Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) - OR - Sweetgrass

About Us

We are a modern plastic surgery and medical aesthetics clinic based in the Charleston, South Carolina area, with operating room locations primarily in Nexton (Summerville). We are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care that enhances the confidence and well-being of our patients.

Our team of experienced surgeons and clinical professionals work in a fast-paced, high-standard environment, using advanced techniques and technology to deliver outstanding surgical outcomes.

About the Role

We’re seeking a skilled Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) to join our plastic surgery operating room team. You'll play a critical role in the operating room, working alongside our surgeons throughout procedures by maintaining a sterile field, providing first-assist support, suturing, anticipating procedural needs, and ensuring every case runs smoothly and safely.

This is an OR-based role ideal for an experienced perioperative RNFA who is confident in elective outpatient surgery, comfortable working in a fast-paced plastic surgery environment, and wants to be part of a growing plastic surgery practice.

Key Responsibilities

Operating Room Preparation & Sterile Technique

• Support operating room readiness in collaboration with the surgical team.

• Confirm appropriate instruments, supplies, equipment, and implants are available and sterilized for scheduled procedures.

• Maintain sterile technique and support a safe, efficient surgical environment.

• Assist with patient positioning, draping, and safety measures.

First Assist & Intraoperative Support

• Pass instruments, sutures, and supplies to surgeons accurately and efficiently
  
  
• Provide first-assist support including exposure, retraction, hemostasis, tissue handling, and wound closure.

• Anticipate surgeon needs and procedural flow to maximize operative efficiency.

• Perform suturing and layered closure within RNFA scope.

• Assist with exposure, retraction, hemostasis, and tissue handling.

Patient Safety & Clinical Support

• Support patient safety and comfort during procedures.

• Assist in responding to intraoperative concerns or emergencies.

• Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and nursing staff.

Documentation & Workflow

• Accurately document surgical information in electronic health record systems.

• Ensure surgical counts are completed and verified.

• Assist with room turnover and preparation for subsequent cases.

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Adhere to infection control standards, OSHA, HIPAA, and facility policies.

• Participate in training, team meetings, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Report safety concerns, equipment issues, or unusual findings promptly.

Required Qualifications

• Active South Carolina RN license

• RNFA certification or documented RNFA training/credentialing required

• 1–3+ years of perioperative and operating room experience.

• Demonstrated first-assist experience in the operating room.

• Advanced suturing and wound closure skills.

• Knowledge of outpatient and ambulatory surgery environments.

• Thorough understanding of sterile technique and instrument handling.

• Self-starter with the ability to maintain steady productivity and take initiative.

• Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset.

• Professional, respectful approach to patients, coworkers, and providers.

• Candidates must be able to provide professional references as part of the hiring process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Plastic surgery experience strongly preferred.

• Experience with cosmetic or elective outpatient procedures.

• Willingness to learn, grow, and contribute beyond core responsibilities.

Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Strong anticipation of surgeon and procedural needs.

• Calm, focused, and reliable under pressure.

• Team-oriented and collaborative.

• Professional and discreet, with comfort in cosmetic and plastic surgery environments.

• Organized and efficient in fast-paced OR settings.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer matching.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

• Paid time off (PTO).

• Ongoing training and professional development.

• Staff discounts on in-house treatments and skincare products.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Keywords

Registered Nurse First Assist, RNFA, Registered Nurse, Operating Room Nurse, Perioperative Nurse, Plastic Surgery RN, First Assist Nurse, Cosmetic Surgery, Surgical Nurse, Operating Room, Ambulatory Surgery, Charleston RN Jobs, Summerville RN Jobs, Plastic Surgery Careers.