JOB SUMMARY: (overview of job):   Reporting to the Director of Surgical Services; 

According to Montana Code section 24.159.1207    REGISTERED NURSE FIRST ASSIST: A registered nurse first assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who:  (a) is certified as a CNOR with proof of completion from the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) approved RNFA education program; (b) works in collaboration with the surgeon and other health care team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes; (c) has acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to the expanded role of RNFA clinical practice; (d) intraoperatively practices at the direction of the surgeon; and (e) does not concurrently function as a scrub person. Provides clinical support for staff regarding technology and instrumentation. Collaborates with OR Manager and PeriOperative Director for process improvement planning and implementation. Attends meetings required of OR leadership Perform other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: Sufficient experience to demonstrate ability to accept responsibility as an RNFA. 

EDUCATION: Graduate of professional accredited school of nursing. BSN required. Successful completion of an RNFA program that meets AORN standards.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Current Montana License as a Registered Nurse. BLS and ACLS certification required. PALS preferred. CNOR certification required and maintained. Compliance with all statutes, regulations and institutional policies relevant to RNFA’s.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides assist services to surgeons and procedures ranging from orthopedic, to general and OB/GYN, based on surgeon direction and scope of practice. These RNFA roles and behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Preoperative patient management with collaboration with other providers regarding nursing assessments or planning care.Intraoperative performance of surgical first assist techniques such as using instrumentation and equipment, handling and/or clotting tissue, providing hemostasis, and suturing and wound management. Postoperative patient care in regard to postoperative records, and discharge planning collaboration with providers.