RN First Assistant

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the surgeon who has privileges in surgery, the RN First Assistant (RNFA) performs first assistant duties for adult patients undergoing surgical procedures in the operating room as specified in the designated standardized procedure. Advocates for the patient in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

• Neonates (0 – 1 month)
• Pediatrics (1 month – 12 yrs)
• Adolescents (13 – 18 yrs)
• Adults (19 – 65 yrs)
• Geriatrics – (Over 65)

• Consistently supports and maintains the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. Joseph Medical Center.
• Follows the guidelines related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Promotes a culture of safety for patients and employees through proper identification, reporting, documentation and prevention of medical errors in a non-punitive environment.
• Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends and developments in the scope of practice.
• Participates in ongoing quality improvement activities.
• Assesses operating room readiness, table positioning, supplies and equipment readiness for a variety of procedures.
• Develops the patient’s plan of care and monitors treatment in the operative environment, practicing aseptic technique and maintaining sterile fields.
• Manages patient safety by implementing operative policy and procedures—including patient identification, site verification, positioning and counting of sponges, instruments and sharps—and takes action to correct deficiencies.
• Holds self, physicians, and other team members accountable for safe patient practices and the operating environment.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Supportive of the compliance program set forth by SJMC, demonstrated by:
  • Upholds the Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance.
  • Adheres to and helps to enforce all compliance policies relevant to the area.
  • Assures timely compliance education as requested by the Compliance Officer and/or through corporate initiatives.
• Sets an example to all staff in their daily activities.

Work Experience: Minimum of two years clinical nursing experience in the operating room.

License / Registration / Certification:

• Current RN license issued by the Board of Nurse Examiners of the State of Texas.
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) required.
• Current AHA or ARC CPR/Basic Life Support Certification preferred.

Education & Training:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing program, Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
• Completion of a planned program of instruction for RN First Assistants.

Skills:

• Technical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills relevant to the area to communicate effectively with physicians, health team members, patients, and families, and to safely and efficiently treat patients.
• Ability to prioritize work with minimal supervision, independently carrying out the duties of the position.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the foundation of the care St. Joseph Medical Center provides to our community. We are privileged to support these principles in all of our employment practices. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic.