The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative nurse who may function as an assistant to the surgeon in the operating room during surgical procedures. The RNFA performs first assistant behaviors according to standardized hospital policies. In addition to first assisting, responsibilities may include circulating, scrubbing and other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates ability to perform all RNFA duties specific to Cardiothoracic surgery.
Submits annual performance review by physicians in a timely manner.
Demonstrates ability to perform additional responsibilities in the Cardiac OR such as circulating, scrubbing and HOB duties.
Demonstrates ability to accurately pull case carts.
Maintains clinical competence by assisting on surgical procedures
Participates in the call rotation
Participates in preoperative assessment and planning for selected surgical patients
Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate preventative and corrective actions
Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging
Handles and dissects tissues in collaboration with the surgeon
Clamps blood vessels, coagulates bleeding points, ligates vessels, and performs other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon
Sutures muscle, fascia, subcutaneous, and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon
Places drains as surgically indicated 

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) CVOR Full-Time Days candidate will possess the following education, licenses/certifications, and experience:

Required:

·       Graduate of an approved school of Nursing, and posses a current California RN license

·       Certified as a perioperative nurse (CNOR) required    

·       Completion of an approved/accredited RNFA course, including the completion of the required internship hours

·       Proficient in perioperative nursing practice as both scrub and circulating nurse with diversified operating room experience.    

·       Current American Heart Association BLS Certification (maintain current at all times).

·       Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support ACLS Certification (maintain current at all times).

·       Effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate with people on all levels and able to maintain positive working relationships with patients, families, and co-workers inter- and intra-departmentally.   

·       Possess active listening skills.

·       Demonstrates knowledge of current nursing theory and practice.    

·       Compassionate, non-judgmental patient caregiver and advocate.

·       Must be able to tolerate physically and mentally demanding work.    

·       Possesses audible, visual, and manual acuity necessary for maintaining patient safety.

·       Completion of mandatory programs to meet TJC standards is a job requirement.