RN FIRST ASSISTANT I

Position Summary

The RN First Assistant I (RNFA) is a registered nurse with specialized education. The development of specific technical skills enables the RNFA to assist the surgeon with specific intraoperative procedures that are beyond the scope of practice for registered nurses without RNFA education and training. The RNFA may provide direct patient care to patients using the nursing process and intraoperatively functions interdependently with the surgeon and applies knowledge, skill and judgment necessary to assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation that yields optimal results for the patient. Collaborates with other health team members to develop, coordinate and implement a perioperative plan of care unique to individual patient needs. Maintains the dignity of the patient while assuming the responsibility of patient advocate. Skillfully applies principles of asepsis and infection control. Has excellent knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique specific to the surgical procedure to work in collaboration with the surgeon. Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate preventative and/or corrective actions to ensure a safe environment for the patient and the surgical team throughout the perioperative experience.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and administration of medications perioperatively; as directed by the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
• Handles and dissects tissue in collaboration with the surgeon.
• Clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, ligating vessels and other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon to achieve hemostasis.
• Sutures muscle, fascia, subcutaneous and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon.
• Placing drains as surgically indicated.
• Application of surgical dressings.
• Possesses knowledge of and works within appropriate regulatory guidelines and legal constraints.
• Practices according to recognized standards of nursing practice and the AORN “Standards of perioperative professional performance.”
• Participates in the orientation of new personnel; serve as educator, mentor, consultant and resource to colleagues and other healthcare personnel.
• Analyze and evaluate services rendered to improve quality of patient care given.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually.
• Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education: None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority. Also must have completed a recognized RNFA certification program.

Experience

• Five (5) years’ perioperative nursing experience.
• A thousand (1,000) hours surgeon supervised clinical practice in First Assistant Role.

Licensure

• Must hold current RN license and current RNFA license.
• CPR and CNOR certifications are required.