RNFA - Spine Clinic - Full Time

Job: RN First Assist
Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Job Category: 2 Professionals

Position Summary
The RN First Assist (RNFA) is 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 nursing assessment and post -operative evaluation of care. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is inter-department with the surgeon.

Essential Functions
RNFA
-Demonstrates knowledge and skill in applying principles of aseptic technique
-Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy physiology and operative technique related to first assisting.
-Demonstrates ability to perform effectively and harmoniously as a member of the operative team
-Demonstrates skill in the following intra-operative nursing behaviors:
a. Handling tissue
b. Using Instruments
c. Providing exposure
d. Providing hemostasis

Must be capable to perform in the role of OR RN
-Provides care appropriate to the age of the population served.
-Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of human growth and development.
-Understands and correctly administers medications/treatments in a timely manner.
-Utilizes the nursing process according to standards of care.
-Implement protective measures prior to operative or invasive procedure such as preoperative checklist and room readiness.
-Verifies that informed consent has been granted for planned operative or invasive procedure and any related activities.
-Ensures that patient is free from injury related to retained sponges instruments and sharps.
-Collects identifies labels processes stores preserves and transports specimens.
-Determines the need prepares applies and removes devices designed to enhance positioning of patient for surgery.
-Implements aseptic technique by maintaining sterile field performs skin preparations and dresses wound at completion of procedures.
-Demonstrates critical thinking skills in decision making.
-Designates the appropriate wound classification for each surgical wound.
-Initiates thermoregulation measures to patient as indicated.
-Properly documents blood and blood product administration.
-Identifies factors associated with an increased risk for hemorrhage or fluid and electrolyte loss.
-Assists with and/or performs procedures/services requiring technical and manual skills.
-Provides accurate and complete information whenever transfer of patient care takes place.
-Function as charge nurse when required.
-Demonstrates supervision and leadership skills.
-Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.
-Adheres to and follows all patient experience initiatives.
-Reports to and departs from work on time and as scheduled.
-Performs other duties as assigned.
-Must be able to deal with stress while maintaining composure.
-Follows and adheres to TRMC vaccine policy(s) mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Must be capable to perform in the role of CST
-Ensures operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure.
-Monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies.
-Cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments.
-Verifies sterility and integrity of packages.
-Adjusts hours to meet patient services when cases are more or less than scheduled.
-Maintains compliance with the call coverage and call-in time.
-Maintains a clean neat and safe environment by ensuring that supplies and equipment are cleaned and stored in an organized manner.
-Performs scrubbing technique according to departmental policy.
-Accurately performs all sponge sharp and instrument counts according to policy.
-Prepares instrumentation according to Physicians preference cards and scheduled procedures; keeps cards current.
-Wear personal protective equipment during all procedures.
-Demonstrates proper concepts of prepping and draping according to Physician preference.
-Recognizes unseen boundaries between sterile/unsterile areas and when break occurs.
-Carries out activities during operations pertaining to handling of instruments sponges suture drains and dressings.
-Assists in restocking rooms and checking for outdated items.
-Performs other functions/activities within the scope of this position.
-Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.
-Maintains adequate inventory of both stack and non-stock items for Surgical Services and Anesthesia.
-Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
-Assumes responsibility for care of instruments/equipment during intra/ postoperative phase including cleaning and processing of instruments.
-Performs on-call duties as necessary.

Work Experience
-Two years of hospital experience preferred.
-Two years of Operating Room experience required

Education
-Registered Nurse currently licensed to practice in the State of Texas required.
-CNOR Required
-Successful completion of additional educational preparation specific to the role of RNFA including a supervised clinical component
-BLS (Basic Life Support) upon hire date.
-PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) within 90 days of hire date.
-ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) within 90 days of hire date.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
Lifting/Carrying Pushing/Pulling
Lbs. % Time Lbs. % Time






Movement % Time
Bend/Stoop/Twist 0-33
Crouch/Squat 0-33
Kneel/Crawl 0-33
Reach above Shoulder 0-33
Reach below Shoulder 0-33
Repetitive Arm 34-66
Repetitive Hand 34-66
Grasping 34-66
Squeezing 34-66
Climb Stairs 0-33
Walking Uneven 0-33
Walking Even 34-66

Environment % Time
Indoors 67-100
Outdoors 0-33
Extreme Heat None
Dusty None
Excessive Noise 34-66

Equipment % Time
Motor Vehicles None
Foot Pedals None
Extreme Heat None
Dusty None
Excessive Noise 34-66

Work near % Time
Machinery 34-66
Electricity 34-66
Sharps 34-66
Chemicals 34-66
Fumes 0-33
Heights None

Vision
Depth Perception Required
< 20 Required
Color Not Required
Peripheral Required

Endurance Hours at Once Total in 12HR
Sit 1 2
Stand 4 8
Walk 1 2