RN, Certified First Assistant
About City of Hope,
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas.
The RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assist) is a professional caregiver who assumes responsibility for providing patient focused health care. The first assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions, which will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. This role will vary considerably with the surgical operation and the specialty area. The RNFA nurse will utilize the nursing process, communication skills, and problem solving techniques to deliver quality care. The RNFA will also be responsible for the knowledge and technical skills needed to operate a variety of mechanical devices to accomplish this task.
Directs the care of the patient through the nursing process and through collaboration with the patient, their family and other health care professionals. Provides leadership to non-licensed staff by setting an example of excellence.
When not acting as RNFA, the caregiver will function as an RN in the surgery department, therefore this job description is inclusive of the information contained in the Registered Nurse Surgical Services job description.
The successful candidate:
- Serve as a Surgical First Assist, applying knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques during procedures.
- Assist with patient positioning, preparation, and sterile draping.
- Provide surgical support including wound exposure, tissue handling, retraction, suctioning, sponging, and hemostasis.
- Perform suturing, wound closure, dressing application, drain management, and assist with postoperative local anesthetic administration as directed.
- Assess patient health status and develop, implement, and evaluate individualized nursing care plans.
- Monitor and maintain a safe, efficient surgical environment to support optimal patient outcomes.
- Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans, disease processes, and health promotion.
- Coordinate supplies, equipment, and multidisciplinary team activities to ensure efficient intraoperative workflow.
- Communicate patient status changes and collaborate with physicians and care teams to adjust treatment plans as needed.
- Administer medications and treatments safely, document care provided, and ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
- Promote teamwork, professional collaboration, and continuous performance improvement initiatives.
- Deliver compassionate, patient-centered care aligned with City of Hope's mission, values, and service standards.
Qualifications
Your qualifications should include:
- Education: BSN required or enrollment in a BSN program within 6 months of hire; BSN must be completed within 3 years of hire.
- Licensure: Current Georgia Registered Nurse License or a Registered Nurse License from a Compact State.
- Minimum 3 years of diversified Operating Room (OR) experience.
- Proficient in perioperative nursing practice as both a Scrub Nurse and Circulating Nurse.
- Completion of an accredited Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program required.
- CNOR certification preferred.
- Current BLS and ACLS certification required (AHA certifications must be obtained within 30 days of hire).
City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.
City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.
Please note: City of Hope is committed to a safe and transparent hiring experience. Please be aware that scammers may attempt to impersonate our organization through fake job postings, emails or interviews.
- Apply only through our official website or trusted partner platforms.
- City of Hope will never request payment or fees at any stage of the hiring process.
- We will not request sensitive personal or financial information prior to the acceptance of a formal offer.
- All communications will come from official @coh.org email addresses.
- Interviews are conducted only through approved, professional channels.
- Be cautious of unsolicited communications, urgent requests or opportunities that seem inconsistent with standard hiring practices.
- If you receive any suspicious communication, please report it to careers@coh.org.
