Certified Registered Nurse First Assist

Description

Job Description: 

The role of RN first assistant to the surgeon requires the performance of a combination of nursing and medical functions. The RN first assistant directly assists the surgeon by controlling bleeding, providing wound exposure, suturing and other surgical tasks. The RN first assistant may provide other advanced assistance, such as mobilization of tissue, patient positioning and directing other surgical team members with specific individual tasks. The RN first assistant, practices perioperative nursing and must have acquired the necessary specific knowledge, skills and judgment. The RN first assistant practices under the supervision of the surgeon during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience. In order to perform those functions considered to be first assistant to the surgeon, the RN must adhere to standardized procedures. The RNFA/CRNFA may not perform the function of the scrub nurse while functioning as the RNFA. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist surgeon in general and specialized surgeries
• Prepare patients for surgery
• Provide patient care and support
• Administer medications
• Practice surgical procedures such as controlling bleeding and suturing incisions, draping, providing exposure, and handling tissue
• Prepare all necessary supplies
• Position and prepare the patient on the operating table
• Monitor the patient's vital signs and heart rate
• Educate patient and family on operation and aftercare
• Perform post-operative assessments
• Monitor patient after surgery for pain and/or complications
• Study patient history and health assessments
• Communicate health of patient to family members
• Monitor surgery site for healing or infection
• Participate in research
• Perform CPR or other emergency measures if required

Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree, certification as a registered nurse first assistant (CRNFA), certification in perio-operative nursing (CNOR), basic and advanced preoperative training, operating room experience required
• Understanding of standard practices and procedures
• Proven experience as an operating room nurse
• Medical expertise in handling and cutting tissue, suturing, providing hemostasis, and using medical devices
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Can perform scrub and circulating nurse roles
• Excellent understanding of multiple surgical procedures 
• Knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques