RN First Assistant (RNFA) - Full-Time

NueHealth•Royersford, PA

About The Position

The RN First Assistant demonstrates strict aseptic technique and provides safe, quality care to patients in the operating room. The role assists the surgeon with instrumentation and anticipates the surgeon’s needs while providing care based on individual patient needs, including adult, pediatric, and adolescent patients. The RNFA performs within Pennsylvania nursing regulations and the hospital’s nursing policies, procedures, and standards of care, exercising independent judgment within the limitations of professional preparation and experience and seeking assistance when needed. Responsibilities include perioperative patient assessment and monitoring, assisting with medications and surgical procedures under the surgeon’s direction, maintaining asepsis and safety, supporting transfer and handoff to the PACU, educating patients, and serving as a resource and role model for staff and students. The role also contributes to evidence-based practice, research data collection, communication, teamwork, and efficient use of supplies.

Requirements

Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications.
Documentation of completion of an RNFA education program.
Maintain certifications required by the Department of Nursing.
Meet Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing rules and regulations before employment.
Two years of current operating-room experience.
Demonstrated competence as a scrub and circulating nurse.
Certification in Operating Room Nursing (CNOR).

Responsibilities

Demonstrate strict aseptic technique and provide safe, quality operating-room care.
Assist the surgeon with instrumentation and anticipate surgical needs.
Provide care based on individual patient needs, including adult, pediatric, and adolescent patients.
Practice within the Nurse Practice Act of Pennsylvania and the hospital’s policies, procedures, and standards of care.
Exercise good judgment in prioritization and decision-making, and seek appropriate resources when needed.
Perform responsibilities with minimal supervision as directed by the surgeon.
Advocate for patients and maintain caring, supportive relationships with patients and families.
Maintain open communication among perioperative team members and promote positive working relationships with staff, physicians, and outside vendors.
Assess the patient preoperatively in the holding area and review the chart for accuracy and completion.
Assist with preparation and administration of intraoperative medications as directed by the surgeon, and observe and assess patient responses.
Follow asepsis and infection-control standards, correct breaks in technique, recognize safety hazards, and take corrective action.
Apply knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques relevant to the procedure.
Assist with patient positioning, prepping, and draping, and apply devices needed for the case as directed by the physician.
Provide hemostasis through coagulating, clamping, or ligating bleeding vessels as directed by the surgeon.
Provide surgical-site exposure using instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques under the operating surgeon’s direct supervision.
Perform wound closure as directed, including placing and suturing drains, suturing fascia and other tissues, and stapling skin.
Apply surgical dressings and assist with case-related and immobilizing-device application, including other devices as directed by the surgeon.
Assess the patient throughout surgery through arrival in the PACU, assist with transfer as appropriate, and provide pertinent information during handoff.
Provide patient education and discharge instructions as needed.
Serve as a role model and resource for staff and students.
Participate in research data collection and use research findings and evidence-based practices in nursing care.
Identify opportunities to apply evidence-based practice to patient care and communicate pertinent information to staff, management, and physicians.
Attend required in-services or, if absent, read and sign staff meeting minutes in the communication book.
Demonstrate knowledge of surgical specimen care and surgical counts.
Use, monitor, and evaluate supplies and materials to maintain quality, minimize cost, and increase efficiency.
Respond to emergencies as a BLS, ACLS, and PALS provider according to hospital protocol.
Maintain professional knowledge and experience through reading, study, clinical practice, and learning opportunities.
Follow safe medication administration and labeling procedures and assess patient responses.
Demonstrate understanding of the hospital-wide Patient Flow Plan.
Perform other duties as assigned.