Travel Nurse RN - CVOR First Assist
Rochester, NY
Encode INC
3x12 hrs, Days, Evenings, Nights, Rotating
Referral Bonus

Job Description – Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) – Cardiac Operating Room

Facility: Strong Memorial Hospital

Position Summary:

Strong Memorial Hospital is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join its Cardiac Operating Room (CVOR) team. The RNFA will work collaboratively with cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and the perioperative team to provide comprehensive surgical care for patients undergoing complex cardiac procedures. Candidates must have Da Vinci robotic surgery experience, CNOR certification, and recent experience in a high-acuity operating room environment. Experience in a Level I Trauma Center is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Function as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) during adult cardiac and cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
• Assist surgeons during open-heart and cardiovascular surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement/repair, aortic procedures, and other complex cardiac cases.
• Provide skilled intraoperative assistance, including tissue handling, exposure, hemostasis, suturing, wound closure, and placement of drains as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist with Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical procedures, ensuring proper robotic instrument setup and intraoperative support.
• Perform comprehensive preoperative patient assessments and verify surgical consent, procedure, and equipment readiness.
• Prepare and maintain a sterile surgical field while adhering to strict aseptic techniques and infection prevention standards.
• Operate and troubleshoot specialized cardiac surgical equipment and instrumentation.
• Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, perfusionists, surgical technologists, and nursing staff to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Monitor patient status throughout the perioperative period and promptly respond to changes in patient condition.
• Ensure accurate sponge, needle, and instrument counts in collaboration with the surgical team.
• Document intraoperative nursing care, surgical procedures, implants, and patient outcomes accurately in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Participate in emergency cardiac procedures, including trauma and cardiovascular emergencies, as required.
• Maintain compliance with AORN standards, hospital policies, infection prevention protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, continuing education, and departmental competency programs.
• Mentor and assist in the orientation of new perioperative nursing staff when assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program.
• Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Completion of an accredited RN First Assistant (RNFA) program.
• Current CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) certification – Required.
• Minimum of 2 years of recent Cardiac OR/CVOR RNFA experience.
• Da Vinci robotic surgery experience – Required.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a Level I Trauma Center Operating Room.
• Experience with adult cardiothoracic surgery and robotic-assisted cardiac procedures.
• Experience with Epic or other perioperative EMR systems.

Schedule

• 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts
• Day/Evening/Night (D/E/N) rotation
• Weekend, holiday, and on-call responsibilities may be required.