Summary:
A Registered Nurse First Assistant, or RNFA, is a perioperative RN that functions as a first assistant during surgical operations. They directly assist the surgeon with controlling bleeding, providing wound exposure, suturing, and other surgical tasks. The RNFA may also provide other advanced assistance such as mobilizing the tissue, positioning the patient, and directing other surgical staff.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assist surgeon in general and specialized surgeries
- Prepare patients for surgery
- Provide patient care and support
- Administer medications
- Practice surgical procedures such as controlling bleeding and suturing incisions, draping, providing exposure, and handling tissue
- Prepare all necessary supplies
- Position and prepare the patient on the operating table
- Monitor the patient’s vital signs and heart rate
- Educate patient and family on operation and aftercare
- Perform post-operative assessments
- Monitor patient after surgery for pain and/or complications
- Study patient history and health assessments
- Communicate health of patient to family members
- Monitor surgery site for healing or infection
- Participate in research
- Perform CPR or other emergency measures if required
Minimum requirements:
- 2 years recent work experience as a Registered Nurse First Assist
- Completion of an accredited RNFA program
- Active, unencumbered RN license in state of practice
- CNOR certification may be required per job/facility
- CRNFA or RNAS-C certification may be required per job/facility
- Current BLS is required (ACLS, PALS, and/or NRP may be required per job/facility)
- Current TB Screen
- Valid Photo Identification/Driver's License
- Successful completion of a Background Check and Medely's screening process