Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

RN-First Assistant Opportunity At Bolivar Medical Center

Start your next chapter at Bolivar Medical Center, a 164-bed hospital serving Cleveland, MS, and part of the ScionHealth community hospital network. Bolivar Medical Center is a Joint Commission accredited hospital that provides inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department services and also offers a long-term care unit. At Bolivar, you will deliver vital care in a community setting with the backing of a highly regarded hospital system committed to quality, safety, and local impact.

Job Summary

The RN-First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative nurse who functions in an expanded role to provide direct surgical assistance to the operating surgeon. This role includes preoperative patient assessment, intraoperative surgical assistance, and postoperative care in alignment with nursing standards and surgical protocols. The RNFA works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and OR staff to ensure optimal surgical outcomes and patient safety.

Essential Functions

• Performs first assist duties under the direction of the operating surgeon, including tissue retraction, hemostasis, cutting and suturing, and wound closure
• Participates in preoperative assessment and preparation, including patient positioning and site marking
• Maintains sterile field and ensures proper handling of surgical instruments and equipment
• Monitors patient condition and surgical environment throughout the procedure
• Provides postoperative care and assists with recovery, transfer, or discharge as appropriate
• Documents intraoperative activities, patient responses, and outcomes in accordance with policy
• Participates in circulating and scrub nurse roles when not assigned to RNFA duties
• Collaborates with surgical team on scheduling, preparation, and procedure coordination
• Maintains competency through documentation of clinical cases and continuing education
• Supports patient education and advocates for safety, dignity, and confidentiality
• Participates in performance improvement and quality initiatives within the surgical department

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• In-depth knowledge of surgical anatomy, procedures, and aseptic technique
• Advanced clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt to high-acuity, emergent situations with composure
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Skilled in wound closure, suturing, and use of surgical tools
• Demonstrates flexibility and commitment to patient-centered care
• Physically capable of extended standing, lifting, and movement in the surgical suite

Qualifications

• Postsecondary (Cert/Diploma/Program Grad) from an accredited school of nursing (Required)
• Postsecondary (Cert/Diploma/Program Grad) completion of an accredited RNFA program (Required)
• Bachelor's Degree in nursing or related field (Preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

• Current and valid Registered Nurse license in the state of practice
• CNOR certification, required. Basic Life Support (BLS), required
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), preferred
• Must meet credentialing requirements for allied health privileges

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of perioperative nursing experience required