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

University of Maryland Medical System; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) within the University of Maryland Medical System seeks an experienced Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or RN First Assist with vein harvesting experience to join the national‑recognized Cardiac Surgery Team. You will work with world‑class surgeons in a high‑acuity academic setting focused on innovative perioperative care.

As a Cardiac Surgery First Assist, you will contribute to complex procedures, participate in planning and

Qualifications

• Vein harvesting experience is required.
• Current Maryland licensure or eligibility.
• BLS certification is required.
• Licensure as ACNP, PA, or RNFA is required or eligible.

Responsibilities

• First assist during complex cardiac surgical procedures.
• Perform endoscopic and open vein harvesting for CABG.
• Assist with radial artery harvesting and vessel preparation.
• Assist with tissue handling, hemostasis, suturing, chest tube placement, and wound closure.
• Participate in preoperative planning and postoperative patient management.
• Round on cardiac surgery patients to monitor recovery and progress.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia, nursing, perfusionists, and other team members.
• Participate in emergency and on-call cardiac surgery coverage.
• Support education of students and trainees.
• Contribute to quality improvement and research initiatives.

Skills

Vein harvesting experience

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Maryland licensure or eligibility

BLS certification

RNFA/ACNP/PA licensure

Job description

Job Requirements

Join One of the Nation's Premier Cardiac Surgery Programs

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is seeking an experienced Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or RN First Assist with vein harvesting experience to join our nationally recognized Cardiac Surgery Team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work alongside world-class cardiothoracic surgeons in a high-acuity academic medical center known for innovation, collaboration, and outstanding patient outcomes. As a Cardiac Surgery First Assist, you will play a critical role in complex cardiac procedures while contributing to exceptional perioperative patient care.

About The University Of Maryland Medical Center

The University of Maryland Medical Center, the flagship academic hospital of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), is a nationally respected teaching hospital committed to advancing medicine through patient care, education, and research.

In partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, UMMC provides leading-edge care while training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our collaborative culture, advanced technology, and commitment to innovation make UMMC one of the region's premier destinations for healthcare professionals seeking to grow their careers.

Position Highlights

Working under the direction of an attending Cardiothoracic Surgeon, you will:

• First assist during complex cardiac surgical procedures
• Perform endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting
• Perform radial artery harvesting and vessel preparation
• Assist with tissue handling, hemostasis, suturing, chest tube placement, and surgical wound closure
• Participate in preoperative planning and postoperative patient management
• Round on cardiac surgery patients to monitor recovery and clinical progress
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, perfusionists, and other multidisciplinary team members
• Participate in emergency and on-call cardiac surgery coverage
• Support education of students, staff, and surgical trainees
• Contribute to quality improvement and research initiatives within the Cardiac Surgery program

Qualifications

Required

• Vein harvesting experience is required
• Current licensure as one of the following:
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Physician Assistant
• Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA)
• Current Maryland licensure (or eligibility)
• BLS certification
• Minimum 5 years of surgical first assist experience

Preferred

• Previous experience in a high-volume cardiac surgery program
• Endoscopic vein harvesting experience
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to excellence in patient care

Why Join UMMC?

• Work with nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeons
• Practice in a leading academic medical center
• Be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Access ongoing professional development and educational opportunities
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Opportunity to participate in research, innovation, and quality improvement initiatives
• Review the 2026-2027 UMMS Benefits Guide.pdf

If you're an experienced surgical first assist looking to advance your career in cardiovascular surgery, we'd love to hear from you.

The University of Maryland Medical System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic

All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. We do not accept inquiries or solicitations from 3rd party recruiters/search firms.