First Assist Congenital Cardiac Nurse

First Assist Congenital Cardiac Nurse

Location: South Portland, ME 04106
Duration: 13 weeks
Hours: 28–36 hours/week

Schedule:

• OR coverage Tuesday/Thursday, approximately 20 hours total (10 hours/day).
• Additional 4–8 hours of postoperative coverage Wednesday/Friday.
• Overnight call coverage is negotiable and may include Tuesday into Wednesday or Thursday into Friday following surgery to cover overnight OR returns.

Position Summary

The First Assist Congenital Cardiac Nurse provides specialized surgical first-assist support during congenital cardiac procedures involving pediatric and adult patients with congenital heart defects. The RNFA works directly with the operating surgeon and collaborates with the multidisciplinary surgical team to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.

Requirements

• Current Maine RN license.
• Completion of an accredited RNFA program.
• 3–5 years of OR experience, including at least 1–2 years of cardiac surgery experience.
• Congenital cardiac surgery experience highly preferred.
• CNOR preferred.
• BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required.
• Travel experience preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as first assist during congenital cardiac surgeries.
• Perform tissue handling, wound closure, hemostasis, and other first-assist techniques.
• Maintain sterile technique and anticipate surgeon needs.
• Assist with preoperative patient preparation and postoperative care.
• Support wound management, recovery monitoring, and patient education.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and OR staff.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds.
• Mentor and educate nursing staff on congenital cardiac procedures and first-assist techniques.