RN First Assistant — Perioperative Specialist

Grand River Hospital; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is seeking a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join the operating room team on a temporary full-time basis. The role supports perioperative care under surgeon supervision, contributing to high-quality patient outcomes.

The RNFA will collaborate with surgeons and staff across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, ensuring patient safety and care continuity. Ontario nursing credentials and RNFA certification are required.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Completion of RNFA program and certification.
• Minimum 3–5 years open heart surgery experience.
• Current BCLS certification.
• Registration with Ontario College of Nurses required.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeon and team during pre-, intra-, and post-operative phases as an RNFA.
• Provide perioperative assessment and planning in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Document patient care accurately and coordinate with RPNs as needed.
• Participate in rounds, discharge planning, and patient education.

Skills

Open heart surgery

Advanced perioperative nursing

Critical thinking

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Nursing process

Education

BSN

RNFA certification

CPN/CNOR

BCLS

Ontario RN registration

Tools

EMR systems

Intraoperative equipment

Job description

Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is seeking a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join the operating room team on a temporary full-time basis. The role supports perioperative care under surgeon supervision, contributing to high-quality patient outcomes.

The RNFA will collaborate with surgeons and staff across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, ensuring patient safety and care continuity. Ontario nursing credentials and RNFA certification are required.