First Assistant/RN

Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital 

Department: Operating Room

Position is located: Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital

Work Type: PRN

FTE: 0.000100:

Work Schedule: No Hours Assigned

Summary:

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 assessment and post-operative evaluation of care. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is inter-department with the surgeon.

Responsibilities:

• Reviews consent to confirm procedure and special needs. • Communicates with other healthcare providers regarding the patient plan of care. • Facilitates OR room turnover. • Assists in the positioning, skin preparation and draping of the patient. • Inserting and removal of Foley catheter. • Placing the pneumatic tourniquet. • Confirming procedure with surgeon. • Providing retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique. • Assisting in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, using and applying appropriate surgical instrument for the task placement of ties, placement of ligatures, applying chemical hemostatic agents or other measures as directed by the surgeon. • Uses the electrocautery mono and bipolar appropriately. • Handles tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury. • Sutures tissue and applies dressing to the wound under the direction of the surgeon. • Inserts drainage tubes per surgeon's directive. • Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose. • Assisting with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other threatening events in the OR. • Performs any other duties or procedures incident to the surgical procedure deemed necessary and directed by the surgeon. • Assists in transporting the patient postoperatively. • Communicates information to the post anesthesia care unit as appropriate.

Other Information:

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Credentials

• Required Credentialed Provider

Education

• Required Associate's Degree

Working Conditions

• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Prolonged periods of walking.