Cardiac Surgical Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Clinical Nurse II (CN II) is a Registered Nurse reporting directly to the Nurse Manager and embedded on Howard University Hospital’s 4 North Cardiac / Telemetry unit. Through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, you will deliver safe, effective, patient-centered care to adult cardiac patients requiring continuous telemetry monitoring — including those with acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, dysrhythmias, post-cardiac catheterization and PCI recovery, and cardiac patients with medical-surgical comorbidities.

Whether you arrive with a cardiac background or strong medical-surgical and telemetry experience, you’ll find a supportive practice environment with structured orientation, ongoing education, and clear pathways to build cardiac-specialty expertise. You will exemplify HUH’s values, adhere to ANA standards of practice, and serve as a clinical resource and role model for newer nurses and orientees on the unit.

• Assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care at the bedside; identify patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients, families, and friends; provide a compassionate environment through emotional, psychological, and spiritual support
• Monitor continuous telemetry; recognize common cardiac rhythms and elevate dysrhythmias, ischemic changes, and signs of clinical deterioration to the medical team via SBAR and chain of command
• Provide post-procedure care for patients recovering from cardiac catheterization, PCI, and cardiac device placement — including access site monitoring, hemostasis, distal pulse checks, and recognition of vascular complications
• Administer cardiac medications safely per protocol — including antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics — and recognize and respond to adverse effects
• Care for heart failure patients including daily weights, intake and output monitoring, fluid restriction support, and patient education on guideline-directed medical therapy
• Administer medications and IV therapies safely and accurately across oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, IV push, and infusion routes
• Manage IV access including peripheral lines, midlines, and central venous catheters; perform sterile dressing changes, blood draws, and infusion administration per policy
• Recognize early signs of clinical deterioration; activate Rapid Response and Code Blue teams as indicated and support resuscitation with BLS interventions pending team arrival
• Provide comprehensive patient and family education on cardiac conditions, medications, lifestyle modification, dietary sodium restriction, smoking cessation, anticoagulation safety, and follow-up care
• Coordinate care with case management, pharmacy, nutrition, cardiac rehabilitation, and social work to support safe discharge transitions and continuity of care
• Document patient care and outcomes accurately in the electronic health record; maintain continuity among nursing teams by communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing care needs through SBAR and structured handoff
• Delegate tasks appropriately to non-licensed personnel and assistants while retaining accountability for patient outcomes
• Adhere to infection control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations
• Serve in the role of charge nurse with approval by the Nurse Manager; serve as a clinical resource and role model for newer nurses, orientees, and student nurses on the unit
• Participate in unit performance improvement programs targeting overtime reduction, patient safety, and HCAHPS outcomes; engage in education, engagement, and practice committees
• Ensure operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining inventories, and evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Promote adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, the Howard University Code of Ethics, the Health Sciences Standards of Conduct, and HIPAA Privacy policies; attend mandatory compliance and HIPAA training; maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, professional networks, and professional societies
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of this role

• Nursing degree from an accredited school of nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Two (2) or more years of clinical nursing experience upon hire, OR completion of HUH’s Professional Nurses Clinical Advancement Program (PNCAP) and eighteen (18) months of employment at HUH
• Current, active RN license in the District of Columbia
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) required
• Knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice to evaluate patient care; knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care
• Demonstrated competency in basic dysrhythmia interpretation
• Able to work in a stressful environment with multiple demands, resolve conflicts effectively, prioritize tasks, respond to emergencies, and react calmly
• Awareness of common safety hazards and precautions; able to respond to alarms, codes, telephones, and overhead pages
• Able to read charts, labels, documentation, policies, and procedures; able to communicate with staff, visitors, patients, and physicians in clear and concise English

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Prior bedside experience in a cardiac, telemetry, progressive care, or medical-surgical setting
• National specialty certification — Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) or Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
• Completion of a basic dysrhythmia or telemetry course
• Experience with Epic or comparable electronic health record

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 — when it operated as Freedmen’s Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere — HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester
• A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

• Department: 4 North — Cardiac / Telemetry
• Reports To: Nurse Manager, 4 North
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Bargaining Unit: DC Nurses Association (DCNA)
• Schedule: Full-Time | Day Shift | 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM | Three (3) 12-hour shifts per week (36 hours)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend required

This position is covered under the DC Nurses Association (DCNA) collective bargaining agreement. Base pay range: $37.33–$62.43/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications per the DCNA wage scale. Effective July 1, 2026, the base range will increase to $37.89–$63.36/hr per the updated collective bargaining agreement.

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.