RN-Operating Room, First Assist

Allen Hospital - Waterloo

FT: Rotating shifts between 6am-8:30pm with required call rotation.

The expanded functions unique to th Registered Nurse First Assistant during surgical intervention are to assume responsibility in advanced surgical assisting skills such as providing exposure, tissue handling, suturing, providing hemostasis, and using surgical instruments under the direct supervision of the surgeon who is present during surgical procedure.

• Practices within established RNFA guidelines of AORN, anticipates and plans for step-s in the surgical procedure and responds to emergency situations promptly and appropriately.
• Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgments, and maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge of conditions of assigned patients.
• Demonstrates an above-average knowledge base of surgical procedure and anatomy/physiology pertinent to it. Develops an individual plan of care using a collaborative approach with the health care team.
• Delegates and provides direction for other healthcare providers and holds them accountable for their involvement in the plan of care.
• Promptly completes documentation to assure an accurate legal record of patient’s care.
• Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.
• Delivers high quality care utilizing the nursing process while demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required on assigned unit in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care. Continues professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance nursing practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research.
• Delivery of continuing education, assessing educational needs and presenting in-service activities as assigned. Responsible for planning and initiating projects related to process improvement, professional growth, leadership and quality improvement within department on an ongoing basis.

• Diploma or Associates Degree in Nursing.
• Current licensure in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa.
• Completion of RNFA course that meets the criteria established by AORN.
• 3-5 years of diversified operating room experience.
• Current CNOR certification.
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Multicultural sensitivity. Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.
• Customer/patient focused.
• Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.