RNFA Jobs in Baltimore, Maryland

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Baltimore is home to some of the most respected surgical programs in the world, led by institutions such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, and MedStar Harbor Hospital. For RN First Assistants (RNFAs) this means a steady demand for perioperative expertise across specialties ranging from cardiovascular and neuro to transplant and robotic surgery.

Why Baltimore for RNFAs?

  • World-class academic centers – Work alongside leading surgeons, residents, and research teams at Johns Hopkins and UMMC, where complex, cutting-edge procedures are the norm.
  • Diverse employer mix – Beyond the flagship hospitals, Baltimore offers opportunities at community hospitals (Sinai, Mercy, MedStar Union Memorial), ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty orthopedic hubs such as LifeBridge Health.
  • Competitive compensation – Staff RNFAs in Baltimore typically earn $110 k – $145 k per year, with overtime, call pay, and sign-on bonuses pushing total packages higher. Travelers and 1099 contractors often command premium hourly rates.
  • Compact-friendly licensure – Maryland belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), simplifying interstate practice for multistate-licensed RNs.
  • Professional networking – The Baltimore Chapter of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) hosts regular CE events and job fairs—ideal for connecting with hiring managers.

Core Requirements

  1. Active Maryland (or multistate) RN license
  2. CNOR certification plus completed RNFA program (AORN-approved)
  3. BLS and ACLS (PALS preferred for pediatrics)
  4. Minimum one year of recent circulating and scrubbing experience in a high-acuity OR

Typical Responsibilities

  • Provide intraoperative first-assist skills—retraction, hemostasis, suturing, and stapling
  • Collaborate with surgeons on pre- and postoperative care plans
  • Mentor perioperative nurses and scrub techs on best practices
  • Uphold AORN standards for aseptic technique and patient safety

Life Outside the OR

When you’re off shift, Baltimore’s historic waterfront neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and easy day-trip access to Washington, DC and the Chesapeake Bay offer plenty of ways to recharge. Housing costs remain more affordable than many East Coast metros, helping stretch that RNFA paycheck even further.

Ready to take the next step?
Scroll below to browse the latest RNFA openings in Baltimore, Maryland—full-time, per-diem, and travel contracts—and apply with a single click. Your next surgical adventure starts here!

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