RN - First Assist - RNFA

Welcome to SSM Health DePaul Hospital. We pride ourselves in providing a strong foundation in nursing. We embrace continuous growth and opportunity through frequent goal setting and educational experiences. We are a place where new nurses and seasoned nurses can develop their skills and grow together. 

We want you to be a part of the team in the Operating Room!

• We are a high volume and high acuity Operating Room that cares for the underserved in North County St Louis. 
• We have 18 OR rooms where our nurses will both circulate and scrub in all surgeries performed.
• All nurses will be able to have variety in their day by being a part of all surgeries and not being placed into Surgical Pods.
• We have surgeons that are appreciative and supportive of all staff that work in this department.
• Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery

• Abundant growth opportunities are available throughout the department and organization with supportive leadership that assist staff members on achieving their professional goals. 

Provides direct assistance to surgeons before, during and after surgical procedures.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Positions patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment when necessary, while maximizing patient comfort and safety.
• Implements physicians orders to provide visualization of the operative site using appropriate method, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning and irrigation.
• Utilizes appropriate technique to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
• Assists with body plane closure, application of wound dressings and securing of drainage systems.
• Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's Scope of Service.
• As an SSM Health nurse, I will demonstrate the professional nursing standards defined in the professional practice model.  Uses the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses to guide his/her response to the current and evolving health and nursing needs of our patients and our patient populations.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Effective January 1, 2020, the education level for entry into an RNFA program and, subsequently, RNFA practice will be the baccalaureate degree. AORN recommends that RNs who were practicing as RNFAs prior to January 1, 2020, who do not have a baccalaureate degree be permitted to continue to practice as RNFAs

EXPERIENCE

• Two years' registered nurse experience in an advanced surgical specialty

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication.
• Constant standing and walking.
• Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry.
• Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
• Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
• Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
• Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
• Occasional lifting/moving of patients.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
• Occasional driving.
• Rare crawling and running.