Travel Nurse RN - First Assist
Akron, OH
Encode INC
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) – Cardiothoracic Surgery (Open Heart)

Job Title: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) – Open Heart/Cardiothoracic Surgery
Assignment Type: Long-Term Assignment (LTA)
Location: Akron Campus, Akron, Ohio
Department: Operating Room (OR)
Assignment Dates: July 5, 2026 – October 3, 2026
Shift: Monday–Friday, Flexible Schedule (Typically 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM; dependent on surgical case schedule)
On-Call Requirement: Yes, required
Experience Required: Minimum 2 years of RNFA Cardiothoracic/Open Heart Surgery experience
 

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) with advanced cardiothoracic surgical expertise to join a high-performing Operating Room team. The RNFA will function as the primary surgical assistant during complex open-heart and cardiovascular procedures, collaborating closely with cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and perioperative staff to ensure exceptional patient outcomes.

The ideal candidate must have extensive experience assisting in open-heart surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair and replacement procedures, aortic surgeries, and ECMO-related interventions.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary surgical assistant during cardiothoracic and open-heart surgical procedures.
• Provide first-assist support for:
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
  • Aortic Valve Repair and Replacement
  • Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement
  • Tricuspid Valve Repair and Replacement
  • Ascending Aortic Replacement Procedures
  • ECMO Cannulation and Related Procedures
• Perform endoscopic and/or open vein harvesting for CABG procedures as required.
• Assist with surgical exposure, tissue handling, retraction, hemostasis, suturing, and wound closure.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and maintain efficient surgical workflow throughout procedures.
• Ensure adherence to sterile technique, infection prevention protocols, and patient safety standards.
• Participate in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary surgical teams to optimize patient outcomes.
• Respond to emergency surgical cases and participate in required on-call rotation.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program.
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Current RN First Assistant (RNFA) certification/training.
• Minimum 2 years of recent Cardiothoracic/Open Heart RNFA experience.
• Demonstrated experience serving as primary assistant in complex cardiovascular surgeries.
• Experience harvesting saphenous vein for CABG procedures.
• Strong knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, surgical techniques, and perioperative practices.
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

Required Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• NIH Stroke Scale Certification

Required Compliance & Screening

• Nursys License Verification
• License/Certification Verification
• Driver's License or State ID
• Criminal Background Check
• Drug Screening
• OIG/EPLS Verification
• Education Verification

Required Health Documentation

• COVID-19 Vaccination
• Influenza Vaccination
• Hepatitis B
• MMR
• Varicella
• Tdap
• 2-Step PPD or IGRA (Quantiferon/T-Spot)
• Annual TB Questionnaire
• Fit Test
• Health Statement
• Positive PPD Documentation with Negative Chest X-Ray (if applicable)

Facility Assessments

• Summa Competency Exam
• Summa Skills Checklist
• Summa EKG/Telemetry Exam
• Summa Pharmacology Exam
• Summa Core Competencies