What are the responsibilities and job description for the RN First Assistant - Surgery position at Lima Memorial Health System?
Functioning within the Health System’s mission, values, objectives, and policies and procedures, the Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) functions as a first assistant in the operating room to support the Surgeon(s) before, during and following surgery. Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with operating room staff to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The RNFA functions in an expanded perioperative nursing role and demonstrates complete competency in assisting the surgeon with cases. Responsibilities include but are not limited to preoperative patient management in collaboration with other health care providers such as performing focused preoperative nursing assessments and communicating with others regarding the patient plan of care; intraoperative performance of surgical first assistant techniques as in using instruments and medical devices; providing surgical site exposure; handling and/or cutting tissue, and providing hemostasis and suturing. The RNFA provides retraction of tissue for optimal visualization and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique, assists with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events in the operating room, and performs any other duties in the surgical procedure deemed necessary and as directed by surgeon. Participates in identified research studies, clinic or office activities, educational and program material development, etc. Functions within the philosophy, objectives, and standards of nursing practice and policies and procedures of the department of nursing. Once training is completed, RNFAs are expected to be part of the on call rotation. On call response time within 30 minutes is required.
Education: . Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing and have successful completion of an RNFA program that meets the AORN standards for RNFA first assistant education program. . A Baccalaureate degree (with the exception to any individual practicing prior to 2020) is required.
Licensure/Certification: Must have a valid unrestricted RN license for the State of Ohio. Current BLS required. NSAA examination, ACLS and certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR) required. Must achieve and maintain CRNFA certification.
Experience: Three years’ experience, including experience with da Vinci Robotics preferred.
Skills: Demonstrated competency in the practice of nursing with exceptional technical skills and strong organizational, prioritization, communication and delegation skills. Must have broad-based knowledge of advanced concepts in operation room practices and Surgical Technology usually acquired through three (3) years of operating room experience. Must also have demonstrated analytical skills to resolve complex problems, assist with development of standards of care, and evaluate the quality of care. Must demonstrate flexibility with work schedule changes and the ability to work in a fast paced environment and quickly adapt to changes throughout the shift. Must also be highly motivated, possess critical thinking skills, demonstrate the ability to work independently, and exercise sound judgment and decision-making. Must have a willingness to train in all facets of Surgical Services including, but not limited to, CVOR, Ortho, General, OB/GYN, Urology, ENT, Neuro, Vascular, Plastics and Robotics including Hybrid, Robotic and Laser cases.