Encode INC is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Akron, Ohio.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: First Assist
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 07/05/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 40 hours per week
- Shift: 8 hours, days
- Employment Type: Travel
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
About Encode INC
At Encode, we empower organizations and individuals through innovative, human-centric workforce and technology solutions. With decades of experience and a proven track record, we deliver more than just healthcare staffing, we provide integrated, strategic support across industries, with particular strength in federal and government contracts.
Benefits
- 401k retirement plan
- Vision benefits
- Dental benefits
- Referral bonus
- Life insurance
- Medical benefits
