Registered Nurse First Assistant; RNFA

Registered Nurse First Assistant

Location:

Long Beach, CA

Department:
Surgery Services

Status:
Full-Time

Shift: Days/10 hrs.

Pay Range: $69.32 - $97.90

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.

• 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.
• Provides physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the clinical information system and applies principles to patient documentation.
• Follows 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 and maintains confidentiality of all medical, financial and other sensitive material.
• Uses good customer service skills by managing and acknowledging patient family‑significant other expectations.
• Integrates 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 the 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 the surgeon, following the standard procedure “Wound Closure Intraoperative”.
• Functions in the role of the Operating Room circulator or scrub when not assigned to the RNFA role.
• Arrives on time and maintains punctuality.
• Interacts in a positive and constructive manner.
• Prioritizes and multitasks effectively.
• Assists supervising surgeon in performing surgeries in an operating room setting.
• Meets population‑specific competencies.
• Complies with OSHA, HIPAA, and other regulatory entities.
• Attends required meetings and participates in committees as requested.
• Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.
• Maintains credentials in an active status.
• Works with the management team…