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

Travel RN First Assistant (RNFA) – Cardiovascular OR – Akron Campus, OH
 

📍 Location: Akron Campus – Akron, Ohio
🏥 Department: Operating Room (1300 61300)
📅 Assignment: 07/26/2026 – 10/24/2026 (13 Weeks)
💰 Travel Rate: Up to $82/hr
🕒 Schedule: Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

• On-Call Required
• Day Shift
• Acute Care Hospital
• Cardiovascular Operating Room

Job Description

Summa Health – Akron Campus is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) with extensive Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) experience. The ideal candidate must be proficient in assisting surgeons during complex open-heart procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repairs/replacements, ascending aortic procedures, ECMO cannulation, and endoscopic/open vein harvesting.

The RNFA will work alongside cardiothoracic surgeons, perfusionists, anesthesiologists, and the multidisciplinary surgical team to provide high-quality perioperative patient care in a busy cardiovascular surgical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Function as the Primary Registered Nurse First Assistant during cardiovascular surgical procedures.
• First assist in Open Heart surgeries, including:
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
  • Aortic Valve Repair & Replacement
  • Mitral Valve Repair & Replacement
  • Tricuspid Valve Repair & Replacement
  • Ascending Aortic Replacement
  • ECMO Cannulation and Decannulation procedures
• Perform Endoscopic and/or Open Vein Harvesting for CABG procedures.
• Provide tissue handling, exposure, retraction, suturing, hemostasis, and wound closure during surgery.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and maintain an efficient surgical workflow.
• Collaborate with Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Perfusionists, CRNAs, Anesthesiologists, and OR staff.
• Ensure adherence to sterile technique and infection prevention standards.
• Perform pre-operative patient assessment and post-operative documentation.
• Assist in positioning patients safely for cardiovascular surgical procedures.
• Maintain accurate surgical documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in emergency cardiovascular procedures when required.
• Share responsibility for maintaining OR equipment, instruments, and supplies.
• Participate in the on-call rotation for emergency cardiac surgeries.

Unit Information

• Facility: Summa Health – Akron Campus
• Facility Type: Acute Care Hospital
• Department: Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR)
• Adult Cardiac Surgery Program
• High-volume Open Heart Surgery Program
• On-Call Required
• Multidisciplinary Cardiac Surgical Team

Required Experience

✅ Minimum 2 years of recent RNFA experience
✅ Open Heart/Cardiovascular OR experience (Required)
✅ Primary First Assist experience in CABG procedures
✅ Vein Harvesting experience (Required)
✅ Valve Repair & Replacement procedures
✅ ECMO experience preferred
✅ Ascending Aortic procedures preferred

Required Surgical Experience

Candidates should have hands-on experience assisting in:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
• Endoscopic Vein Harvesting (EVH) or Open Vein Harvesting
• Aortic Valve Repair & Replacement
• Mitral Valve Repair & Replacement
• Tricuspid Valve Repair & Replacement
• Ascending Aortic Replacement
• ECMO Procedures
• Adult Cardiac Surgery

Minimum Qualifications

• Active RN License (Ohio or Compact if applicable)
• RN First Assistant (RNFA) Certification/Training
• Current BLS Certification
• ACLS Certification (Strongly Preferred)
• CNOR Certification (Preferred)
• Minimum 2 years of recent Cardiovascular OR RNFA experience
• Ability to participate in on-call rotation
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Submission Requirements

• Active RN License
• RNFA Certification/Training
• BLS Certification
• ACLS (Preferred)
• Resume must clearly show:
  • Open Heart RNFA experience
  • CABG experience
  • Vein Harvesting experience
  • Valve Repair/Replacement cases
  • ECMO experience (if applicable)
• Interview availability