Start your next chapter at Bolivar Medical Center, a 164-bed hospital serving Cleveland, MS, and part of the ScionHealth community hospital network. Bolivar Medical Center is a Joint Commission accredited hospital that provides inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department services and also offers a long-term care unit. At Bolivar, you will deliver vital care in a community setting with the backing of a highly regarded hospital system committed to quality, safety, and local impact.
Sign On Bonus Eligible: $12,500
Full-time Day Surgery
Job Summary
The RN-First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative nurse who functions in an expanded role to provide direct surgical assistance to the operating surgeon. This role includes preoperative patient assessment, intraoperative surgical assistance, and postoperative care in alignment with nursing standards and surgical protocols. The RNFA works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and OR staff to ensure optimal surgical outcomes and patient safety.
Essential Functions
Performs first assist duties under the direction of the operating surgeon, including tissue retraction, hemostasis, cutting and suturing, and wound closure
Participates in preoperative assessment and preparation, including patient positioning and site marking
Maintains sterile field and ensures proper handling of surgical instruments and equipment
Monitors patient condition and surgical environment throughout the procedure
Provides postoperative care and assists with recovery, transfer, or discharge as appropriate
Documents intraoperative activities, patient responses, and outcomes in accordance with policy
Participates in circulating and scrub nurse roles when not assigned to RNFA duties
Collaborates with surgical team on scheduling, preparation, and procedure coordination
Maintains competency through documentation of clinical cases and continuing education
Supports patient education and advocates for safety, dignity, and confidentiality
Participates in performance improvement and quality initiatives within the surgical department
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
In-depth knowledge of surgical anatomy, procedures, and aseptic technique
Advanced clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills
Ability to adapt to high-acuity, emergent situations with composure
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams
Skilled in wound closure, suturing, and use of surgical tools
Demonstrates flexibility and commitment to patient-centered care
Physically capable of extended standing, lifting, and movement in the surgical suite
Qualifications - External
Education
Postsecondary (Cert/Diploma/Program Grad) from an accredited school of nursing (Required)
Postsecondary (Cert/Diploma/Program Grad) completion of an accredited RNFA program (Required)
Bachelor’s Degree in nursing or related field (Preferred)
Licenses/Certifications
Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice
CNOR certification, required. Basic Life Support (BLS), required
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), preferred
Must meet credentialing requirements for allied health privileges
Experience
Minimum of 3 years of perioperative nursing experience required