Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

MemorialCare•Long Beach, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

To provide safe, cost-effective patient care through the health experience, according to established standards utilizing the nursing process, within the scope of practice of Registered Nursing. The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role, or as a first assistant. The RNFA works closely and assists under the supervision of the surgeon in providing quality, efficient, continuous and cost-effective care during the patient's hospitalization. The RNFA is a member of the surgical team. The RNFA practices in collaboration with, and under the direction of the surgeon during the intra-operative phase. The RNFA utilizes the nursing process and AORN nursing practice standards. The RNFA functions as an Operating Room circulator or RN scrub when not assigned to the RNFA role. Responsibilities include directing unlicensed employee activity, synthesizing patient information, assessment of patients, planning of care/intervention, teaching patients/family, implementation of treatment plan/MD orders, and evaluation of care rendered. The RNFA utilizes knowledge of patient age, cultural diversity, and psychosocial or spiritual needs into the patient’s plan of care. The RNFA contributes to the promotion of quality nursing care through performance improvement processes that demonstrate positive outcomes in patient care. In addition, the RNFA collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure safe and effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes.

Requirements

The RN must be able to comply with every other weekend work commitment as well as be available to work and be scheduled any day of the week.
Minimum 2 years’ experience as an operating room nurse
Current perioperative nursing (CNOR) certification
Documented completion of a CNOR approved formal Registered Nurse First Assistant Training Program and completion of required hours of preceptorship (this requirement shall not apply to those RNFAs who have practice prerogatives as of December 31, 2004)
BSN degree completed
Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in California.
Completion of unit orientation and clinical competency validation.
Current California RN license required
Completion of accredited RNFA program
BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification as required per specific department

Responsibilities

Utilizes the nursing process and AORN standards as a framework for the management of patient care.
Demonstrates leadership and serves as a link between the surgical suite and the rest of the hospital to provide continuity of care during the intra-operative phase of surgery.
Delegates to licensed and unlicensed personnel.
Demonstrates the ability to utilize effective critical thinking skills.
Prioritizes essential functions to focus on the needs of the surgical patients.
Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
Demonstrates knowledge of the clinical information system and applies principles to patient documentation.
Follow company policies, procedures and directives
Contributes to an effective and safe working environment.
Serves as a role model and mentors new staff members.
Advocates for the sedated or anesthetized surgical patient.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of patient privacy rights. Maintains confidentiality of all medical, financial and other sensitive material in printed, electronic or verbal form, which may jeopardize the privacy of patients and or employees.
Demonstrates the ability to use good customer service skills by managing and acknowledging patient family-significant other expectations.
Demonstrates the ability to integrate knowledge of job specific competencies.
Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operating room technique.
Provides exposure through appropriate use of surgical instrumentation, suctioning, and sponging technique.
Handles, and dissects tissues in collaboration with surgeon, following the standard procedure “Tissue Manipulation Intraoperative”.
Assists surgeon with coagulation, following the standard procedure “Hemostasis Intraoperative”.
Sutures muscles, fascia, subcutaneous and skin tissue in collaboration with surgeon, following the standard procedure “Wound Closure Intraoperative”.
Demonstrates the ability to function in the role of the Operating Room circulator or scrub when not assigned to the RNFA role.
Ability to be at work and be on time.
Ability to interact in a positive and constructive manner.
Ability to prioritize and multitask.
Assists supervising surgeon in performing surgeries in an operating room setting
Meets population specific competencies
Comply with OSHA, HIPAA, and other regulatory entities
Attends required meetings and participated in committees as requested
Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations
Responsible for maintaining credentials in an active status
Works with the management team to practice efficiently and effectively
Documentation is complete accurate and timely and reflects patients’ plan of care
Provides leadership and clear direction to all members of the healthcare team to support the care plan while maintaining responsibility and accountability for the management of patient care
Provides psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs to patients, families, and significant others
Demonstrates continued development of clinical expertise and current knowledge of the healthcare trends and education related to nursing practices
Participates in processes that improve the standards of care and practice in the delivery of nursing services
Supports sustainment of magnet culture
Other duties as assigned