RN First Assistant (RNFA) - Full-Time

To demonstrate knowledge of strict aseptic technique to provide the safest most optimum care to each patient. To assure quality care of patient in the Operating Room. To assist the Surgeon with instrumentation and anticipate his/her needs. To provide care based on needs of individual patients including but not limited to adult, pediatric, adolescents.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Pennsylvania


• Current certifications in basic and advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS & PALS)


• Documentation of completion of RNFA education program


• Maintains certifications as required by the Department of Nursing


• Meets rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing prior to employment


• Two years current operating room experience required


• Demonstrated competence as a scrub and circulating nurse


• Certification in Operating Room Nursing (CNOR)

Essential Functions

• Performs within the legal framework of the nursing profession as defined by the Nurse Practice Act of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.


• Practices nursing within the established policies, procedures, and standards of care of the Nursing Department of Physicians Care Surgical Hospital.


• Functions independent of the scrub nurse.


• Recognizes and practices within the limitations of educational preparation and professional experience; seeks help from appropriate resources as needed.


• Demonstrates good judgment in priority setting and decision-making.


• Performs responsibilities with minimal supervision as directed by surgeon.


• Demonstrates flexibility and stamina in response to changes in work volume, and staffing.


• Functions as a patient advocate.


• Demonstrates a consistent caring, supportive relationship with patients and family.


• Maintains open channels of communication between members of the perioperative team. Preoperatively assesses patient in holding area for readiness; examines chart for accuracy and completion.


• Assists with preparation and administration of medications intra-operatively as directed by surgeon (i.e., local anesthetics, regional block techniques). Observes and assesses the patients response to the medication. Follows standards of asepsis and infection control, corrects break in technique as needed.


• Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate corrective actions.


• Reports any unusual occurrences, situations or hazards to appropriate personnel.


• Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative techniques relative to the surgical procedure.


• Assists with positioning, prepping and draping the patient.


• Applies devices to patient that are necessary for case completion as directed by the physician (i.e., tourniquet, ESU grounding pad).


• Provides hemostasis via coagulating, clamping, or ligating bleeding vessels as directed by the surgeon.


• Provides exposure of the surgical site via appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques under direct supervision of the operating surgeon.


• Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon. Places and sutures drains, sutures fascia, subcutaneous and skin tissues; staples skin.


• Applies surgical dressings, assists in case and immobilizing device application; applies other devices as appropriate and directed by surgeon (i.e. CPM).


• Maintains ongoing assessment of the patient's condition during surgery through arrival in the PACU.


• Assists in transferring the patient from the operating room to the PACU as appropriate.


• Provides pertinent and concise information to PACU when transferring patients from the operating room.


• Provides patient education and discharge instructions as needed.


• Serves as a role model and resource for staff and students.


• Participates in data collection for research projects.


• Uses research findings including evidence based practices in the application of the nursing process. Identifies areas where evidence based practice can be applied to patient care activities.


• Communicates pertinent information to staff, management, and physicians as appropriate.


• Promotes a positive attitude and relationship among staff, and outside vendors.


• Works to maintain a positive team relationship with the physicians and staff.


• Attends all required in-services and if not present assumes responsibility to read and sign all staff meeting minutes in communication book.


• Demonstrates knowledge of the care of Surgical specimens and Surgical counts.


• Utilizes, monitors, and evaluates use of supplies and materials to provide quality work, minimize cost and increase efficiency.


• As a BLS, ACLS and PALS provider, responds to emergency situations and takes action based on the hospital protocol.


• Maintains professional experience and knowledge through reading, study and clinical practice. Avails self to learning opportunities.


• Observes safe medication administration and labeling procedures and assesses patient responses to medications.


• Demonstrates understanding of role in the hospital-wide Patient Flow Plan.


• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the RN First Assistant is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.