POSITION SUMMARY
The Pool RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role functioning as a first assistant.

Definition of RN First Assistant
The Pool RNFA is a perioperative registered nurse who:
* Works in collaboration with the surgeon and other health care team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes;
* Has acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to the expanded role of RNFA clinical practice;
* Intra-operatively practices at the direction of the surgeon; and
* Does not concurrently function as a scrub person.   The Pool Registered nurse first assistant behaviors in the perioperative arena include, but are not limited to:
* Preoperative patient management in collaboration with other health care providers, such as:
* Performing focused preoperative nursing assessments and
* Communicating and collaborating with other health care providers regarding the patient plan of care; and
* Intraoperative performance of surgical first assistant techniques such as:
* Using instruments and medical devices,
* Providing surgical site exposure,
* Handling and/or cutting tissue,
* Providing hemostasis,
* Suturing, and
* Wound management; and
* Postoperative patient management in collaboration with other health care providers in the immediate postoperative period and beyond, such as:
* Participating in postoperative rounds and
* Assisting with patient discharge planning and identifying appropriate community resources as needed.   This position supports organizational goals by providing quality customer service, participating in performance improvement efforts and demonstrating a commitment to teamwork and cooperation.  
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/LICENSE: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; BSN preferred (required if not practicing RNFA prior to January 1, 2020). Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey. Completion of an RNFA program meeting "AORN RNFA education standards." Compliance with all statutes, regulations, and institutional policies relevant to RNFAs
CERTIFICATION: BLS required. Certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR) preferred.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum two years recent experience as an RNFA required.
Proficiency in Clinical Applications preferred at time of hire; incumbents within position will be trained appropriately and then skill will be required for this position within 30-60 days from date of hire.   PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Demonstrates the competencies as established on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool for this position.  
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Potential for exposure to the hazards and risk of the hospital environment, including exposure to infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, hazardous substances, and potential injury.
* Considerable reaching, stooping, kneeling and crouching
* Extensive standing and walking, including stairs
* Lifting approximately 25-50 pounds frequently
* Lifting approximately 50 to 100 pounds with assistance occasionally
* Pushing and pulling of heavy equipment
Essential functions of this position are listed on the department specific Assessment and Evaluation Tool.   REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to department leadership.
The above statement reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.