RN Surgical First Assist

RN Surgical First Assist

Northwest Healthcare Tucson

The RN First Assist (RNFA) provides advanced perioperative nursing care, assisting surgeons during operative procedures to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This role includes preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative responsibilities, supporting a variety of surgical specialties and units. The RNFA collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, utilizing advanced skills in tissue handling, wound management, and surgical techniques while maintaining compliance with regulatory and institutional standards.

• Provides advanced surgical assistance to the operating surgeon, including tissue handling, suturing, and wound management.
• Collaborates with the surgical team to plan, implement, and evaluate individualized perioperative care plans.
• Ensures the operative field is maintained aseptically, adhering to infection control protocols and surgical standards.
• Assesses patient needs preoperatively and postoperatively, providing education and emotional support as needed.
• Monitors and manages intraoperative patient status, responding to changes and communicating effectively with the surgical team.
• Maintains accurate and thorough documentation of perioperative care in compliance with organizational policies.
• Provides mentorship and education to nursing staff and students, promoting best practices in perioperative care.
• Collaborates with various units and specialties to provide RNFA support tailored to specific surgical procedures and patient populations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

• 2-4 years of perioperative nursing experience in an operating room setting required.
• 1-2 years of experience as a certified RN First Assistant providing intraoperative surgical assistance preferred.

• Advanced knowledge of surgical techniques, aseptic principles, and perioperative nursing practices.
• Strong clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills in high‑pressure environments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in surgical instruments, technologies, and documentation systems.
• Commitment to patient safety and quality improvement in the surgical setting.

• RN – Registered Nurse – State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required.
• CRNFA – Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant required.
• BCLS – Basic Life Support required.
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support required.
• CNOR – Certified Operating Room Nurse preferred.

As a core employee with Northwest Healthcare, you will be eligible for a competitive base pay, night shift incentives, and a robust total rewards compensation package. Included in our benefits package are health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more. You can also qualify for tuition assistance and a loan reimbursement program up to $20,000 for qualified programs.

Northwest Medical Center Houghton is accredited by The Joint Commission and is an equal opportunity employer: race, gender, disability, and Veteran status, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.