The RNFA assists surgeons in performing safe operations while managing peri-operative nursing assessments and post-operative evaluations. Responsibilities include maintaining sterile fields, handling surgical instruments, and ensuring patient safety throughout the intra-operative phase.
Requirements summary
Requires a Texas Registered Nurse license, CNOR certification, and specialized RNFA educational preparation. Candidates must have at least two years of Operating Room experience and current BLS, PALS, and ACLS certifications.
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
