Log In
Sign Up
The RN First Assist collaborates with the surgeon or obstetrician and the health care team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The RN first assistant practices perioperative nursing and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice. The RN first assistant practices in collaboration with and at the direction of the surgeon or obstetrician during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience. The RN first assistant does not concurrently function as a scrub nurse.
Minimum of 2 years experience as an RNFA in an acute care hospital operating room; competent in general surgery, robotic surgery, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, ENT, Bariatrics.
Responsibilities
1. Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Evaluation of patient care are reflective of Policy and Procedure and Standard of Care, measured by complete and accurate documentation. Properly complies with physician orders within a timely manner when applicable. 2. Demonstrates the ability to care for patients by providing safe, direct patient care, demonstrating knowledge and competency in completing assigned tasks according to established standards and policies.: Performs patient care duties in a safe and proficient manner. Follows the plan of care as directed by the surgeon or obstetrician Tasks are performed as directed with minimal follow up. Maintains AORN standards in all aspects of patient care for the surgical team. 3. Appropriately participates during crisis situations. Delegates tasks and assignments to appropriate staff within their scope of practice. 4. Intra-operative Patient Care: The rnfa is responsible intra-operatively for collaborating with the surgeon and other health care professionals. For an optimal surgical outcome. Assisting the anesthesiologist when applicable. Assisting with patient positioning, skin preparation, and other areas of patient prep. 5. Maintains ongoing communication with nursing staff, ancillary staff, other departments and physicians.: Serves as a resource nurse. Communicates effectively with physicians. Implements surgeons’ preferences in surgical procedures. Utilizes conflict resolution and negotiation skills appropriately. 6. Makes rounds and responds to patient/family requests for assistance in a timely manner.: Patient needs are promptly attended to in a courteous manner and steps are taken to anticipate and meet customer expectations. 7. Teaches families and patients based on identified health needs. Facilitates a multi-disciplinary care delivery system. Utilizes appropriate teaching methodologies based upon the learning needs of the patient. 8. Participates in the improvement process of quality patient care: Takes self-directed or self-motivated initiative to do more than is expected or required in the job, acts before being required to, to improve job performance, and/or creates new opportunities. Participates in department PI activities. 9. Postoperative Patient Care: The RNFA is responsible postoperatively for assisting in the safe delivery of the patient to the recovery room, communicating to appropriate health care personnel and family members performing follow-up care to evaluate the patient. 10. Preoperative Patient Care: The RNFA is responsible preoperatively for interviewing the surgical patient for a comprehensive, health history, performing nursing physical assessments, educating the patient and offering emotional support, evaluating the needs of the patient and of the families. 11. Assignments are accurately completed with minimal supervision counseling. 12. Utilizes available resources to assist staff in providing patient education. Utilizes knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and nursing process to provide educational support. Identifies areas for educational offerings, including competencies. 13. Adapts work schedule to meet the needs of the department. Floats between Maternity OR and Main OR depending on scheduled cases and area with greatest need. 14. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psychosocial, education, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in the assigned service area. 15. Clinical practice accurately reflects Code of Ethics, the NJ Board of Nursing regulations, AORN Standards of care, the New Jersey Department of Health regulations, JCAHO, and institutional policies and procedures providing for effective and safe patient/customer care. 16. Other duties and/or projects as assigned. 17. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.
Qualifications
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 1. Graduate of accredited RNFA program. 2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 3. Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms. Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Licenses and Certifications Required: 1. NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License. 2. AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification. Licenses and Certifications Preferred: 1. Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification. 2. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification.
