Senior Cardiac Surgery First Assist: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Company Description

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic health system dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care while advancing discovery and innovation at the bedside. In partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and University of Maryland, Baltimore, UMMS trains the next generation of healthcare professionals while providing integrated care across Maryland.

UMMS is a statewide network spanning 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, as well as more than 150 care sites across urban, suburban, and rural communities. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Position Summary

The First Assist - Cardiac Surgery works under the direction and supervision of a licensed cardiothoracic surgeon during operative procedures. This role is responsible for providing direct intraoperative surgical assistance and participating in perioperative patient care within the cardiac surgery service line.

This position is open to Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), or Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) providers, with vein harvesting experience required.

Principal Responsibilities

Intraoperative Surgical Assistance

• Assist the surgeon during cardiac surgical procedures
• Perform tissue handling including incision, dissection, retraction, suturing, ligation, stapling, and hemostasis
• Perform chest tube placement and closure of chest and leg incisions
• Provide first and second surgical assistance, including patient prepping, draping, and intraoperative support
• Apply dressings, bandages, splints, and other post-surgical supports as needed

Vein & Artery Harvesting (Required Skill Set)

• Perform endoscopic or open harvesting of the saphenous vein during CABG procedures
• Prepare harvested vein for bypass, including loading onto Aortic Connector systems
• Perform radial artery harvesting and preparation for coronary bypass procedures

Perioperative & Postoperative Care

• Participate in preoperative planning and documentation
• Monitor postoperative patients in collaboration with the surgical team
• Conduct inpatient rounds on pre- and post-operative patients
• Communicate changes in patient status to supervising surgeons or physicians
• Assist in transport of patients to and from operating room and recovery areas

Additional Clinical Responsibilities

• Participate in CSICU support as needed
• Take call for urgent and emergent surgical cases when scheduled
• Assist with clinical procedures including wound care, suturing, casting, and splinting
• Ensure adherence to hospital protocols, safety standards, and sterile technique
• Support data collection for clinical research and quality reporting initiatives

Education & Training

• Assist in training and supervising students and surgical learners
• Participate in in-service education and skills development for clinical staff
• Contribute to competency-based instruction in surgical first assist practices

Qualifications

Required Education & Certification (NP/PA Pathway)

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program or Nurse Practitioner program
• Current Maryland licensure in good standing
• National certification (NCCPA or NP board certification)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Eligibility for or current registration with the Maryland Board of Physicians
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner in surgical practice
• Documentation of approved surgical first assist agreement/privileging requirements

Alternative RNFA Pathway

• Completion of an accredited RN First Assist program (didactic + clinical training requirements met)
• Minimum of 5 years of RNFA experience in major surgical procedures
• Verified competency documentation from supervising surgeons

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and surgical techniques
• Advanced intraoperative decision-making and technical surgical skills
• Ability to function effectively in high-acuity operative environments
• Strong communication skills with surgeons, staff, and interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strict adherence to surgical protocols
• Understanding of patient safety standards and perioperative best practices
• Commitment to teamwork, efficiency, and high-quality surgical outcomes

Additional Information

• All information will be handled confidentially in accordance with EEO guidelines
• Must maintain all required certifications, licensure, and credentialing
• Compliance with institutional safety, infection control, and professional standards is required
• Vein harvesting experience is mandatory for consideration