Registered Nurse First Assistant Certified - Operating Room

Department: Operating Room

Schedule

Full-time, variable shift with bi-weekly scheduled hours of 72. Daily work times: 6:48 am - 4:18 pm. On-call, weekend, and holiday requirements apply.

About the Role

In collaboration with and under the supervision of the physician, the RNFA facilitates quality patient care of the surgical patient. Responsible for providing surgical assistance in exposure, hemostasis, cannulation, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for patients. Interacts with patients and significant others to provide information and emotional support. Serves as a professional resource and provides guidance to resolve routine patient care problems. Develops and provides continuing education to staff members involved in the care of the robotics patient.

Responsibilities

• Works in a collegial manner and develops collaborative relationships with nurses, physicians, and other disciplines to ensure an integrated approach to patient care.
• Functions primarily as a member of the Surgical Services team under the direction and supervision of the surgeon. When scheduling permits, assists other members of the medical staff in patient management or in the performance of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Serves as a liaison between surgeon and family/significant others during operative procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to anticipate surgeon’s needs and next moves to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
• Provides visualization of the operative site during the operative procedure.
• Demonstrates ability to respond quickly and appropriately to control unexpected intraoperative bleeding using techniques such as clamping, cauterizing, tying, ligating, applying hemostatic clips, and placing hemostatic agents.
• Assists with closure of body planes using appropriate techniques.
• Demonstrates competency in the utilization of specified equipment required for patient care.
• Functions as first assist on all Robotic procedures, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, General, ENT, Cardio Thoracic, Vascular, GYN procedures, or any specialty where a first assist is requested.
• Performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference, including incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis by injection, manual and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources.
• Reviews charts of preoperative patients in preparation for discussion with the surgeon, including clinical review of medical history, lab results, and medications.
• Serves as a professional resource for nurses and other hospital personnel related to robotic patients.
• Responsible for quality assessment activities by monitoring patient care and identifying issues or problems.
• Prepares case presentations for the Mortality and Morbidity conference as assigned.
• Participates in research and data collection for the quality improvement program.
• Participates in interdisciplinary teams aimed at improving processes to reach desired outcomes.
• Develops and broadens skills and knowledge through research, professional conferences, and seminars.
• Assists in the development of standards of practice, policies, protocols, and documentation guidelines related to specialty.
• May function as OR Circulator RN as needed.
• Performs other related job duties as requested by the Surgical Services Management team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing.
• Successful completion of an RNFA program that meets AORN standards for RN First Assistant education programs and is accepted by the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) or National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC).
• Three years of prior clinical experience.
• Current State of Michigan Registered Nurse license.
• BLS and ALS certifications from American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or Canadian equivalent, required before start date and valid at least 60 days beyond start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s of Science in Nursing.
• Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant certification from the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) organization or Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI).
• Certification in Perioperative Nursing (CNOR).

Skills

• Knowledge of surgical services theory, practice, and education to develop educational programs, conduct patient assessments, and develop plans of care.
• Substantial interpersonal skills for instructing patients and families, conducting formal educational programs, and maintaining effective contacts with hospital personnel.
• High level of analytical skills to resolve patient care problems and develop comprehensive plans of care.
• Proficiency in typing and computer skills.