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Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

RN First Assist (RNFA) performs First Assist responsibilities in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act of Georgia and functions as a member of the surgical team. Registered nurse first assistant behaviors in the perioperative arena include, but are not limited to, 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. The RNFA performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. Participates as a member on VOICE councils as appropriate. Actively participates on unit practice council helping with plans to improve NDNQI nursing sensitive indicators and Patient Experience data. Works together with other care team members to recruit and retain an excellent nursing care team.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Licensed to practice as an RN in Georgia. CNOR certification.

• Educational Requirements: Associates Degree. Successful completion of RN First Assist Course required.

• Minimum Experience: Experience in perioperative nursing practice as both a scrub and a circulating nurse. Three (3) years experience as RN in an acute care OR setting.

• Other: Membership in professional organization.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements: Bachelor of Nursing Degree.

• Preferred Experience:

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy and physiology and operative technique relative to procedure in which the RNFA is assisting

• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in applying principles of asepsis and infection control

• Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose

• Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate corrective actions

• Demonstrates the ability to function effectively and in coordination with the surgical team

• Performs effectively in stressful and emergency situations

• Assists in transporting the patient postoperatively

• Communicates information to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) effectively

• Clearly and compassionately communicates information to the patient's family as appropriate

• Meets requirements, statutes, regulations and all NGHS policies relevant to the RNFA
  

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assist with positioning, prepping and draping.

• Provide hemostasis by clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, ligating vessels and other means as directed by the surgeon.

• Provide exposure through appropriate use of retractors, instruments, suction and sponging techniques.

• Handle tissue as directed by the surgeon.

• Assist with wound closure, suture fascia, subcutaneous tissue and skin as directed by the surgeon.

• Place and suture drains as directed by the surgeon.

• Assist with removal of sutures and staples.

• Apply surgical dressings.

• Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy & physiology and operative technique to operative procedure.

• Perform other duties under the supervision of the surgeon.
  

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Vision: Heavy, Constantly 66-100% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Frequently 31-65%

• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently 31-65%

• Intensity of Work: Constantly 66-100%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.