RN FIRST ASSISTANT

RN First Assistant

Expected pay for this position is $37.95-$60.72. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity. MDH Benefits package includes: Medical, Dental, Vision 457B and employer match Company paid STD and LTD

Job Summary: To carry out functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The RNFA practices peri-operative nursing and is therefore responsible for independent nursing behaviors of pre-operative assessment and post-operative evaluation of care. The RNFA is one who performs as a first or second assistant on any surgical procedures under the direction of the surgeon. The RNFA does not congruently function as a scrub nurse.

Job Specifications: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Current RN license, 2 years peri-operative experience, maintain CPR certification and/or ACLS certification, maintain CNOR certification, additional education specific for RNFA, which includes a supervised clinical component.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrates proficiency in the scrub and circulating roles. Demonstrates knowledge of skill in applying principles of aseptic technique. Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique related to first assisting. Demonstrates ability to perform effectively and harmoniously as a member of the operative team. Demonstrates ability to recognize safety hazards and to initiate appropriate preventive and corrective actions. Demonstrates skill in the following inter-operative nursing behavior: handling tissue, using instruments, providing exposure, and providing hemostasis.

ABILITIES, INTERESTS AND TEMPERAMENTS: Verbal ability is needed to interpret and understand the physician’s orders and communicate with other care givers regarding care of the patient, as well as to present educational information to patients, staff, and the public as needed. Numerical ability is needed to ensure correct dosages of medication. Clinical perception is needed to access patient and correctly interpret data. Clerical perception is needed to verify correct transcription of physician’s orders. Finger dexterity is needed for, but not limited to, handling medical equipment, starting IV’s and giving IM medications, assembling IV lines, and different physical exams. The ability to develop a plan of care and follow through. A preference for scientific and technical activities is required to set up and adapt medical equipment to the patient’s needs and apply the physiological effects of the therapy and procedures to the patient’s clinical state. Ability to apply critical thinking skills to assess the situation and alter nursing care plan as needed. A preference for the use of processes and techniques is necessary to follow the nursing policies and procedures to ensure standard of care. Ability to adapt and prioritize during emergency situations. Must have the ability to work with a variety of patients of all populations (e.g. developmentally appropriate care, cultural diversity, patients with pain, victims of abuse or neglect, and diagnosis or procedure specific such as patient with congestive heart failure or cesarean delivery).