PRN REGISTERED NURSE FIRST ASSISTANT

The RNFA works under the direct supervision of the Administrators. The development of specific technical skills enables the SA, CSFA, or RNFA to assist the surgeon with specific intraoperative procedures that are beyond the scope of practice for registered nurses without SA, CSFA, or RNFA education and training. The RNFA may provide direct patient care to patients using the nursing process preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively. Intraoperatively, the SA, CSFA or RNFA functions interdependently with the surgeon and applies knowledge, skill and judgment necessary to assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation that yields optimal results for the patient.

This position is for a PRN schedule.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Preoperative Role:
Collaborates with the health team members in the pre-operative care of the surgical patient
Interviewing the surgical patient for a comprehensive health history
Perform nursing assessment (RNFA)
Educate the patient and offer emotional support
Evaluate the needs of the patient and of the surgical team on a continuous basis throughout the surgical procedure.
Act as resource person for surgical team regarding specific procedures and equipment needed

Intraoperative Role:
Collaborates with the other health team members to develop, coordinate and implement a perioperative plan of care unique to individual patient needs
Maintains dignity of patient while assuming the responsibility of patient advocate
Assists the CRNA when needed
Assists with patient positioning, skin preparation and draping
Applies principles of asepsis and infection control
Has excellent knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique – to work in collaboration with the surgeon
Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning and sponging techniques
Handles and dissects tissue in collaboration with the surgeon
Clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, ligating vessels and other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon to achieve hemostasis
Sutures muscle, fascia, subcutaneous and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon
Places drains as surgically indicated
Evaluate the outcomes of nursing care and ensures continuity of care by communicating pertinent patient information to the Recovery Room staff
Places dressings on wounds, secures drains and applies binders where applicable

Postoperative Role:
Assists in the safe delivery of the patient to Recovery Room
Communicates with the Recovery Room staff pertinent information (dressings, drains, foley catheters, etc.)