RN - Registered Nurse -First Assistant Operating Room * Shift Varies - Resource

General Purpose of Job:  

The RN First Assistant is responsible in assisting the surgeon by applying demonstrated knowledge of safe perioperative nursing and assisting optimal outcomes for the patient.  Throughout entire surgical process, the surgeon remains responsible for the patient.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred. 

License / Certification / Registration:

• Michigan Registered Professional Nurse Licensure required. Certified in Operating   
• Room Nursing (CNOR)
• Current Basic Life Support (ACLS/BLS/CPR) provider required.
• Successful completion of RNFA program based on the AORN core curriculum for the RNFA as its foundation.
• Completion of RNAS-C or CRNFA at first offering. - Preferred
• Maintain current professional liability insurance to function as an RNFA

Experience:

• Previous surgical experience preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Competence in basic cardiac dysrhythmia interpretation required, will train.
• Proficient in perioperative nursing practice as both scrub and circulator nurse for a
• minimum of five years.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in applying principles of asepsis and infection control

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis.  Team members may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader.  Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

• PROFESSIONALISM – Functions as a role model in his/her specialty, demonstrating competency in clinical judgment, technical skill related to the specialty.
• PLANNING – Implements nursing plan of care and physician’s orders.  Directs staff in the application of the nursing process.
• ASSESSMENT – Assesses the patient’s condition and physical, psychosocial, emotional and physiological needs.
• PLANNING – Develops a written plan of care utilizing nursing diagnosis and setting patient outcome goals.  Develops appropriate profiles for all surgical procedures specific to each surgeon prior to the case being performed.
• IMPLEMENTATION – Implements nursing plan of care according to patient needs.
• IMPLEMENTATION – Implements physician profile according to pre-planned profile requests.
• EVALUATION – Evaluates the patient’s response to nursing interventions and surgical interventions.
• EVALUATION – Evaluates profiles after every procedure and is responsible for corrections of the profile.
• IMPLEMENTATION – Performs nursing procedures, assists physicians, and uses equipment following established guidelines.
• LEGAL ISSUES – Demonstrates awareness of and adherence to safety and legal requirement established by the Hospital and Department of Nursing.  Adheres to policies regarding surgical legalities.
• QUALITY IMPROVEMENT – Serves on the Quality Improvement Committee.
• PATIENT TEACHING – Provides for patient and significant others education based on the cognitive needs of each and defined by patient outcome goal.
• DOCUMENTATION – Documentation is concise, accurate and timely on patient record and other documents in the department.
• PATIENT/FAMILY RIGHTS – Demonstrates knowledge of and respect for patient’s legal rights and significant others rights including confidentiality.
• EMERGENCIES – Performs efficiently in emergency patient situations following established standards, remaining calm, informing appropriate persons, and documenting events.
• PROFESSIONALISM – Maintains a current knowledge base and utilizes standards of care in professional practice.
• PROFESSIONALISM – Assumes responsibility for own practice including appearance, attendance, punctuality and flexibility in scheduling.
• SELF EDUCATION -  Pursues self-directed learning experiences, continuing education, and seeks direction when necessary.
• ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS – utilizes delegation skills and therapeutic use of self to coordinate and organize patient care delivery.
• ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS – Sets priorities in work utilizing effective time management and support personnel to complete assigned work.
• PROBLEM SOLVING- Practices effective problem identification and resolution skills as a method of sound decision making.
• COMMUNICATION – Utilizes written and verbal communication through designated channel to attain desired patient outcomes as well as unit and hospital goals.
• PROFESSIONALISM – Demonstrates professionalism in inter-personal relationships using the Hospitality house Rules.
• STAFFING – Remains flexible in staffing patterns and resolution of staffing conflicts.  Is a role model in flexibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned. These may include but are not limited to: Maintaining a current knowledge base of department processes, protocols and procedures, pursuing self-directed learning and continuing education opportunities, and participating on committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.