Travel Nurse RN - First Assist - $3,830 per week

Cross Country Nurses is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Santa Maria, California.

Job Description & Requirements

• Specialty: First Assist
• Discipline: RN
• Start Date: 10/05/2026
• Duration: 13 weeks
• 40 hours per week
• Shift: 10 hours, days
• Employment Type: Travel

Job Summary:
The Operating Room First Assistant (ORFA) is needed in Santa Maria, California, to provide specialized surgical support. This position involves working in a high-volume surgical unit with a variety of cases, including laparoscopic, bariatrics, orthopedic, neuro, urology, gynecology, and ENT procedures. It requires collaborative teamwork, adherence to safety standards, and flexibility in shift hours to ensure optimal patient care.

Job Details:

• Location: Santa Maria, California
• Shift Schedule: 10-hour days, with shifts varying between 8 or 10 hours, minimum of 40 hours per week
• Start Date: 08/24/2026
• Certifications: ACLS, BLS (AHA), Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) via CCI; BSN not required
• Education & Experience: Minimum of 2 years of OR experience required; 0 years of experience minimum (applicant preference)
• Schedule: Day shifts, including some nights and two 12-hour weekend call shifts per month
• Call Requirements: Yes, some nights and weekends with a response time of 30 minutes; 1 week of nights per week, 2 weekend call shifts per month
• Unit Details:
  • Number of cases per day: 7
  • Certified surgical technologists preferred; ratios: 1:1 or 2:1
  • EMR system: Cerner
  • Charge nurse present on site; OR technicians available
  • Weekend coverage: No weekend requirement for nurses or CSTs, but call shifts apply
  • Scrub color/provided: Provided
  • Tele monitoring: Phillips systems
  • Ventilation: Yes
  • Surgeons on call: 24/7
  • IV team: No
  • Pharmacy: 24/7 operations
  • Common case types: Laparoscopic, Bariatrics, Orthopedics, Neuro, Urology, Gynecology, ENT
  • Floor-specific orientation provided
  • Scrubbing not required for RNs but preferred
  • Shift cancellations: Up to 4 shifts can be canceled per 13-week assignment or 3 shifts for shorter assignments
  • Charting system: Cerner

Benefits:
The benefits of taking a travel assignment with Cross Country include:

• Private housing or generous housing allowance
• Comprehensive health insurance with prescription coverage
• Dependent health insurance with prescription coverage
• Competitive salaries
• Referral bonuses
• Travel reimbursement
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Direct deposit/free checking
• Unlimited free CE credits

Cross Country Job ID #1282638. Pay package is based on 10 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Registered Nurse / Operating Room (First Assistant)

About Cross Country Nurses

You care for others — we’re here to care for you. At Cross Country, we know travel nursing is about more than just the job. It’s about building a career that supports your lifestyle, your values, and your impact. We offer competitive pay, full benefits, and 24/7 support from a team that truly understands what it means to be on the front lines. Wherever your journey takes you, we’re with you every step of the way. Let’s build your best life — one assignment at a time.

Benefits

• 401k retirement plan
• Referral bonus