Position Summary: 

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) works in collaboration with the surgeon and other health care team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes, has acquired the necessary knowledge, judgement, and skills specific to the expanded role of RNFA clinical practice, intraoperatively practices at the direction of the surgeon and does not concurrently function as a scrub person. Functions in an expanded perioperative RN role.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

• Montana Licensure (Registered Nurse)
• CNOR certification
• American Heart Association BLS
• American Heart Association ACLS
• American Heart Association PALS
• Successful completion of RNFA program
• Three (3) years of experience as Operating Room Circulator
• Must obtain approved credential for Allied Health Professionals if working independently from Bozeman Health

Preferred

• CRNFA
• Three (3) years of surgical scrub experience

Essential Job Functions:

In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must have on-time completion of all required education as assigned per DNV requirements, Bozeman Health policy, and other registry requirements.

• Preoperative patient management in collaboration with other health care providers; such as performing focused preoperative nursing assessments, communicating and collaborating with other health care providers regarding the patient plan of care.
• Intraoperative performance of surgical first-assistant techniques. using instruments and medical devices providing surgical site exposure handling and / or cutting tissue providing hemostasis suturing
• Postoperative patient management in collaboration with other health care providers in the immediate postoperative period and beyond participating in postoperative rounds assisting with patient discharge planning and identifying appropriate community resources

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates sound judgment, patience, and maintains a professional demeanor at all times
• Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality
• Performs essential job functions successfully in a busy and stressful environment
• Learns current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Analyzes, organizes, and prioritizes work while meeting multiple deadlines

Schedule Requirements

• This role requires regular and sustained attendance.
• The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts.
• On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.

Physical Requirements

Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds): Exerting force occasionally and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people.

Sit (Occasionally): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.

Stand (Repeatedly): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.

Walk (Repeatedly): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination.

Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms.

Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly): Twisting, bending, and stooping require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.

Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability.

Push/Pull (Repeatedly): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.

Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.

Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials.

Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.

Exposures (Continuously): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed. Various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances. Infectious diseases are caused by contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses. Emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with distressed patients or difficult family interactions.

*Frequency Key:  Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%).