Registered Nurse First Assistant Certified - Operating Room

Nurse

In collaboration with and under the supervision of the physician, the RNFA facilitates quality patient care of the surgical patient. Responsible for providing surgical assistance in the exposure, hemostasis, cannulation, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for patients. Interacts with patients and significant others to provide information and emotional support. Serves as a professional resource and provides guidance when necessary to resolve routine patient care problems. Develops and provides continuing education to staff members involved in the care of the robotics patient.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Works in a collegial manner and develops collaborative relationships with nurses, physicians, and other disciplines to ensure an integrated approach to patient care.
2. Functions primarily as a member of the Surgical Services team under the direction and supervision of the surgeon. When scheduling permits, will assist other members of the medical staff in patient management or in the performance of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
3. Serves as a liaison between surgeon and family/significant others during operative procedures.
4. Demonstrates ability to anticipate surgeon's needs and next moves in order to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
5. Provides visualization of the operative site during the operative procedure.
6. Demonstrates ability to respond quickly and appropriately to control unexpected intraoperative bleeding. Using appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis (clamping, cauterizing, tying, litigating, applying hemostatic clips, and placing hemostatic agents).
7. Use appropriate technique to assist with closure of body planes.
8. Demonstrates competency in the utilization of specified equipment required for patient care.
9. Functions as first assist on all Robotic procedures, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, General, ENT, Cardio Thoracic, Vascular GYN procedures or any specialty where a first assist is requested.
10. Performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to: incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources.
11. Reviews charts of preoperative patients in preparation for discussion with the surgeon including clinical review of medical history, lab results and medications.
12. Serves as a professional resource for nurses and other hospital personnel related to robotic patients.
13. Responsible for quality assessment activities by monitoring patient care and identifying issues or problems. Prepare case presentations for the Mortality and Morbidity conference as assigned.
14. Participates in research and data collection for quality improvement program. Participates in the quality improvement program through participation of interdisciplinary teams aimed at improving processes to reach desired outcomes.
15. Develops and broadens skills and knowledge through research, professional conference and seminars, and through participation and observation of patient care.
16. Assists in the development of standards of practice, policies, protocols and documentation guidelines related to specialty.
17. May Function as OR Circulator RN as needed.
18. Performs other related job duties as requested as directed by Surgical Services Management team.

Required:

• Bachelors Degree of Science in Nursing
• Successful completion of an RNFA program that meets AORN standards for RN First Assistant education programs and is accepted by the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI), or National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC)
• Three years of prior clinical experience
• Current State of Michigan Registered Nurse license
• BLS and ALS certifications from American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or Canadian equivalent, is required before start date and valid at least 60 days beyond start date.
• Certification in Perioperative Nursing (CNOR)

Preferred:

• Masters of Science in Nursing
• Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant certification from the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) organization or Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of surgical services theory, practice and education in order to develop educational programs, conduct patient assessments, and develop plans of care.
• Substantial interpersonal skills required in instructing patients and families, conduct formal educational programs for employees, and maintain effective contacts with a variety of hospital personnel.
• High level of analytical skills necessary to resolve patient care problems and develop comprehensive plans of care.
• Typing, computer skills.