The Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) uses the nursing process, to design, coordinate, and deliver patient care that meets the identified needs of patients having operative procedures. May act as scrub or circulating nurse in various procedures. Demonstrates thorough knowledge and application of aseptic techniques, and defined practice standards for operating room and infection prevention. Acts as a role model to nursing students, and new nurses to the unit.

The RNFA will 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 RNFA practices under the direct supervision of the surgeon. The RNFA must perform only as a first assist and not concurrently as a scrub. The RNFA must adhere to the policies of Foothill Regional Medical Center and must remain within the scope of practice stated by the Nurse Practice Act of the State of California.

Based on the RNFA's scope of practice, patient acuity, type of surgical procedure, and potential complications, the RNFA must recognize and communicate his/her limitations. The RNFA may refuse to perform those functions for which he/she has not been prepared or which he/she does not feel capable of performing.

Foothill Regional Medical Center is a fully accredited acute care hospital, licensed for 177 beds-120 beds for general acute care, 15 intensive care beds and 42 pediatric sub-acute beds. Our pediatric sub-acute unit, just one of six in California, serves patients from throughout the state. We care for patients up to 21 years of age who need long-term sub-acute care including ventilator care and nutritional support.

• Exercises independent judgement and decision making to control the OR environment and maintain sterile field, privacy, body temperature, and manage potential for discomfort, injury, or risks of infection. Verifies operative procedure site and side, with the patient's statement and written consent, ensuring time out procedures are followed and correcting any inconsistencies. Ensures Infection Control procedures and HIPAA compliance.
• COMMUNICATION: Empathizes with patient, expresses compassion and understanding for the situation and demonstrates care which is appropriate for the age, and cultural, religious, or ethnic background. Actively engages in caring behaviors, taking conscious ownership for work and takes deliberate/thoughtful actions regarding how to best carry out relationships with the patient and co-workers.
• COLLABORATION: Collaborates with members of the healthcare team, physicians, and surgeons ensuring the coordination of care between other disciplines and support staff through different levels of care. Delegates patient care activities to appropriate members of the health care team, provides effective leadership and ensures that care is safe and of high quality.
• PLAN OF CARE: Develops and implements a plan of care for patients that considers patient age, cultural and religious preferences. Supports the patient's participation in planning for their care and acts as a source of information, articulately responding to questions and providing resources/education.

Required Qualifications:

• Active, current, and unencumbered Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of California
• Graduate of Accredited School of Nursing
• Three years' experience in Peri-Operative Nursing
• Certified Nurse Operating Room Certification (CNOR)
• Must have current credential through Allied Health Professionals
• Successful completion of additional education preparation specific to the role of RNFA including a supervised clinical component
• AHA Basic Life Support
• AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English
• Ability to work variable shifts including on-call, evenings, nights, weekend, and holidays
• Ability to maintain flexibility and composure in a constantly changing environment
• Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families
• AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support

About the Company:
Alta Hospitals