Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role to work collaboratively with the surgeon and the surgical team. The RNFA provides first-assist services during surgical procedures, performs perioperative nursing responsibilities, and ensures high-quality patient care throughout the surgical experience.

The RNFA practices under the RN scope of practice, Virginia Board of Nursing regulations, and facility policies, with documented RNFA training, competency, and surgeon delegation. This role integrates both circulating/scrub nursing responsibilities and technical first-assist duties.

Job competencies include:

• First Assist Responsibilities
• Perioperative RN Responsibilities
• Communication & Collaboration
• Patient Care & Advocacy
• Quality, Safety & Competency

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing required
• Completion of an accredited RNFA program required
• Minimum two years of perioperative RN experience required
• Experience as an RNFA preferred
• Current RN license in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification required
• RNFA certification or documented completion of RNFA program required
• Ability to independently scrub and first-assist across multiple specialties
• Strong critical thinking, assessment, and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and patient education skills
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and respond effectively in emergencies

Physical Demand Code: Nursing 20A / Medical Tech 17A

Work Function/Activity: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand

• Constant standing, frequent walking, bending/stooping
• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 100 lbs. with assistance (Safe Handling Equipment required >35 lbs.)
• Requires strong visual, auditory, and verbal communication abilities
• Frequent repetitive motions and ability to maintain attention to detail

May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes

On call responsibilities as directed: Yes

Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

The base compensation range for this role is $40.44- $66.96 hourly