Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Position Overview

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a highly trained nursing professional responsible for collaborating with surgeons and the healthcare team to ensure safe operations and optimal patient outcomes. This role includes practicing perioperative nursing and performing as both a surgical first assistant and an operating room staff RN as needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with surgeons and healthcare teams to deliver safe and effective surgical care.
• Perform perioperative nursing tasks and provide surgical first assistant roles during operative procedures.
• Act in compliance with the surgeon’s directions during the operative phase.
• Fulfill duties of operating room staff RN when not engaged in the RNFA role.

Work Schedule

• 36 or 48 hours per week, Monday-Friday day shifts.
• Evening on-call responsibilities until 11 PM, based on unit needs.
• No weekends or holidays, per unit requirements.

Qualifications

• Valid New York State RN License.
• Completion of an accredited RN First Assistant program.
• CNOR Certification is required.
• Robotic surgery experience is preferred, specifically in the following areas:
  • Robotic Urology
  • Robotic GYN
  • Robotic Colorectal
  • Robotic Surgical Oncology (including Whipple procedures, gastrectomies, hernia repairs)
  • Robotic Thoracic
  • Robotic General Surgery (e.g., gallbladders, appendectomies)
• Minimum of two years of experience in an operating room or level 1 trauma center preferred.

Certifications

• BLS Certification (American Heart Association only).
• ACLS Certification is preferred (American Heart Association only).