REGISTERED NURSE FIRST ASSIST

Southern California Surgery Center is seeking a qualified and experienced Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) to join our perioperative team. The RNFA will work collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, registered nurses, surgical technologists, and other members of the surgical team to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care throughout the surgical experience.

This position is primarily focused on RN First Assist responsibilities ; however, perioperative nursing opportunities may also be available , including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-anesthesia/PACU responsibilities based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Function as a Registered Nurse First Assistant during surgical procedures within the RNFA’s scope of practice.
• Assist the surgeon with surgical procedures under the direction and supervision of the operating surgeon.
• Perform duties including, but not limited to:
  • Surgical site exposure and visualization
  • Hemostasis assistance
  • Tissue handling and retraction
  • Suturing and wound closure
  • Application of dressings and surgical drains as directed
  • Other first-assist duties appropriate to the procedure and RNFA scope of practice
• Maintain strict adherence to sterile technique and infection prevention standards.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, perioperative nurses, surgical technologists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Participate in surgical counts and other required safety protocols.
• Assist with maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient operating room environment.
• Provide appropriate patient advocacy throughout the perioperative experience.
• Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Follow facility policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and quality-assurance standards.
• Participate in emergency response procedures and patient-safety initiatives as needed.

Perioperative Nursing Opportunities

Depending on the candidate’s qualifications and staffing needs, this position may also include perioperative RN responsibilities , such as:

• Pre-operative patient assessment and preparation
• Obtaining and reviewing pre-operative documentation
• Intra-operative OR Circulator responsibilities
• Surgical patient positioning and safety
• Medication and specimen management
• Surgical time-out and safety protocols
• PACU/post-anesthesia patient care
• Post-operative assessment and discharge preparation
• Patient and family education
• Coordination of care throughout the surgical experience

Qualifications

Required:

• Current, unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Current ACLS & BLS certification from the American Heart Association
• Formal RN First Assistant (RNFA) education/certification
• Demonstrated experience working in an operating room environment
• Strong knowledge of sterile technique, surgical safety, and infection prevention
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced ambulatory surgical environment
• Excellent communication, organization, and clinical judgment

Preferred:

• CNOR certification
• Experience assisting in plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, general surgery, or other ambulatory surgical procedures
• Experience working in an AAAHC-accredited or similarly regulated surgical facility

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled perioperative RN who is comfortable working directly with surgeons and is able to transition between RN First Assist and perioperative nursing responsibilities as needed.

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate strong surgical knowledge, attention to detail, professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to patient safety.

Schedule

Schedule and number of shifts will be based on surgical volume, candidate availability, qualifications, and operational needs.

Why Join Southern California Surgery Center?

• Ambulatory surgical environment
• Collaborative surgical team
• Opportunity to work directly with experienced surgeons
• Variety of perioperative responsibilities
• Opportunity to utilize and expand RNFA skills
• Professional and patient-focused environment
• Opportunities for additional perioperative RN shifts based on facility needs