Beacon Health System is hiring a full-time day Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant for Surgery Dept in South Bend, IN.
Be a Beacon. Make a Difference.
At Beacon Health System, you’re not just part of a team, you’re part of something bigger. Every patient interaction is a chance to lead with compassion, build trust, and create lasting impact. Here, your expertise supports healing, and your heart connects us to the communities we serve.
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance through Cigna
- 403(b) Matching Retirement Fund
- Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition and Certification Reimbursement
- Local and National Discounts
- Beacon Academy Educational Courses
- Gym Membership Discount
About Memorial Hospital
Located in the heart of South Bend, Memorial Hospital is deeply rooted in the community it serves. From advanced surgical services to award-winning heart and cancer care, we provide comprehensive treatment witha personal touch. As part of Beacon Health System,we’rededicated to improving health and inspiring hope throughout the region.
What You’ll Do
As a Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant, you will reports to the Director, Patient Care Services. Performs functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Practices peri-operative nursing and is responsible for independent nursing behaviors of peri-operative assessment and postoperative evaluation of care. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is interdependent with the surgeon. Daily responsibilities are performed under the supervision of the surgeon who is being assisted
Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant Job Responsibilities:
- Served as First Assistant during surgical procedures, supporting surgeons across a wide range of specialties and patient populations from neonate to geriatric.
- Assisted with intraoperative procedures including tissue handling, retraction, suctioning, hemostasis, vessel ligation, and wound closure.
- Utilized advanced surgical techniques and instrumentation to maintain optimal surgical field exposure and support procedural outcomes.
- Performed suturing and tissue approximation using appropriate materials and techniques as directed by the surgeon.
- Responded effectively to emergent and life-threatening situations in accordance with nursing standards and clinical protocols.
- Delivered comprehensive perioperative nursing care through patient assessment, care planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Coordinated patient care throughout the surgical experience to promote quality outcomes, patient safety, and timely discharge.
- Documented patient care, clinical progress, resource utilization, and anticipated care needs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Delegated responsibilities to surgical assistants and support staff while ensuring quality and scope-of-practice compliance.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe, efficient surgical care.
- Advocated for patients by protecting confidentiality, ensuring informed consent, and promoting patient-centered care.
- Identified and corrected unsafe practices while contributing to a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
- Mentored, coached, and supported the professional development of nursing and surgical services team members.
- Maintained clinical competency, professional licensure, certifications, and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
- Assisted with departmental initiatives, reporting, special projects, and other duties to support Surgical Services operations.
What You Bring
As a Registered Nurse (RN) First Assistant, you will demonstrate advanced clinical expertise in perioperative nursing, performing comprehensive patient assessments, treatments, and specialized nursing procedures while consistently adhering to established nursing practices, policies, protocols, and standards of care. You will possess extensive knowledge of surgical services equipment, including its functions, applications, and underlying principles, to support safe and effective patient outcomes. You will utilize strong critical thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills to assess patient conditions, develop and modify care plans, and respond effectively to changing clinical situations. You will work independently in fast-paced environments, prioritizing responsibilities and maintaining high-quality care despite frequent interruptions. You will exhibit strong leadership, professionalism, and collaboration skills, fostering effective relationships with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams. You will communicate clearly and concisely through both verbal and written channels to ensure continuity of care and accurate information sharing. You will maintain proficiency in electronic documentation, data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, and other computer-based systems essential to healthcare operations.
Required Qualifications
- The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Registered Nurse First Assistant training program.
- A current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Indiana is required.
- Requires current BLS competency.
- Current certification in Advanced Life Support is required (or must be successfully completed within the first year of employment).
- Certification in the Trauma Nursing Core Course is required (or must be successfully completed within the first year of employment).
- A current Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification is required.
- A minimum of three years of clinical experience as a scrub and circulating nurse with demonstrated clinical proficiency is required.
The Beacon Way
At Beacon Health System, our approach to care goes beyond clinical excellence because it’s built on meaningful connections. Guided by our core values of Trust, Respect, Integrity, and Compassion, we strive to create an environment where patients feel heard, employees feel valued, and innovation thrives.
If you are a dedicated and compassionate professional with strong patient skills and a passion for patient-centered care, we encourage you to apply today!
