Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) - Surgery, FT

JOB SUMMARY

Performs first assistant responsibilities under the direction of the surgeon and in accordance with the privileges granted by the Medical Staff through the credentialing process and the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Ohio.  Delivers direct/indirect patient care utilizing the nursing process through data collection and assessment; implementation and prioritization of patient’s problems and needs; and development/ implementation / evaluation of a nursing plan of care. Demonstrates critical thinking to assure the delivery of safe, quality age specific care. Delegates effectively to appropriate team members. Documents accurately and in a timely manner. Communicates and collaborates with other healthcare team members. Adheres to organizational policies and procedures; regulatory/ accrediting body requirements; and professional practice standards.  Care will be provided to patients of all ages from neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult to geriatric.

NOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Able to apply principles of asepsis and infection control.
• Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and operative technique.
• Knowledge of current trends and demonstration of standards of care in perioperative nursing as defined by AORN.
• Current knowledge of the nursing role and scope of practice as defined by the State of Ohio Nurse Practice Act and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
• Current knowledge of American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics.
• Successful completion of mandatory requirements including unit proficiencies/competencies.
• Demonstration of effective problem solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and team work skills.
• Demonstration of effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstration of positive customer service.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE

• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel; order entry; E-mail)
• Knowledge of and skill in using all instrumentation/ equipment in the O.R.
• Capability of operating flash sterilizers and other equipment used in the reprocessing of surgical instruments and equipment

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the surgeon throughout the perioperative experience.
• Demonstrates ability to perform effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in perioperative nursing practice as both a scrub nurse and a circulating nurse in the operating room.
• Assists other team members in set-up, clean-up and turn-over of operating rooms.
• Collaborates with team members to create and maintain an aseptic surgical environment.
• Demonstrates proper technique when transporting, moving or positioning the patient on the operating table.
• Delivers safe nursing interventions in an organized, efficient, and prioritized manner to address identified needs.
• Demonstrates ability to recognize safety hazards and initiate appropriate preventive and corrective action.
• Demonstrates appropriate Intraoperative first assisting skills by:
• providing exposure/retraction in the operating field
• handling and/or cutting tissue
• providing hemostasis via
• electrosurgery – direct and through an instrument
• bipolar electrocautery
• clamps
• pressure/sponging
• collagens/cellulose
• bone wax
• suturing
• knot tying
• cutting suture materials
• wound closure
• wound approximation
• subcuticular closure
• skin closure
• staples
• securing drains
• Evaluates/re-evaluates patient’s response to nursing interventions and patient’s progress to expected outcome(s).
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with team members in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient.
• Collaborates with team members in updating and revising surgeon preference cards in a timely manner.
• Serves as a resource for other health care team members.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new and tenured personnel, reassigned nurses, student nurses, Patient Care Assistants, and faculty; serves as a preceptor when requested.
• Demonstrates knowledge of disaster/ emergency procedures and responds appropriately.
• Actively participates in Time Outs.
• Assists in proper positioning of patient
• Maintain integrity of sterile field
• Must maintain self control under stressful situations and workload pressures with out exhibiting negative behaviors
• Apply wound dressings as appropriately.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual knowledge, skills, performance and behavior in accordance with hospital, division, and unit standards of care and policies and procedures.
• Utilizes measures to promote and maintain patient, visitor and personnel safety.
• Maintains patient, employee, physician, and organization confidentiality; respects the rights, privacy, and property of others.
• Demonstrates the appropriate use of infection control principles and personal protection equipment.
• Supports the mission, values, and vision of the organization.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Floats to assigned roles within the perioperative setting as needed.
• Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances.
• Participates in staff meetings, educational programs, committees, QI activities and mandatory in-services.
• Participates in maintaining unit functions.
• Demonstrates initiative in personal/ professional development.
• Presents a professional image.
• Assists with control of costs through the judicious use of human and material resources.
• Other duties as assigned.