RN First Assist

The RN First Assist collaborates with the surgeon or obstetrician and the health care team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The RN first assistant practices perioperative nursing and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice. The RN first assistant practices in collaboration with and at the direction of the surgeon or obstetrician during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience. The RN first assistant does not concurrently function as a scrub nurse.

Qualifications:

1. Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Evaluation of patient care are reflective of Policy and Procedure and Standard of Care, measured by complete and accurate documentation. Properly complies with physician orders within a timely manner when applicable. 2. Demonstrates the ability to care for patients by providing safe, direct patient care, demonstrating knowledge and competency in completing assigned tasks according to established standards and policies.: Performs patient care duties in a safe and proficient manner. Follows the plan of care as directed by the surgeon or obstetrician. Maintains AORN standards in all aspects of patient care for the surgical team. 3. Communicates with supervisor and/or OR to clarify assignment. 4. Ability to work effectively with operative surgeon and to carry out designated tasks in order to facilitate the successful conclusion of a surgical procedure. Ability to communicate with co-workers and to help direct activities so as to facilitate surgery to completion. 5. Ability to assist with the operating surgeon in recognizing potential problems during a surgical procedure. Shows knowledge in resolving problematic situations arising during surgery. Recognizes the role played by first assistant versus primary surgeon in performing a surgical procedure. 6. Ability to adapt to a variety of situations and to have a working relationship with associates, nursing staff, APP first assists and paramedical personnel. . Adapts work schedule to meet the needs of the department. 7. Perform perioperative care inclusive of but not limited to pre operative evaluation of the patient in the holding room, updating of History and Physical, facilitation of on time start, prep and draping of the patient, surgical assisting and closure, maintaining continuity of care through to PACU sign out to receiving team and post operative checks. 8. Functions as a resource and educator to other Team Members and participates in the training of surgical assists. 9. Participates in the improvement process of quality patient care: Takes self-directed or self-motivated initiative to participate in department meetings, quality initiatives and department PI activities. 10. Adheres to the standards identified in the Medical Center's Organizational Competencies, Elearning, and standards of behavior. 11. Displays an understanding and awareness of and performs all duties in accordance with the Hospital's and HMH Network Mission and Vision Statements. 12. Adheres to all Hospital infection control and safety policies. 13. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psychosocial, education, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in the assigned service area. 14. Clinical practice accurately reflects Code of Ethics, the NJ Board of Nursing regulations, AORN Standards of care, the New Jersey Department of Health regulations, JCAHO, and institutional policies and procedures providing for effective and safe patient/customer care. 15. Other duties and/or projects as assigned. 16. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.