REGISTERED NURSE- FIRST ASSIST (RNFA)

Registered Nurse-First Assist (RNFA)

Work as Registered Nurse-First Assist (RNFA) in surgical operating rooms assisting surgeons across our surgical divisions:

• Applied knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques relative to operative procedures as RN First Assist while applying principles of asepsis and infection control skillfully
• Performs position, prepping, and draping of the patient
• Handles tissue as directed by the surgeon during the operative procedure while providing exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning/sponging techniques
• Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon; sutures the peritoneum, fascia, subcutaneous tissues, and skin with application of surgical dressings
• Assists with transfer of the patient from the operating room
• Recognizes safety hazard and initiates appropriate corrective actions while practicing within limitation of preparation and experience
• Performs pre/post-operative evaluation and teaching
• Maintains continuing education and teaching
• Visits patients and makes rounds with/without the sponsoring physician; writing assessments on progress notes, which must be co-signed by sponsoring surgeon
• May write post-operative orders as directed by operating surgeon, which are signed immediately by the operating surgeon, while the patient is in the recovery room. (RNFA may NOT dictate or write operative reports or discharge summaries)
• In the event of incapacity or unavailability of the operating surgeon during a major surgical procedure, the functions of a first assist, who is not a surgeon, shall be limited to maintaining the status of the patient while a substitute operating surgeon is summoned, except in matters of dire emergency. "Dire Emergency" shall include only those circumstances posing a significant risk of imminent death or serious bodily injury to the patient, such as uncontrolled bleeding.

Experience Required:

• BSN required

License/Certification Requirements:

• NJ RN License
• CNOR Certification
• CRNFA Certification from the National Board of Perioperative Nursing
• American Heart BLS
• ACLS Preferred