RN First Assist – Spine/Ortho: Hoag Orthopedic Institute Operating Room

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

The HOI RN First Assistant is a Clinical Nurse who assists an orthopedic and/or spine surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is under the direction of the surgeon. The practice of a RNFA must be based on documented knowledge and skills acquired after specialized preparation, formal instruction, and supervised practice.

While serving as the RN First Assistant, he/she assists with positioning, prepping, draping, instrumentation, knot tying, retraction, hemostats, closure of layers during procedures. RNFAs may inject local anesthetics, narcotics, and anti-inflammatory agents under the supervision of a licensed Hoag Orthopedic Institute Medical Staff Member.

The RNFA also acts in a Clinical Nurse capacity for the Orthopedic Institute. The Clinical Nurse role provides direct patient care in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and collaborates with other disciplines of the Ortho health care team to ensure the delivery of safe, timely and appropriate quality patient care.

This includes providing physical assessments, nursing interventions, pain management, medication administrations, specimen collection, meeting nutritional needs, and teaching and discharge needs of the patients assigned. Utilizes the nursing process based on evidence-based best practices to meet patient care needs. Evaluates and adjusts the nursing care process as necessary with consultation as needed, and confers with the appropriate resource personnel when making ethical/legal/medical dilemma decisions.

Maintains a working knowledge of HOI and hospital standards, policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years perioperative nursing experience.
• Documented successful completion of a RNFA course and internship that meets the criteria as established in the AORN recommended educational standards for a RNFA program.
• License Required
• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of California required.
• License Preferred
• N/A Certifications Required
• BLS
• CNOR
• Certifications Preferred
• N/A