Healthforce by TLC·San Luis Obispo County, California
As an RN First Assist, the individual will provide critical intraoperative support by assisting surgeons during diverse procedures, maintaining sterile technique, providing optimal exposure, and managing intraoperative complexities to ensure efficient case flow. Responsibilities also include participating in preoperative planning, monitoring patient status, anticipating instrument needs, and supporting rapid decision-making under pressure.
Step into a pivotal role as a Registered Nurse First Assist, where your expertise directly influences patient outcomes in the delicate dance of the operating room.
This specialized assignment invites you to apply advanced perioperative skills, collaborate closely with surgeons, and lead the moment-to-moment flow of complex procedures.
As an RN First Assist, you’ll provide critical intraoperative support—from sterile technique and hemostasis to tissue handling and instrument exchange—ensuring precision, safety, and efficiency across a range of surgical specialties.
You’ll mentor circulating nurses, advocate for patients, and contribute to a culture of excellence where every incision, suture, and critical decision is guided by your training, judgment, and unwavering commitment to quality care.
Beginning March 23, 2026, this multi-week assignment in Templeton, California, offers you a canvas to refine your practice, broaden your procedural horizons, and leave a lasting imprint on patients and teams alike.
Beyond the OR, you’ll have the chance to experience the beauty and vitality of the Central Coast—where rolling vineyards meet rugged coastlines, and communities celebrate wine, farm-to-table cuisine, outdoor recreation, and sun-drenched days that invite exploration after shifts.
For those with a taste for travel, the role also opens pathways to assignments across the United States, enabling you to expand your professional repertoire while savoring new locales and cultures.
Templeton sits at the heart of California’s Central Coast, a place where friendly neighborhoods, scenic vistas, and a thriving local scene create a balanced backdrop for demanding surgical work. You’ll enjoy access to wine country experiences, scenic drives along the coast, and easy day trips to nearby towns with farmers markets, charming cafés, and cultural events. The region offers a welcoming community feel coupled with modern healthcare facilities that value collaboration, continuous learning, and patient-centered outcomes. And for those drawn to broader horizons, the program supports opportunities to work across multiple U.S. locations, letting you expand your clinical lens—while still returning to the close-knit, supportive network you’ll build on this assignment. You’ll benefit from California’s renowned quality of life, a robust healthcare ecosystem, and the chance to connect with colleagues who share your dedication to surgical excellence.
As an RN First Assist, you will be integral to intraoperative performance, assisting surgeons during diverse procedures—from general and colorectal cases to orthopedic, thoracic, and gynecologic surgeries. Your responsibilities include participating in preoperative planning with the team, maintaining sterile technique and patient safety, providing optimal exposure, assisting with suturing and tissue manipulation, and supporting rapid decision-making under pressure. You’ll monitor patient status, anticipate instrument needs, and help manage intraoperative complexities to promote efficient case flow without compromising outcomes. The role offers clear pathways for professional growth within the First Assist specialty, with access to targeted skills development, simulation-based training, and mentorship from seasoned perioperative leaders. The position includes a competitive compensation package with a weekly pay range of $2,943 to $3,010, reflecting your expertise and the value you bring to high-stakes procedures. The assignment begins on 03/23/2026 and spans multiple weeks, with hours determined by case volume and facility demand. While hours are not guaranteed, you’ll be supported by a consistent scheduling framework designed to maximize your opportunities and patient care impact. In addition to base pay, you may be eligible for a sign-on bonus, depending on the assignment and facility. Housing assistance is provided to help you secure comfortable accommodations if you’re relocating or traveling from out of the area. You’ll also have the chance to extend your contract, offering continuity with teams you’re building trust with and ongoing growth within the specialty. The company prioritizes comprehensive support, including 24/7 assistance for traveling clinicians, ensuring you have reliable help available whenever you need it—whether you’re navigating a new facility, coordinating with a new surgical team, or addressing any travel-related questions that arise. The combination of competitive pay, housing support, extension potential, and around‑the‑clock travel assistance creates a robust framework for a rewarding perioperative career journey.
Our partner organization is dedicated to empowering nursing professionals by prioritizing career advancement, professional recognition, and a supportive, team-centered work environment. The culture centers on mentorship, ongoing education, and a commitment to clinical excellence, ensuring you have the resources, feedback, and opportunities needed to elevate your practice while maintaining work‑life balance. Expect transparent communication, recognition for your contributions, and a collaborative atmosphere where your voice shapes patient care strategies and organizational growth. The emphasis on professional development, safety, and compassionate care underlines every assignment, reinforcing a sense of purpose and stability as you build a meaningful, long‑term perioperative career.
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About TLC Nursing 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.
Referral Bonus Earn up to $1,000 per referral — no employment required.
EEO Statement Healthforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The role requires expertise as a Registered Nurse First Assist with advanced perioperative skills to collaborate closely with surgeons during complex procedures across specialties like general, orthopedic, and thoracic surgery. Candidates must be committed to precision, safety, efficiency, and patient-centered outcomes, with the assignment starting on March 23, 2026, in Templeton, California.
Market context
California nursing roles often draw steady demand, especially for experienced RNs in procedural and critical care settings. Competition is strongest for candidates who already hold a California RN license, current BLS and ACLS, and recent ICU, ER, or PACU experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your certifications and highlight relevant bedside and procedural experience in your application.
