Job Description & Qualifications
Serving at our health system’s most advanced and complex cardiac surgery center, the UH Cleveland Medical First Assistant team performs a variety of state of the art surgeries and procedures giving our team a well-rounded experience in coronary, valve, transplant, robotic, and structural heart disease including hybrid structural and aortic interventions. Cardiac First Assistants support every cardiac surgery case across our system in and out of the operating room, including emergencies within the hospital and procedures in the cardiac cath lab. RNFA, Physician Assistant or Surgical Assist will be considered. Cardiac OR experience strongly preferred.
When you join UH, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes, but is not limited to:
- Competitive salary
- $10,000 sign on bonus
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off
- Retirement and pension plans
- Free parking for regular-status employees
A Brief Overview
The Cardiac First Assist works under the direction and supervision of the attending physician to provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate the needs of the surgical patient during the perioperative period. The First Assist will 1st and/or 2nd assist cardiac surgical procedures. The First Assist will cover regional call to support the Cardiac Surgery program across the system as well as covering call for Transplant, both donor and recipient, which requires the ability to travel in cars, ambulances, planes and helicopters.
Additional Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
RNFA
- Graduation of approved RN Program (Required) and
- Completion of state approved RNFA course (Required)
- less than 1 year Minimum of 6 months taking Second call for Cardiac Surgery service line (Required)
- Registered Nurse (RN), Ohio and/or Multi State Compact License (Required Upon Hire) and
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) (Preferred within 6 Months) and
- Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) (Required) and
- Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) (Preferred)
- RNFA registration with OBN (Required)
Surgical Assistant
- Graduation of approved SA Program (Required)
- less than 1 year experience taking Second Call for Cardiac service line (Required)
- National certification from National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) (Preferred) or
- National certification from Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (Preferred) or
- National certification from American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) (Preferred)
Physician Assistant
- Associate’s Degree in healthcare related field with emphasis on clinical practice. (Required) or
- Bachelor’s Degree in healthcare related field with emphasis on clinical practice (Required) and
- Master’s Degree in healthcare related field with emphasis on clinical practice. (Preferred)
- 1+ years of Cardiac Surgery experience as a Level 1 (Preferred)
- Current license to practice in Ohio (Required) and
- Professional Certifications as required by OSMB- additional certifications (Preferred)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Must demonstrate proficiency in taking Second Call (Required proficiency)
- Advanced Life Support Equipment knowledge (Required proficiency)
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, proper use of all instruments and equipment used during CT surgery procedures. (Required proficiency)
- High degree of hand/eye coordination and uniform mental attention. (Required proficiency
Physical Demands
- Standing Frequently
- Walking Frequently
- Sitting Rarely
- Lifting Frequently 50 lbs
- Carrying Frequently 50 lbs
- Pushing Frequently 50 lbs
- Pulling Frequently 50 lbs
- Climbing Occasionally 50 lbs
- Balancing Occasionally
- Stooping Frequently
- Kneeling Frequently
- Crouching Frequently
- Crawling Occasionally
- Reaching Frequently
- Handling Frequently
- Grasping Frequently
- Feeling Constantly
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly
Additional Salary Detail:
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of posting of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, union negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity). This figure does not include, unless otherwise stated incentive pay or shift differential pay or the value of University Hospitals’ comprehensive benefits package, which includes healthcare, dental, vision, retirement plan options, and additional offerings. Click here to view complete wellness and benefits details.
For over 150 years, University Hospitals has been dedicated to our mission To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. Starting as a small Cleveland hospital in 1866, UH has grown into 18 hospitals and 40 health centers, serving 1 million people annually.
UH delivers exceptional care, advances medical innovation, and trains future healthcare leaders. Now, you have the opportunity to add your talents to this legacy of care. At UH, you’ll join a collaborative team in an inspiring environment where your skills and ideas will be valued. Together, we can continue to shape the future of healthcare and deliver on the promise of our mission for generations to come.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Your Nursing Talent Can Be The Difference.
Our UH health system cares for more than a million patients a year, one patient at a time. You chose a career in nursing because you wanted to help; to improve lives, including your own; and to have real impact. When it comes to choosing the perfect place to share and grow your talents, you deserve to be among those who share your passion and dedication too. That’s us.
Join Us and Be the difference in Advancing the Science of Health and the Art of Compassion.
We combine the best of evidence-based nursing with personalized care to provide the best healing experience for those we serve. The result is a different level of patient-focused healthcare and a different caliber of opportunity for our nurses.
Equal Opportunity Employer – veterans and individuals with disabilities

UH Cleveland Medical Center
UH Cleveland Medical Center is University Hospitals’ flagship academic medical center. With more than 1,000 registered beds, UH Cleveland Medical Center provides primary, specialty and subspecialty medical and surgical care in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle.
We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.
View complete wellness and benefits details on our Why Choose Us page.

We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.


Working at University Hospitals
Careers at UH offers opportunities to provide care locally in the Cleveland area with the power to impact healthcare nationwide. As leaders in our industry, our staff share a commitment to be the difference in the lives of our patients and our communities from Northeast Ohio and beyond. Look at this video to discover how we’re building an organization for the future today.
Nightshift Module
Night shift provides a unique and rewarding opportunity for caregivers who thrive in a close-knit, supportive environment. With fewer distractions and a calmer atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to foster meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients. The quieter pace allows for more in-depth patient connections, greater autonomy, and the opportunity to refine your skills. Whether it’s the flexibility to fit your lifestyle, the teamwork and problem-solving that come with a close-knit team, or the financial benefits of shift differential pay, night shift offers a space where you can grow both personally and professionally. If you excel in a late-night environment and appreciate the independence and collaboration it offers, our night shift team is the perfect fit for you!
Hear from our team about why they enjoy working the night shift and how it has shaped their careers.
Sara H.
Multi Modality
I like nightshift because the smaller staff helps me build connections and friendships with the staff around me. Helping us to better communicate without any issues, including doctors. I can work independently, keeping my thinking skills sharp. Even when it is quiet, it is never boring.










