RN, First Assistant -RNFA

Job Summary

Organizes and facilitates the patient while in the Operating Room (OR). Coordinates the overall care of patient between surgeon, anesthesiologist and room staff. Functions as a first assistant during surgical incision, excision, and repair of pathology throughout the perioperative period on procedures for which privileges have been granted.

Participates in preoperative assessment and planning for selected surgical patients in collaboration with the healthcare team members in the preoperative location.

Job Requirements

• Education and Work Experience: Completion of an RNFA program that meets AORN standards: Required Two years' perioperative nursing experience: Preferred
• Licenses/Certifications: Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice: Required Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) certification in the state of practice: Preferred Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification: Required Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Status (PEARS)/Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Preferred Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) membership: Preferred Facility Specific License/Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required AHA-ACLS or ARC-ALS: Required

Essential Functions

• Performs circulating and scrubbing duties.
• Versibly confirms surgical site/side before induction of anesthesia.
• Accurately performs all sponge, needle, sharp and instrument counts at appropriate time and according to department policy.
• Handles and dissects tissues in collaboration with the surgeon.
• Clamps blood vessels, coagulates bleeding points, ligates vessels, and performs other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon.
• Sutures muscle, fascia, subcutaneous, and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon.
• Places drains as surgically indicated.
• Aids with cannulation and decannulation procedures, if indicated.
• Aids with transferring the patient to and from the operating room, positioning, prepping and draping.
• Provides patient with safe and aseptic environment by applying the principles of aseptic technique.
• Takes corrective action to rectify breaks in aseptic technique.
• Inspects sterile items before opening and maintains sterility of items during delivery to sterile field.
• Prepares instruments according to physician preference and scheduled procedure.
• Utilizes specific knowledge and skills in a surgical environment to assist the surgeon.
• Works under minimal supervision.
• Documents relevant data, including but not limited to nursing diagnoses, patient's plan of care, intervention and response, and discharge plan.
• Mentors, develops, inspires, educates and leads staff members in patient care setting.
• Enhances efficiency and cost effectiveness by identifying opportunities to decrease costs, as applicable to the job.

Organizational Requirements

• Our facility is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable.
• Medical and religious exemptions may apply.