Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) - Full Time - Shift

The RNFA is a registered nurse with a high degree of experience and training specific to perioperative patient care.  The RNFA practices under the direct supervision of the surgeon during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience. The role of the RNFA to the surgeon requires the performance of a combination of nursing and medical function tasks.

• Creates and sustains an environment that supports compassionate caring through authentic presence with the patient and family, building trusting relationships, creates connections that embrace mind, body, spirit modalities to mobilize the patient’s strengths and abilities toward healing.

• Assists with the positioning, prepping and draping of the patient or perform these tasks independently, if so directed by the surgeon.
• Communicates with the patient’s physician (operating surgeon) immediately, when the patient’s condition changes or deteriorates, or abnormal lab or diagnostic testing results are available.
• Provides homeostasis by applying electrocautery tip to clamps or vessels in a safe and knowledgeable manner as directed by the surgeon; sponges and utilizes pressure as necessary; utilizes suction techniques; applies clamps on superficial vessels and the tying or electrocoagulation of them as directed by the surgeon.
• Handles tissues as directed by the surgeon.
• Assists the surgeon directly by controlling bleeding, suturing and other surgical needs.
• Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques. Manages all instruments in the operative field to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view. Retains manually controlled retractors in the position set by the surgeon with regard to surrounding tissue. Anticipates retraction needs with knowledge of the surgeon’s preferences and anatomical structures.
• Assists surgeon with wound closure of layers; sutures the peritoneum, fascia, subcutaneous tissue and skin.
• Assists surgeon at the completion of the surgical procedure by providing knot tying, affixes and stabilizes all drains, cleaning the wound and applying the dressings.
• Provides other advanced assistance, such as mobilization of tissue, patient positioning and directing other surgical team members with specific individual tasks.
• In extreme emergencies, assists on procedures that present an unusual hazard to life.
• Assists with applying casts or splints as needed.

• Collects and documents data for assigned patients according to prescribed methods.

• Assists with the perioperative patient assessment, teaching, management and planning for the perioperative experience.
• Provide patient care by circulating or scrubbing surgical procedures or cleaning operatories as needed when First Assist duties are not assigned.

• Uses education, experience and interpretation of assessment data to prioritize appropriate nursing actions;
• Establishes nursing diagnoses, uses appropriate resources to formulate a written plan of care; evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions and revises patient care plans, as necessary.

• Anticipates and effectively manages rapidly changing situations by rapid grasp of changes in patient status and problem situations. Prioritizing and responds quickly and appropriately to identify the need for and activation of emergency protocols and assistance.
• Performs and documents the nursing process consistent with scientific principle and hospital policy as required by patient assignment using critical thinking and nursing judgment.
• Contributes to team building through participation in unit programs and meetings; contributes to positive morale, using constructive and effective conflict resolution skills.
• Adheres to hospital-approved policies and procedures.
• Completes all competencies, mandatory classes and educational coursework as required by the Department of Nursing
• Demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of populations served by Kern Medical facilities.

• Performs other job-related duties, as required

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing; Masters or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration preferred.
• Current unrestricted registered nurse licensure in the State of California
• Successful completion of didactics of structured course in first assisting
• Completion of 120 hours of proctored instruction in the OR with a qualified surgeon at hire if certified RNFA or successful completion of hours within 60 days of hire.
• Certificated Operating Room RN (CNOR) required.
• Certified RNFA preferred (CRNFA)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification;
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification;
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification beneficial

• Modern principles, methods and practices of the surgical services department.

• Determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or other in a professional manner;
• Demonstrate a calm demeanor under stress.
• Demonstrate flexibility with operating room and surgical procedure assignments.
• Work cohesively as part of the perioperative team.
• Function independently as a RN in the operating room as needed.

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

A background check may be required for this classification.

All KMC employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers”. In the event of a disaster or civil disorder, all Kern Medical employees are to remain at work or to report to work in a safe and practicable manner. 

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.