VHC Health·Arlington, Virginia
The Registered Nurse First Assistant provides direct patient care by assisting surgeons during open heart surgical procedures. They operate under the supervision of the attending surgeon while adhering to departmental and nursing division policies.
Position Title: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), Open Heart Surgery (CVOR)
Purpose & Scope: The RN First Assistant renders direct patient care as part of the perioperative role by assisting the surgeon in the surgical treatment of the patient. This is accomplished under the direct supervision of the Attending Surgeon and in accordance to the goals of the department of Surgery and Philosophy of the Division of nursing and the policy of the medical staff.
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing is required. Bachelor's degree in nursing is preferred. Certificate in First Assisting course is required.
At VHC Health, every role contributes to exceptional care, better outcomes, and stronger communities.\nIn addition to your base compensation, VHC Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage (subject to eligibility requirements), as well as additional wellness and retirement benefits designed to support our employees and their families.\nVHC Health is committed to wage transparency and equitable pay practices. The compensation offered for this position—whether expressed as an annual salary or hourly rate—is determined based on a variety of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, relevant training and experience, skill level, shift differentials (where applicable), internal equity, and current market conditions.\nThe posted hiring range reflects the range VHC Health, in good faith, believes is appropriate for this role at the time of posting. This range may be adjusted in the future based on business needs or market changes. No portion of compensation is considered earned until it is vested and determined in accordance with the terms of applicable policies and benefit plans. The availability and amount of any bonuses, incentives, or other benefits are subject to the terms of those plans and may be modified at the sole discretion of VHC Health, in accordance with applicable law.\nVHC Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.\nVHC Health maintains a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at all VHC Health locations.
Candidates must be a graduate of an accredited nursing school with a certificate in First Assisting and four years of operating room experience. A valid Virginia or compact state nursing license and BLS certification are required, with additional specialty certifications needed within one year.
Market context
In Virginia, nursing-related roles are typically supported by steady demand across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. These positions are competitive because employers often look for both patient-care experience and current credentials, and this role requires a high school diploma, BLS certification, and one of several entry pathways such as CNA, EMT-B, Medical Assistant graduate status, or nursing program progress. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification status and clinical hours before applying.
