RN First Assistant

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) – Willis Knighton North Surgical Services

Reports To

Surgical Services PCC, Head Nurse, and Operating Physician

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) collaborates with the surgeon and interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure safe surgical procedures and optimal patient outcomes. The RNFA practices perioperative nursing utilizing specialized knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment acquired through education, certification, and experience. Working under the direction of the operating surgeon during the intraoperative phase of care, the RNFA provides first-assist services and advocates for patient safety throughout the surgical experience.

The RNFA functions as a critical member of the surgical team and does not concurrently perform duties of the scrub nurse while serving as First Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate special instrumentation, equipment, and blood product requirements.
• Collaborate in ordering required laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, consultations, and preoperative examinations.
• Provide preoperative patient and family education.
• Communicate patient-specific needs and plans of care to operating room staff and surgical team members.
• Assist with operating room setup, turnover, and surgical throughput.
• Participate in patient positioning and surgical site preparation.
• Assist with draping and maintenance of a sterile surgical field.
• Provide surgical field exposure and tissue handling as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintain hemostasis through clamping, cauterization, ligation, and other approved techniques.
• Utilize surgical instruments and equipment appropriately and safely.
• Assist with wound closure, including suturing and staple application.
• Apply or assist with postoperative dressings.
• Promote patient safety and adherence to surgical standards of care.
• Coordinate quality patient care in accordance with established standards of care, accreditation requirements, organizational policies, and applicable state nursing regulations.
• Demonstrate effective time management, delegation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Foster positive working relationships among surgical services and other departments.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and protect privacy rights.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Participate in patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain current professional knowledge through continuing education and certification requirements.
• Provide age-appropriate care to pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient populations.
• Consistently demonstrate service excellence and professionalism when interacting with patients, families, visitors, and colleagues.
• Adhere to infection prevention standards, including transmission-based precautions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Louisiana.
• Successful completion of a Certified Surgical First Assistant course/program.
• Demonstrated knowledge of perioperative nursing standards and surgical procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment and independent decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification through the National Certification Board for Perioperative Nursing (CNOR or equivalent).
• Previous RNFA experience in an acute care or surgical setting.