Staff Registered Nurse First Assistant

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is an integral member of the surgical team, providing advanced perioperative nursing care to patients. The RNFA collaborates with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes and demonstrates expertise in the first assistant role during surgery. In addition to primary RNFA responsibilities, this position requires the ability to function as a scrub or circulating nurse as needed, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive patient care throughout the surgical process.

While functioning in the RNFA role, the RN works under the direct supervision of the surgeon.

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a Registered Nurse with specialized education and documented competency in perioperative nursing practice consistent with the RNFA Standards of Practice established by the Association of peri Operative Nurses (AORN) through successful completion of a post-basic nursing education program whose intent is the preparation of registered nurses to practice as first assistants at surgery.

Registered Nurse First Assistant Advanced Specialist (RNFA-AS). Registered Nurse First Assistant-Certified (RNFA-C). Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery-Certified (RNAS-C).

• Experience:
  • Two years of perioperative nursing experience required.
  • One year of med/surg nursing experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated competency in the scrub and circulating roles.
• Education and Training:
  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
  • Successful completion of a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) education program that meets current professional standards and includes didactic and clinical components.
  • Required One of the Following:
  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma-prepared nurses who completed RNFA training and established practice as an RNFA prior to implementation of BSN-preferred standards will be considered qualified.
• License, Certification & Registration:
  • RN – Currently licensed as an RN in Massachusetts
  • (BLS) certification
  • ACLS within 6 months of hire
  • RNFAG
    - National RNFA certification obtained within 3-years of hire, unless exempt due to grandfathered status.
  • Acceptable RNFA Certifications Include:
    • Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) through the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) - Preferred.
• Other Requirements:
  • Maintenance of all certifications and continuing education requirements applicable to RNFA practice and State regulations
  • Assures compliance with unit-specific scope of practice.
  • Must be able to speak the English language in an understandable manner.
  • Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of the position can be fully met.
  • Call Rotation
  • Occasional weekend or evening shifts based on department needs.
  • Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations
  • Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
  • Knowledge of operative techniques related to the procedures in which the RNFA assists.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the customer being served.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Joint Commission and National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG).