SPEC RN FIRST ASSIST - RNFA - DES PERES CAMPUS

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Description
Reporting to the Director of Surgical Services the RNFA is responsible for assisting the primary surgeon in the preoperative, intra-operative and post-operative period. Care is provided to pediatric through geriatric patient populations; acts in the absence of a qualified physician.  Principle Accountabilities:      Safely and competently administers pharmaco-therapeutics, adhering to medication policies, procedures, practices and standards, and monitors the resultant outcomes based upon the patient\u2019s response to treatment.   Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment, including its capabilities, limitations and appropriate/special applications.   Performs procedure in the first assistant role under the direct supervision of the surgeon.  Assists the surgeon during specific procedures. Performs other functions during surgery as directed.  Assists with closure of fascial, subcutaneous and skin. May perform these actions independently, as directed by the surgeon, and assists the surgeon with all other suturing and closures.   Assists with the positioning, prepping and draping of the patient. May perform these actions independently, if directed by the surgeon  Maintains manually controlled retractors in the position set by the surgeon. Anticipates retraction needs with knowledge of surgeon\u2019s preferences and anatomical structures.   Packs sponges, or lap tapes in the body cavities to hold tissue or organs out of the operative field.   Applies electrocautery tip to clamps or vessels in a safe and knowledgeable manner, as directed by the surgeon. Sponges and utilizes suctioning techniques to remove fluid from the operative site.   Utilizes surgical instruments to clamp bleeding vessels, as directed by the surgeon. Places ligation clips or other occluding devices to blood vessels or tissue.   Maintains knowledge of basic knot tying techniques to include two-handed tie, one-handed tie and instrument tie.   Performs closure of layers by correctly approximating the layers, which provided access to the operative site, and approximating the skin edges when utilizing skin staples and sutures.   Performs intra-operative tissue manipulation by using surgical instruments and suture material; exposing and retracting tissue; clamping and severing tissue; grasping and fixating tissue with screws, staples, and other devices; drilling, reaming and modifying tissue.   Assists the surgeon at the completion of the procedure by affixing and stabilizing all drains; cleaning the wound and applying dressings; assisting with the application of casts, splints, special dressings, and abduction devices.   Removes sutures and/or skin staples/clips during intra-operative phase, at surgeon\u2019s request.  Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.   Assumes responsibility for own learning and clinical competence.  Performs other duties as assigned.
Education
Nursing Degree Required.
Capable of functioning in the First Assistant Role following completion of approved RNFA course, or two years of experience as an RNFA required.
License - Certification - Registration (Text Only)Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Missouri Required. CNOR Required.
Experience
Three years of experience in Perioperative Nursing is required.Excellent communication skills to interact with patients, visitors and staff.Ability to manage time and organize daily schedule to meet productivity standards. Ability to multi-task.Ability to remain calm in less calm situations. 

Company info

St. Lukes Hospital - St. Louis