RN First Assistant

The Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) uses the nursing process, to design, coordinate, and deliver patient care that meets the identified needs of patients having operative procedures. May act as scrub or circulating nurse in various procedures. Demonstrates thorough knowledge and application of aseptic techniques, and defined practice standards for operating room and infection prevention. Acts as a role model to nursing students, and new nurses to the unit. The RNFA will carry out the functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The RNFA practices peri-operative nursing and is therefore responsible for independent nursing behaviors of peri-operative assessment and post-operative evaluation of care. The RNFA practices under the direct supervision of the surgeon. The RNFA must perform only as a first assist and not concurrently as a scrub. The RNFA must adhere to the policies of Foothill Regional Medical Center and must remain within the scope of practice stated by the Nurse Practice Act of the State of California. Based on the RNFA's scope of practice, patient acuity, type of surgical procedure, and potential complications, the RNFA must recognize and communicate his/her limitations. The RNFA may refuse to perform those functions for which he/she has not been prepared or which he/she does not feel capable of performing.