RN First Assistant (RNFA) – Orthopedic & Robotic Surgery
Taos, New Mexico
Holy Cross Hospital

Job Opportunity: RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) - Travel/Contract

Location: Taos, New Mexico
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)
Employment Type: Travel/Contract

Job Description

• 13-week RNFA travel position starting ASAP
• Must have strong orthopedic experience (REQUIRED)
• Robotic surgery experience is REQUIRED
• RNFA will perform both 1st assist and circulator responsibilities
• Call duties will be for 1st assist
• C-section experience is a plus
• Work schedule: 5 eight-hour shifts and/or 4 ten-hour shifts

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 1 year of orthopedic experience, with orthopedic experience within the last year
• Robotic surgery experience
• ACLS issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• PALS issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (RNFA)
• Minimum years of experience: Not explicitly stated, but strong ortho and robotic experience required (implies advanced experience level)
• Prior travel experience: Not explicitly required

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Proof of I9 or Attestation
• Government-issued photo ID (must be carried during hours of service)
• Background check: 7-year criminal history check within a year of start, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated for contract renewals
• NURSYS verification (for RN license)
• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam
• Core competency exams (Parts I, II, III) with passing score of at least 80% prior to start
• Physical exam within 12 months of start, attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Fit mask testing arranged onsite during orientation
• Drug testing: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (instant drug screen not acceptable)
• Immunizations and titers required or documentation of immunity for:

  • TB (negative PPD, Quantiferon Gold, or T-spot within 1 year)
  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B (vaccine series and positive titer or declination with counseling)
  • Varicella
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within past 10 years)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or facility-specific declination required during flu season (Oct 1 - Mar 31)
• COVID vaccination series or facility-specific declination required

Additional Information

• Professional photo required prior to arrival for badge
• Completion of facility-specific forms and acknowledgments prior to start (e.g., TB questionnaire, code of conduct, confidentiality agreement, behavior standards, mandatory education, IT guidelines, campus maps, orientation attestation)
• References: Proof of 2 clinical references or hospital evaluations
• Employment application/resume with 7-year work history including locations, gaps, and end dates in MM/YYYY format

Work Environment

• Facility requires 75-mile radius reimbursement (RR)
• Call responsibilities primarily for 1st assist role

This position is ideal for experienced RNFAs with strong orthopedic and robotic surgery backgrounds seeking a travel contract in New Mexico.