RN First Assistant Team Leader - Full-time

Under general supervision performs an expanded nursing role of an OR Staff Nurse to encompass pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative functions. In the intra-operative phase until the conclusion of the operative procedure, works under the direct supervision and direction of the operating surgeon. The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) does not function concurrently as a scrub nurse. The RNFA has the obligation and responsibility to refuse to perform any delegated act, whether oral or written, if not within the parameters of his/her defined role, training and licensure. The RNFA Coordinator reviews the first assistant needs for the GOR, adjust staffing, and assigns RNFAs to cases.

Education:
Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing with expectation of BSN within 3 years of entry into position. BSN preferred. Completion of an accredited course in RN first assisting comparable to the requirements identified in the Maryland Board of Nursing Declaratory Ruling.
 

Licensures/Certifications:
• Current registration with the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses as a Registered Nurse.
• Healthcare Provider (CPR Certification).
• ACLS preferred
• Current CNOR certification.
• CRNFA certification preferred
 

Experience:
Minimum of 5 years diversified Perioperative nursing experience: both scrubbing and circulating proficiency.
 

Skills:
• Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, surgical interventions, surgical techniques and surgical hazards.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in handling surgical instrumentation, in aiding in exposure, retraction, hemostasis, suctioning, tissue handling including dissecting, cutting, suturing, tying, stapling and stab wound.
• Analytical ability to conduct pre-operative and post-operative patient assessment, to evaluate physical and laboratory findings and to conduct patient teaching appropriate to age, background, psycho-social needs, medical/physical condition of the surgical patient. Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with surgical patients and their significant others to enlist their involvement and cooperation in the entire treatment process.
• Advanced skill in organizing assignments and activities of others and problem solving for the overall benefit and smooth operation of the OR.
• Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations with behaviors that are unique to functioning as a first assistant.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Performs pre-operative and post-operative patient assessment and teaching. Involves appropriate parties (i.e. patient's family or guardian, outside agencies) in the assessment, treatment and continuing care of the patient as needed.
Clinical Competency-Collaborates with the surgeons and healthcare team in performing safe operations with optimal outcomes for the patients. The RNFA practices perioperative nursing and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice.
Teamwork – Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others. Has respect for and understanding of clinical disciplines. Uses an integrated approach toward patient outcomes.
1. Demonstrates effective communication skills.
2. Delegates patient care activities to other healthcare team members and redirects unit activities a patient acuity and census changes.
3. Using evidence based practice model to works with a multidisciplinary team to implement practice changes and other initiatives in a positive and productive manner.
4. Assists the clinical partner/charge nurse by coordinating the staff and surgery schedule and handling day-to-day issues with positive outcomes.
5. Assists as needed with the staffing schedule coverage to meet daily department needs.
6. Assists with room set-up, opening supplies and room turn-over to promote and maintain efficiency and productivity.
7. Helps with lunches and breaks. Assists with patient positioning and safe transport of patient to the PACU. Assists staff to indentify learning needs and helps to educate and train as needed. Acts as a preceptor. Will assist in the training and orientation of new staff into the OR including RN’s, Surgical Techs, RNFA’s, and PA’s.
8. Collaborates with the team in keeping costs under control and controls wastage in the room with regard to supplies; promotes maximum productivity.
9. Assists team leader, clinical partner, charge nurse in updating and developing physician preference cards.
Quality/Best practices – Utilizes standards, guidelines, and pathways for care delivery. Incorporates data and information to continuously improve care and practice to enhance outcomes.
1. The RNFA acts as a leader or participates in quality improvement process. Actively ide