RNFA\CSFA

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) provides perioperative support by assisting surgeons in the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. The RNFA performs advanced surgical techniques, including tissue handling, retraction, suturing, hemostasis, and wound closure, while ensuring patient safety and adherence to sterile technique. This role collaborates closely with the surgical team, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to anticipate surgical needs, optimize workflow, and support high-quality patient outcomes.

The RNFA also participates in preoperative planning, postoperative care, and education, demonstrating clinical expertise, critical thinking, and commitment to professional standards of perioperative nursing.

Qualifications:

• Degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing and completion of an AORN approved RNFA educational program required.
• Current Oregon Registered Nurse license without restriction required.
• Certification as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) required.
• Credential as a Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) preferred.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications required.
• At least two (2) years of experience as a Perioperative RN required.
• At least one (1) year of verifiable experience as an RNFA preferred.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the surgeon during operative procedures by providing exposure, retraction, hemostasis, tissue handling, and wound closure according to accepted surgical techniques.
• Participate in preoperative patient preparation and planning, including skin preparation, draping, reviewing patient history, surgical procedures, and anticipated intraoperative needs.
• Anticipate and provide instruments, supplies, and equipment while collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to support efficient workflow and optimize patient outcomes during surgical procedures.
• Monitor patient condition intraoperatively, including vital signs, positioning, and safety measures, and communicate concerns to the surgical team.
• Perform suturing, wound closure, and other surgical interventions within the RNFA scope of practice while assisting with post-operative care, including wound assessment, documentation, and patient education.
• Collaborate with the perioperative team to ensure proper sterilization, maintenance, and safe handling of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of surgical procedures, intraoperative events, and patient outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Maintain proficiency in surgical techniques, equipment uses, and professional standards through continuing education and skills validation, while consistently adhering to sterile technique and infection control protocols during all surgical procedures.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for other perioperative nursing staff and assist in orienting new team members to surgical procedures and techniques.
• Adjust to changing priorities and increased workloads to meet patient care and department needs, including functioning as a Circulating Nurse or Scrub Nurse as needed.
• Identify opportunities for, and actively participate in, performance and quality improvement activities to enhance clinical outcomes, healthcare delivery, and patient safety.
• Participate in the equitable rotation of after-hours call coverage, including weekends and holidays, as applicable to designated clinical areas.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and perioperative nursing principles, including sterile technique and aseptic practices.
• Ability to assist with surgical procedures, including tissue handling, suturing, retraction, hemostasis, and other technical tasks.
• Able to anticipate surgical needs, coordinate intraoperative workflow, and collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to optimize patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.
• Ability to operate and monitor relevant equipment within assigned clinical area.
• Ability to interpret, prepare and maintain patient information using the electronic health record (EHR).
• Skilled in performing surgical techniques within the RNFA scope of practice, including tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, hemostasis, and use of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Skilled in making sound decisions and practicing critical thinking, especially when responding to urgent and emergent situations.
• Knowledge of health equity and ability to provide age-specific, culturally competent care that considers the patient's physical, psychosocial, and socioeconomic needs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently independently with ability to assist with heavier weights (100+ pounds) with team lift or mechanical equipment.
• Able to sit, stand, walk, bend, squat,…