Job: RN First Assist
Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Job Category: 2 Professionals
Position Summary
The RN First Assist (RNFA) is to carry out the functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The RNFA practices peri-operative nursing and is therefore responsible for independent nursing behaviors of peri-operative nursing assessment and post -operative evaluation of care. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is inter-department with the surgeon.
Essential Functions
RNFA
- Demonstrates knowledge and skill in applying principles of aseptic technique
- Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique related to first assisting.
- Demonstrates ability to perform effectively and harmoniously as a member of the operative team
- Demonstrates skill in the following intra-operative nursing behaviors:
a. Handling tissue
b. Using Instruments
c. Providing exposure
d. Providing hemostasis
Must be capable to perform in the role of OR RN
- Provides care appropriate to the age of the population served.
- Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of human growth and development.
- Understands and correctly administers medications/treatments in a timely manner.
- Utilizes the nursing process according to standards of care.
- Implement protective measures prior to operative or invasive procedure such as preoperative checklist and room readiness.
- Verifies that informed consent has been granted for planned operative or invasive procedure and any related activities.
- Ensures that patient is free from injury related to retained sponges, instruments, and sharps.
- Collects, identifies, labels, processes, stores, preserves, and transports specimens.
- Determines the need, prepares, applies, and removes devices designed to enhance positioning of patient for surgery.
- Implements aseptic technique by maintaining sterile field performs skin preparations, and dresses wound at completion of procedures.
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills in decision making.
- Designates the appropriate wound classification for each surgical wound.
- Initiates thermoregulation measures to patient as indicated.
- Properly documents blood and blood product administration.
- Identifies factors associated with an increased risk for hemorrhage or fluid and electrolyte loss.
- Assists with and/or performs procedures/services requiring technical and manual skills.
- Provides accurate and complete information whenever transfer of patient care takes place.
- Function as charge nurse when required.
- Demonstrates supervision and leadership skills.
- Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.
- Adheres to and follows all patient experience initiatives.
- Reports to and departs from work on time and as scheduled.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Must be able to deal with stress while maintaining composure.
- Follows and adheres to TRMC vaccine policy(s) mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Must be capable to perform in the role of CST
- Ensures operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure.
- Monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies.
- Cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments.
- Verifies sterility and integrity of packages.
- Adjusts hours to meet patient services when cases are more or less than scheduled.
- Maintains compliance with the call coverage and call-in time.
- Maintains a clean, neat and safe environment by ensuring that supplies and equipment are cleaned and stored in an organized manner.
- Performs scrubbing technique according to departmental policy.
- Accurately performs all sponge, sharp and instrument counts according to policy.
- Prepares instrumentation according to Physicians preference cards and scheduled procedures; keeps cards current.
- Wear personal protective equipment during all procedures.
- Demonstrates proper concepts of prepping and draping according to Physician preference.
- Recognizes unseen boundaries between sterile/unsterile areas and when break occurs.
- Carries out activities during operations pertaining to handling of instruments, sponges, suture, drains, and dressings.
- Assists in restocking rooms and checking for outdated items.
- Performs other functions/activities within the scope of this position.
- Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.
- Maintains adequate inventory of both stack and non-stock items for Surgical Services and Anesthesia.
- Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
- Assumes responsibility for care of instruments/equipment during intra/ postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.
- Performs on-call duties as necessary.
Work Experience
- Two years of hospital experience preferred.
- Two years of Operating Room experience required
Education
- Registered Nurse currently licensed to practice in the State of Texas required.
- CNOR Required
- Successful completion of additional educational preparation specific to the role of RNFA including a supervised clinical component
- BLS (Basic Life Support) upon hire date.
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) within 90 days of hire date.
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) within 90 days of hire date.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Lifting/Carrying Pushing/Pulling
Lbs. % Time Lbs. % Time
1-10 34-66 1-10 34-66
11-20 0-33 11-20 0-33
21-50 0-33 21-50 0-33
51-75 0-33 51-75 0-33
76-100 0-33 76-100 0-33
Movement % Time
Bend/Stoop/Twist 0-33
Crouch/Squat 0-33
Kneel/Crawl 0-33
Reach above Shoulder 0-33
Reach below Shoulder 0-33
Repetitive Arm 34-66
Repetitive Hand 34-66
Grasping 34-66
Squeezing 34-66
Climb Stairs 0-33
Walking Uneven 0-33
Walking Even 34-66
Environment % Time
Indoors 67-100
Outdoors 0-33
Extreme Heat None
Dusty None
Excessive Noise 34-66
Equipment % Time
Motor Vehicles None
Foot Pedals None
Extreme Heat None
Dusty None
Excessive Noise 34-66
Work near % Time
Machinery 34-66
Electricity 34-66
Sharps 34-66
Chemicals 34-66
Fumes 0-33
Heights None
Vision
Depth Perception Required
< 20" Required
Color Not Required
Peripheral Required
Endurance Hours at Once Total in 12HR
Sit 1 2
Stand 4 8
Walk 1 2
