Registered Nurse - First Assist

Overview

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre. The RNFA is an advanced practice perioperative nurse who provides specialized care and first‑assist functions for arthroplasty, orthopedics, urology, gynecology, general surgery, bariatric, and breast surgery procedures. The RNFA functions in accordance with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) standards and the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) guidelines.

This role supports high quality surgical outcomes by combining advanced clinical skills, perioperative knowledge, and collaborative practice. The RNFA provides comprehensive perioperative nursing care throughout the patient’s surgical experience. This includes advanced intraoperative assistance to the surgeon as well as traditional scrub and circulating responsibilities. The RNFA practices within an expanded scope, drawing on specialized education, certification, and a strong foundation of operating room experience to support optimal surgical outcomes.

• Provide advanced perioperative nursing care throughout the patient’s surgical experience.
• Assist surgeons in surgeries including arthroplasty, orthopedics, urology, gynecology, general surgery, bariatric, and breast surgery procedures.
• Perform traditional scrub and circulating duties.
• Utilize advanced intraoperative assistance and collaborate with surgical teams to achieve optimal outcomes.

As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will provide a wide variety of nursing services to patients, families, communities and populations, while taking necessary steps to ensure their safety and well‑being. In your role, you will utilize nursing processes, through critical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and teach, counsel and advocate on behalf of patients and their families. You will play a leadership role in supporting an integrated and holistic approach to patient care, health promotion and maintenance.

You will provide safe, quality patient and family‑centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values.

PROVISIONAL PERMIT HOLDERS will be paid $40.76 to $55.79 per hour. Upon obtaining a full practice permit, the rate of pay will be adjusted to the applicable Registered Nurse rate in accordance with UNA Article 25.02(b)(i) or (ii), as applicable.

• Completion of an accredited nursing education program.
• Active or eligible for registration and practice permit with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA).
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP) certification.
• If you have not practiced as a Registered Nurse within the past five (5) years, completion of the following free courses prior to employment: CRNA Medication Management (Chapters 1-4) and NextGenU Health Assessment Resources Certification.

• CNA CPN(C) certification required.
• Graduate of a certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program.
• Minimum 5 years of perioperative nursing experience, with strong preference for orthopedic, gynecology, general surgery experience.
• Willingness to attain RN prescribing modules through CRNA.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a high acuity surgical environment.
• Advanced perioperative clinical skills in a first‑assist capacity.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent communication and patient advocacy skills.
• Ability to work in a high paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong commitment to professionalism, development, leadership and mentorship.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and professional development.

ORNAC Membership

• Classification:
  Registered Nurse
• Union:
  United Nurses of Alberta
• Unit and Program:
  Operating Room
• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  Wetaskiwin Hospital & Care Ctr
• Location Details:
  As Per Location
• Multi‑Site:
  At (UNA only)
• FTE: 0.68
• Posting End Date: 23-JUL-2026
• Employee Class:
  Regular Part Time
• Date Available:
  
  24-AUG-2026
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 12
• Shifts per cycle: 40
• Shift Pattern:
  Days, Evenings, On Call
• Days Off:
  As Per Rotation
• Minimum Salary: $44.56
• Maximum Salary: $60.98
• Vehicle Requirement:
  Not Applicable

All postings close at 23:59 MT of the posting end date indicated.

A satisfactory criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search is required prior to your first day of work. Additionally, all employees have an ongoing duty to disclose any charges or convictions that may occur during their employment with AHS.

We are an equal opportunity employer. AHS values the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is committed to attracting, engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.