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Registered Nurse, Certified First Assistant

City of Hope Chicago · Zion, IL · Full time

Posted Jan 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you noticed a patient safety issue during surgery and spoke up.

What they are checking: Willingness to advocate for the patient in a high-pressure, hierarchical setting.

Tell me about the most complex surgery you have assisted with. What made it hard?

What they are checking: Depth of experience with high-acuity cases like those in a cancer hospital.

What RNFA or CNOR credentials do you hold, and how do you keep your skills sharp?

What they are checking: Credentials and ongoing learning required for advanced perioperative practice.

What would you do

How do you prepare for a case with a surgeon whose preferences you do not know?

What they are checking: Whether they do their homework on a new surgeon and adjust smoothly once the case starts.

During a case the surgeon asks you to do something you believe is outside your scope. What do you do?

What they are checking: Understanding of scope of practice and the confidence to set limits safely.

About the work

Walk me through how you assist a surgeon with exposure and retraction during a major cancer resection.

What they are checking: Real first-assist skill that anticipates the surgeon's needs in complex procedures.

How does your role as an RN first assistant differ from a scrub nurse or circulator?

What they are checking: Clear understanding of RNFA scope and the responsibilities that come with it.

What wound closure and hemostasis techniques are you comfortable performing?

What they are checking: Hands-on skill level for the tasks the surgeon will delegate.

How do you position a patient for a long robotic or laparoscopic procedure?

What they are checking: Knowledge of positioning that prevents nerve injuries and pressure damage.

How do you contribute to perioperative care before and after the actual surgery?

What they are checking: A full view of the perioperative role beyond the procedure itself.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at City of Hope Chicago from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by City of Hope Chicago.

Registered Nurse, 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. Facilitates the delivery of perioperative nursing care by assisting the surgeon in achieving desired surgical outcomes. The successful candidate: Assists with procedures by functioning under the direct supervision and direction of the operating surgeon. • Assists with procedures by providing appropriate method of wound exposure. • Assists with procedures by providing adequate hemostasis. • Protects patient by demonstrating knowledge of safe tissue handling. • Assists with procedures by demonstrating knowledge of suturing techniques. • Assists with procedures by demonstrating knowledge of wound dressing and drains. Assists with procedures by demonstrating knowledge and skill in postoperative subcutaneous injections of local anesthesia as directed by the surgeon. Supports the department by providing direct patient care, evaluating outcomes and adjusting nursing care processes to adhere to legal, ethical, and clinical standards. • Assures optimum conditions by monitoring and controlling the surgical environment. • Protects patient by creating and maintaining a sterile field. • Assists surgical team by providing equipment and supplies based on patient needs, maintaining working knowledge of equipment and checking function prior o use. Assists in procedures by performing sponge, needle and instrument counts per policy. Functions in role of CRNFA for various surgical procedures: • positioning of patient • draping • tissue handling • wound exposure and closure • homeostasis • knot tying Position Qualifications: Minimum Education: Minimum Experience: Two years’ experience in Surgery or completion of approved training course Req. Certification/Licensure: Current State Illinois Registered Nurse License CPR Pref. Certification/Licensure: ACLS Completed RNFA through accredited program/Certification AORN certification preferred City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about our comprehensive benefits, click here: Benefits Information City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

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