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 CompetenciesFirst Assist ResponsibilitiesProvides first-assist duties including exposure, tissue handling, retraction, hemostasis, suturing, and wound managementApplies knowledge of instrumentation, anatomy, and sterile/aseptic techniqueIndependently scrubs and assists across specialties including, but not limited to Orthopedics, General, Robotics, Vascular, Gynecology, and SpineAnticipates surgeon needs and ensures safe, efficient operative flowParticipates in preoperative planning with surgeons and the surgical teamDemonstrates knowledge and skills appropriate to the age and needs of the patientPerioperative RN ResponsibilitiesPerforms circulating nurse duties according to Operating Room standards and policiesPrepares the operating room with supplies, instruments, and equipment needed for the scheduled procedureSupports anesthesia providers and ensures safe patient positioningMonitors compliance with aseptic technique and safety protocolsEngages in preadmission, preoperative, and postoperative RN duties as applicable to Outpatient Surgery (Outpatient Surgery Center, Preadmission, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)Provides patient and family education regarding the perioperative processConducts nursing assessments and documents care in accordance with policyCommunication & CollaborationUtilizes SBARQ and other structured communication toolsCoordinates patient care activities with physicians, anesthesia, surgical technologists, and perioperative staffMaintains timely and accurate documentationCommunicates updates or issues to the leadership team and intra-operative staffPatient Care & AdvocacyActs as an advocate for patient rights, privacy, and dignityProvides emotional support and individualized patient educationDevelops and implements nursing plans of care tailored to patient needsEnsures continuity of care across all perioperative phasesQuality, Safety & CompetencyFollows departmental and organizational policies and guidelines.Maintains, operates, and monitors equipment according to manufacturer and hospital standards.Completes department-specific competency validation and ongoing training.Participates in on-call rotation as assigned.QualificationsEducation:Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing requiredBachelor's Degree in Nursing requiredCompletion of an accredited RNFA program requiredExperience:Minimum two years of perioperative RN experience requiredExperience as an RNFA preferredLicensure:Current RN license in the Commonwealth of VirginiaCertified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification requiredRNFA certification or documented completion of RNFA program requiredRefer to the Life Support Training policy for additional detailsAdditional Skills/Requirements Required :Ability to independently scrub and first-assist across multiple specialtiesStrong critical thinking, assessment, and decision-making abilitiesExcellent communication, teamwork, and patient education skillsAbility to multitask, prioritize, and respond effectively in emergenciesMust meet all competency validations for perioperative RN and RNFA duties.Physical DemandsPhysical Demand Code: Nursing 20A / Medical Tech 17AWork Function/Activity : Medium to Heavy Physical DemandConstant standing, frequent walking, bending/stoopingAbility to lift/push/pull up to 100 lbs. with assistance (Safe Handling Equipment required >35 lbs.)Requires strong visual, auditory, and verbal communication abilitiesFrequent repetitive motions and ability to maintain attention to detailMay require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: YesOn call responsibilities as directed: YesAbility to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: YesThe base compensation range for this role is $40.44- $66.96 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Please note that the pay range does not include any applicable incentive compensation programs such as shift differentials, clinical ladders, and other incentives that may be available for those in eligible positions.