RN-First AssistantChicago, Illinois, United States$ 38,000.00 - 52,000.00 (US Dollar)Or refer someoneAbout the Job RN-First AssistantA Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) assists surgeons during operative procedures, performing advanced technical functions under the surgeon's supervision. This role includes pre, intra, and post operative nursing care to enhance surgical outcomes, improve efficiency, and maintain patient safety.Role & ResponsibilitiesPre operative DutiesConduct comprehensive patient assessments (e.g., history review, physical evaluation).Provide pre surgical patient/family education and teachingEnsure proper surgical positioning, preparation, and draping of the patientIntra operative Duties (as RN First Assistant)Provide surgical field exposure: use of retractors, suction, sponges.Achieve hemostasis: clamp, ligate vessels, use electrocautery, apply pressureHandle tissues appropriately, perform precise dissection (including vessel, muscle, fascia).Suture closures under supervision: peritoneum, fascia, subcuticular, skinPlace drains when directed by the surgeon.May cannulate for cardiopulmonary bypass or assist in advanced specialties (e.g., CVOR, orthopedics, robotics)Maintain aseptic technique and instrument sterilization.Participate in instrument and sponge counts, uphold surgical safety protocolsPost operative DutiesApply and manage surgical dressings.Evaluate post operative patients for complications and provide teaching.Work with the team to ensure seamless transition of care.Document perioperative events in EMRs like Cerner, SurgiNetCollaboration & LeadershipCoordinate and collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, scrub and circulating nurses, and perioperative staffProvide leadership in the OR, uphold professional nursing standards, and mentor junior staffParticipate in continuous quality improvement (CQI), research, performance evaluations, and in servicesPhysical/Environmental RequirementsSustain prolonged standing, lifting/positioning adult patients (?35lbs), and maintaining dexterity under sterile conditionsExposure to blood, bodily fluids, and potentially hazardous materialsQualificationsRequired1. Registered Nurse (RN) license, active and in good standing specifically licensure in Illinois2.
Completion of an accredited RNFA program (didactic & clinical per AORN standards)3. Perioperative nursing certification (CNOR) required before or shortly after hire4. RNFA certification (CRNFA) from recognized board within 2 years of hire5.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification includes CPR, AED, choking response6. 2+ years OR experience as scrub or circulating RNPreferredBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certificationExperience across multiple surgical specialties (e.g., cardiothoracic, ortho, robotics)Specialty training (e.g., robotics, perfusion assistance).Experience with EMRs (e.g., Cerner, Meditech, SurgiNet)Required Citizenship / Work Permit / Visa Status US &GCOr refer someone