JOB STATUS: Full time, 80 hours every two weeks, Salaried, variable start and end times

General Definition and Scope of Job

The Registered Nurse First Assistant is an allied health professional, who is an integral part of the OR team providing surgical care to patients. They are responsible for the direct patient care of pediatric through geriatric patient populations. RNFA's address the cultural, psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. They utilize the nursing process in the perioperative setting and collaborate with other health care providers in a coordinated manner throughout the process of caring for the patient undergoing operative or other invasive procedures. Under the direction of the Surgeon, the primary responsibility of the RNFA is to carry out functions that assist the surgeon through out the surgical procedure, applying demonstrated knowledge of safe perioperative nursing practice, human anatomy, and surgical procedures assuring optimal outcomes for the patient. The RNFA participates in performance improvement activities for the department as well as the hospital as a whole. They possess a positive attitude and teamwork is essential. Exceptional customer service to patients is required. The RNFA is accountable to practice in accordance with the Michigan Public Health Code Act 368 of 1978, Article 15 (Health Occupations), part 172 (Nursing) and NOCHS Professional Nursing Practice Handbook.

What are the Minimum Skills, Experience and Educational Requirements?

• Current RN licensure in the State of Michigan, BSN required.
• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification.
• Certified within 2 years of employment at NOCHS as RNFA.
• Completion of a (A.O.R.N. approved) course in RN first assisting, with current CNOR status or CNOR eligible.
• Proficient in perioperative nursing practice as both scrub and circulator for a minimum of five years.
• Ability to successfully complete the general orientation.
• Ability to successfully complete the unit competency inventory/staff development plan..
• Able to read, write, and speak the English language effectively.
• Ability to multi-task and keep area organized.
• Computer knowledge and experience.

What Perks or Benefits Can You Look Forward to?

• Low cost benefits including medical, dental, and vision available to you and your dependents with no waiting period
• FSA/DCRA
• 401k/Roth
• Education reimbursement
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee discount in the café, gift shop and pharmacy
• Great work environment with a family feel

What are the Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities?

• Direct participation with input to quality initiatives including presentation to leadership and administration.
• Coaching and mentoring to staff.
• Completes perioperative patient assessment, assists with preparation, and administration of medications peri-operatively as directed by surgeon. Assists with positioning, prepping, and draping of patient.
• Provides hemostasis and exposure of operative site through appropriate use of instruments, equipment, and techniques.
• Performs dissection and handles tissue as instructed by surgeon.
• Performs wound closure as directed by surgeon, exhibiting competence in a variety of closure methods.
• Places sutures and drains as directed by surgeon.
• Throughout the pre-, peri-, and post-operative procedures, recognizes hazards and initiates appropriate corrective action.
• Applies surgical dressings, casts, splints, or immobilizing devices.
• Ensures chart is thorough and complete. (anesthesia and surgical consents on the chart within 30 days of procedure, and updated on admission)
  • Physician orders completed within designated time and reviewed.
  • Consents match order sheet and surgery schedule with correct spelling and NO abbreviations
• Assumes the responsibility for the collection of patient health data. The collection is done in a collaborative manner with the patient, significant others, and other health care providers when appropriate.
• Formulates, communicates, and documents nursing diagnosis based on assessment of health data collected.
  • Interprets data
  • Identifies problem(s) that may be pertinent to surgical procedure.
  • Articulates care plan development via the EMR
• Identifies, communicates, and documents expected outcomes unique to each surgical patient.
  • Absence of infection.
  • Maintenance of skin integrity.
  • Absence of adverse effects related to the practice of proper safety measures.
  • Maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance.
  • Positive response of patient and significant others to the surgical intervention.
  • Participation of the patient and significant others in the rehabilitation process.
• Assumes responsibility to develop, communicate, and document a plan of care that prescribes nursing actions to achieve expected patient outcomes.
  • Organizes nursing activities in a logical and effective sequence.
  • Coordinates use of supplies and equipment.
  • Coordinates use of team members and other appropriate departments to meet patient care needs.
  • Participates in planning for discharge.
• Assumes the responsibility to implement, communicate, and document the interventions identified in the plan of care.
  • Transfers the patient after proper identification of patient and surgical procedure.
  • Participates in teaching needs and instructions.
  • Creates and maintains a safe environment.
  • Administers drugs and solutions as prescribed.
  • Monitors medical condition of patients and reports changes to appropriate personnel.
  • Monitors and controls environment.
  • Respects and protects patient's rights to privacy and confidentiality.
• Assumes the responsibility to evaluate patient outcomes and measure the effectiveness of nursing care.
• Performs nursing actions that demonstrate accountability.
  • Exercises safe judgment in decision making.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to changes in nursing practice.
  • Responds in a positive manner to constructive criticism.
  • Demonstrates professionalism when dealing with internal and external customers.
  • Practices within ethical and legal guidelines.
  • Participates in self-evaluation and peer review.
  • Demonstrates effective time management.
  • Demonstrates accuracy while multi-tasking.
• Performs nursing actions that demonstrate accountability
  • Exercises safe judgment in decision making
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to changes in nursing practice.
  • Responds in a positive manner to constructive criticism.
  • Demonstrates professionalism when dealing with internal and external customers.
  • Practices within ethical and legal guidelines.
  • Participates in self-evaluation and peer review.
  • Demonstrates effective time management.
  • Demonstrates accuracy while multi-tasking.
• Performs key indirect care functions with expertise and full compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Suggest documentation improvements.
  • Contributes to policy and procedure updating.
  • Actively participates in quality of care initiatives.
  • Involvement in department environment of care issues.

What are the Critical Demands of the Job?

1. Ability to lift floor to waist level - 15 lbs.
2. Ability to lift waist level and above - 10 lbs.
3. Ability to carry objects up to 50 lbs.
4. Ability to push/pull up to 100 lbs.
5. Manual dexterity and mobility.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
7. Frequent and prolonged standing and walking - 80% of day.
8. Frequent bending, twisting, reaching overhead, and reaching forward.
9. Accepts responsibility for personal and professional growth.
10. Effective work relationships with hospital staff, management, and medical staff
11. Capable of working independently and making judgments based on assessment and critical thinking skills.
12. Maintains confidentiality of patient and organizational information.
13. Ability to delegate appropriately.
14. Works under the direction of surgeon at all times