Registered Nurse (RN) - First Assistant - Cardio Vascular Surgery

Ochsner Health; Covington (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on Bonus

Job summary

Ochsner Health in Covington, LA, is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to support the Cardiovascular Surgery team in a full-time role. The RNFA will work directly with surgeons during cardiovascular procedures, providing intraoperative support in scrub and first-assist capacities.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years OR experience, an active RN license, BLS, and ideally RNFA and CNOR credentials.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of operating room experience (required).
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in state of practice.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association.
• Completion of an RNFA program (preferred).
• CNOR certification (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide intraoperative assistance to surgeons during cardiovascular procedures.
• Maintain sterile technique and assist in instrument handling.
• Perform scrub and first-assist roles as required.
• Support patient care before, during, and after surgery in a high-acuity environment.

Skills

Clinical judgment

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing

RN license (state of practice)

Tools

CNOR certification

Job description

Ochsner Health | Full-Time | Cardiovascular Surgery

Covington, Louisiana

Full-time

$30,000 Sign-on Available for qualified candidates

Join Ochsner Health in the Northshore region - we’re seeking a highly skilled Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to support our Cardiovascular Surgery team in delivering exceptional surgical care.

About the Role:

The RN First Assistant works directly with surgeons during cardiovascular procedures, providing critical intraoperative support to ensure optimal patient outcomes. In this role, you’ll function in both scrub and first assist capacities, applying advanced clinical knowledge, surgical expertise, and sound judgment.

You will play a key role in patient care before, during, and after surgery-supporting the surgical team, maintaining sterile technique, and ensuring safe, efficient procedures in a high-acuity environment. This position is ideal for an experienced perioperative nurse looking to elevate their practice in a specialized surgical setting.

Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of operating room experience (required).
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in state of practice.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association.
• Completion of an RNFA program (preferred).
• CNOR certification (preferred).
• Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Proficiency with computers and clinical systems.

Why Ochsner Health – Northshore Region:

At Ochsner Health, you’ll join a nationally recognized healthcare system known for excellence, innovation, and a commitment to patient-centered care. Our cardiovascular surgery team offers a collaborative, high-performing environment where your expertise is valued and your professional growth is supported.

We provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for advancement-empowering you to build a meaningful and rewarding career while making a real difference in patients’ lives.

About Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health is a leading not-for-profit healthcare system serving Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf South. With a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate, and Innovate, Ochsner delivers advanced care through cutting-edge technology, research, and education. Recognized nationally for excellence, Ochsner continues to transform the future of healthcare while improving the health and wellness of the communities it serves.