffing positions provide immediate placement for:
- Natural disaster response teams
- Pandemic-related surgical backlogs
- Unexpected staff shortages
- Seasonal demand fluctuations
Popular RNFA Specialties for Travel Assignments
Cardiac Surgery
Cardiovascular RNFA travel positions offer:
- Complex cardiac procedures including bypass and valve replacements
- Competitive compensation due to specialized skills
- Opportunities at leading cardiac centers nationwide
- Experience with cutting-edge cardiac technology
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic RNFA assignments feature:
- Joint replacement procedures
- Sports medicine surgeries
- Trauma and emergency orthopedic cases
- Spine surgery opportunities
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgical RNFA travel jobs provide:
- Brain and spinal cord procedures
- Highly specialized surgical techniques
- Premium compensation packages
- Experience at top neurological centers
General Surgery
General surgery RNFA positions include:
- Laparoscopic procedures
- Emergency surgical cases
- Bariatric surgery opportunities
- Trauma surgery experience
Top States for RNFA Travel Jobs
California
California offers abundant RNFA opportunities with:
- High demand in major metropolitan areas
- Excellent compensation packages
- Diverse surgical specialties available
- Year-round pleasant weather in many regions
Texas
Texas provides numerous RNFA positions featuring:
- No state income tax benefits
- Large healthcare systems with multiple openings
- Competitive pay rates
- Diverse geographic regions from cities to rural areas
Florida
Florida attracts travel RNFAs with:
- High demand due to aging population
- Tax-free stipend advantages
- Coastal location benefits
- Multiple assignment options throughout the state
New York
New York offers premium RNFA travel opportunities including:
- World-renowned medical institutions
- High compensation due to cost of living
- Diverse surgical specialty options
- Urban and rural assignment choices
RNFA Travel Job Requirements
Education and Certification
Essential qualifications include:
- Current RN license with compact state privileges preferred
- RNFA certification through AORN or equivalent program
- BLS and ACLS certifications
- Minimum 2-3 years of perioperative experience
Professional Skills
Required competencies encompass:
- Advanced knowledge of surgical procedures
- Sterile technique expertise
- Patient assessment abilities
- Emergency response capabilities
- Effective communication with surgical teams
Documentation Requirements
Typical paperwork needs include:
- Updated resume highlighting surgical experience
- Professional references from surgical colleagues
- Immunization records and health screenings
- Background checks and drug screenings
Compensation and Benefits
Base Salary
RNFA travel positions typically offer:
- Hourly rates ranging from $35-65+ depending on specialty and location
- Overtime opportunities for additional income
- Weekend and call pay differentials
- Holiday premium compensation
Tax-Free Benefits
Travel assignments provide substantial tax-free allowances:
- Housing stipends covering temporary accommodations
- Meal and incidental expense reimbursements
- Travel reimbursements for assignment-related transportation
- License and certification fee coverage
Additional Perks
Many agencies offer extra benefits including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options
- 401(k) retirement plans with matching
- Continuing education reimbursements
- Referral bonuses for recommending other professionals
Finding RNFA Travel Jobs
Healthcare Staffing Agencies
Professional staffing agencies specialize in:
- Matching RNFAs with appropriate assignments
- Handling contract negotiations and paperwork
- Providing ongoing support throughout assignments
- Offering multiple assignment options
Direct Hospital Contracts
Some facilities hire travel RNFAs directly through:
- Hospital human resources departments
- Internal staffing coordinators
- Professional networking connections
- Healthcare job boards and websites
Professional Networks
Leverage professional connections via:
- AORN chapter meetings and events
- LinkedIn professional groups
- Surgical conferences and continuing education events
- Peer referrals from colleagues
Challenges and Considerations
Lifestyle Factors
Travel RNFA work involves:
- Frequent relocations and housing changes
- Time away from family and friends
- Adapting to new workplace cultures
- Managing personal belongings during assignments
Professional Challenges
Workplace considerations include:
- Learning new electronic health record systems
- Adapting to different facility policies and procedures
- Building rapport with new surgical teams quickly
- Maintaining licensure across multiple states
Financial Planning
Important financial aspects involve:
- Understanding tax implications of travel assignments
- Managing expenses during assignment gaps
- Budgeting for travel and temporary housing costs
- Planning for periods between assignments
Career Advancement Through Travel
Skill Development
Travel assignments enhance professional growth through:
- Exposure to diverse surgical techniques
- Experience with various equipment and technologies
- Adaptation to different healthcare systems
- Building confidence in new environments
Professional Network Expansion
Travel opportunities create valuable connections including:
- Relationships with surgeons across multiple facilities
- Professional contacts for future opportunities
- Mentorship possibilities with experienced colleagues
- Industry connections for career advancement
Leadership Experience
Travel positions often provide:
- Opportunities to mentor local staff
- Chances to implement best practices from previous assignments
- Leadership roles during crisis situations
- Experience training new perioperative staff
Future Outlook for RNFA Travel Jobs
The demand for RNFA travel positions continues growing due to:
- Aging population requiring more surgical interventions
- Retirement of experienced perioperative nurses
- Expansion of ambulatory surgery centers
- Technology advances creating new surgical opportunities
Industry trends indicate sustained growth in:
- Robotic surgery requiring specialized RNFA skills
- Minimally invasive procedures demanding expertise
- Outpatient surgery center expansion
- Telemedicine integration in perioperative care
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an RNFA and what do they do in travel positions?
An RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) is a perioperative nurse with specialized training to directly assist surgeons during operations. In travel positions, RNFAs perform the same duties as permanent staff including tissue handling, suturing, providing hemostasis, and ensuring optimal surgical site exposure, but work on temporary contracts at different healthcare facilities.
How much do RNFA travel jobs pay?
RNFA travel jobs typically pay $35-65+ per hour as base salary, plus tax-free stipends for housing ($1,500-3,000/month), meals ($300-500/month), and travel reimbursements. Total compensation packages often range from $80,000-120,000+ annually, with specialty areas like cardiac and neurosurgery commanding premium rates.
What qualifications do I need for RNFA travel positions?
You need an active RN license, RNFA certification from an accredited program (such as AORN), minimum 2-3 years of perioperative experience, current BLS/ACLS certifications, and clean background checks. Many positions prefer compact nursing license states for easier multi-state practice.
How long are typical RNFA travel assignments?
Standard RNFA travel assignments last 8-26 weeks, with 13-week contracts being most common. Some crisis or emergency assignments may be shorter (4-8 weeks), while popular locations or specialized positions might extend to 26+ weeks with possible extensions.
Do travel agencies provide housing for RNFA positions?
Most staffing agencies offer housing stipends rather than direct housing arrangements, allowing you to choose your accommodations. Stipends typically range from $1,500-3,000+ monthly depending on assignment location. Some agencies provide furnished housing options or extended stay arrangements upon request.
Can new RNFAs work travel assignments?
Most travel positions require minimum 2-3 years of perioperative experience before considering travel assignments. New RNFAs should gain solid experience in staff positions first to develop confidence and competency needed for the challenges of travel work in unfamiliar environments.
What states have the most RNFA travel opportunities?
California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania typically offer the most RNFA travel positions due to large populations, numerous healthcare facilities, and ongoing staffing needs. However, opportunities exist nationwide, especially in areas with nursing shortages.
How do I maintain my licenses while working in different states?
Consider obtaining a multistate nursing license through the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) if available in your home state. For non-compact states, you’ll need individual state licenses. Many agencies assist with license applications and reimburse licensing fees as part of assignment packages.
What’s the difference between travel RNFA and permanent RNFA positions?
Travel RNFAs work temporary contracts with higher hourly pay plus tax-free stipends, but lack traditional benefits like paid time off and job security. Permanent RNFAs have stable employment, comprehensive benefits, and career advancement opportunities within single organizations, but typically lower total compensation.
How far in advance should I apply for RNFA travel positions?
Start your application process 6-8 weeks before your desired start date. This allows time for credentialing, background checks, license verification, and assignment matching. Popular locations or specialty positions may require earlier applications, while crisis assignments can sometimes start within 1-2 weeks.
Do I need malpractice insurance for RNFA travel jobs?
Yes, professional liability insurance is essential. Many staffing agencies provide coverage during assignments, but verify coverage limits and terms. Consider supplemental personal malpractice insurance for additional protection, especially if working high-risk specialties or multiple assignments.
Can I choose my RNFA travel assignments?
While agencies strive to match your preferences for location, specialty, and facility type, assignment availability depends on current needs. Flexibility with locations and start dates increases your options. Established relationships with multiple agencies provide more assignment choices.
What happens between RNFA travel assignments?
Many travel RNFAs line up back-to-back assignments with minimal gaps. During breaks, you might return home, take vacation time, complete continuing education, or work short per-diem assignments. Plan financially for potential gaps between contracts.
Are there international RNFA travel opportunities?
International assignments exist but are less common and require additional certifications, visa arrangements, and specialized agencies. Most RNFA travel work occurs within the United States, though some opportunities exist in U.S. territories or with international medical missions.
How do I transition from staff RNFA to travel RNFA?
Build solid perioperative experience (2-3+ years), obtain necessary certifications, research reputable staffing agencies, prepare financially for assignment transitions, and ensure all documentation is current. Consider starting with shorter assignments or locations closer to home for easier transition.