Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

POSITION SUMMARY/RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as a team member of the Surgery Service Line by providing care in collaboration with the surgeon supervising surgeon. The RNFA practicing in the perioperative environment as a first assistant at surgery functions in an expanded perioperative Circulating RN role; must comply with all statutes, regulations, and institutional policies relevant to the RNFA who first assists at surgery; is required to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, competent surgical first assistant services by completing a program that covers the content of the AORN Standards for RN First Assistant Education Programs; acquiring the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills, to the expanded role of RNFA clinical practice; intraoperatively practices at the direction of the surgeon providing surgical site exposure, handling and/or cutting tissue, providing hemostasis, suturing, and wound management. Does not concurrently function as a scrub tech or circulator. Represents the OR and exemplifies their inter-professional decorum by working synergistically with all members of the team. When not needed as an RNFA, they will be utilized in the Circulating role. Supports and maintains University Health mission, vision, and values.

EDUCATION

Must have a baccalaureate degree, with the exception that the RNFA practicing prior to January 1, 2020, may continue to practice at his or her existing level of education

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

Must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in Texas. Must maintain ACLS and certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR). Must have successfully completed an RNFA program that meets the “AORN standards for RN first assistant education programs and compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, and institutional policies relevant to RNFAs.. Continued Competency the RNFA demonstrates behaviors that progress on a continuum from basic competency to excellence, maintains CNOR status, and is encouraged to achieve and maintain CRNFA certification when eligibility requirements have been met.