Grande Ronde Hospital logo
1 day ago
Full-time
On-site
La Grande, Oregon, United States
$40.25 - $58.45 USD hourly

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) provides perioperative support by assisting surgeons in the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. The RNFA performs advanced surgical techniques, including tissue handling, retraction, suturing, hemostasis, and wound closure, while ensuring patient safety and adherence to sterile technique. This role collaborates closely with the surgical team, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to anticipate surgical needs, optimize workflow, and support high-quality patient outcomes. The RNFA also participates in preoperative planning, postoperative care, and education, demonstrating clinical expertise, critical thinking, and commitment to professional standards of perioperative nursing.

The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) provides perioperative support by assisting surgeons in the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. The CSFA performs advanced surgical techniques, including tissue handling, retraction, suturing, hemostasis, and wound closure, while ensuring patient safety and adherence to sterile technique. This role collaborates closely with the surgical team, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to anticipate surgical needs, optimize workflow, and support high-quality patient outcomes. The CSFA also participates in preoperative planning, postoperative care, and education, demonstrating clinical expertise, critical thinking, and commitment to perioperative professional standards.

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA):

Qualifications:
• Degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing and completion of an AORN approved RNFA educational program required.
• Current Oregon Registered Nurse license without restriction required.
• Certification as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) required.
• Credential as a Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) preferred.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications required.
• At least two (2) years of experience as a Perioperative RN required.
• At least one (1) year of verifiable experience as an RNFA preferred.

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

Qualifications: 
• Graduation from an accredited program in surgical first assisting required.
• Credential as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) required.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within three (3) months of hire.
• At least one (1) year of experience as a CSFA preferred.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  •  Assist the surgeon during operative procedures by providing exposure, retraction, hemostasis, tissue handling, and wound closure according to accepted surgical
    techniques.
  •  Participate in preoperative patient preparation and planning, including skin preparation, draping, reviewing patient history, surgical procedures, and anticipated intraoperative needs.
  •  Anticipate and provide instruments, supplies, and equipment while collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to support efficient workflow and optimize patient outcomes during surgical procedures.
  •  Monitor patient condition intraoperatively, including vital signs, positioning, and safety measures, and communicate concerns to the surgical team.
  •  Perform suturing, wound closure, and other surgical interventions within the RNFA scope of practice while assisting with post-operative care, including wound assessment, documentation, and patient education.
  •  Collaborate with the perioperative team to ensure proper sterilization, maintenance, and safe handling of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
  •  Ensure accurate and timely documentation of surgical procedures, intraoperative events, and patient outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR).
  •  Maintain proficiency in surgical techniques, equipment uses, and professional standards through continuing education and skills validation, while consistently adhering to sterile technique and infection control protocols during all surgical procedures.
  •  Serve as a resource and mentor for other perioperative nursing staff and assist in orienting new team members to surgical procedures and techniques.
  •  Adjust to changing priorities and increased workloads to meet patient care and department needs, including functioning as a Circulating Nurse or Scrub Nurse as
    needed.
  •  Identify opportunities for, and actively participate in, performance and quality improvement activities to enhance clinical outcomes, healthcare delivery, and patient
    safety.
  •  Participate in the equitable rotation of after-hours call coverage, including weekends and holidays, as applicable to designated clinical areas.

Skills and Abilities:

  •  Knowledge of knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and perioperative nursing principles, including sterile technique and aseptic practices.
  •  Ability to assist with surgical procedures, including tissue handling, suturing, retraction, hemostasis, and other technical tasks.
  •  Able to anticipate surgical needs, coordinate intraoperative workflow, and collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff to optimize patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.
  •  Ability to operate and monitor relevant equipment within assigned clinical area.
  •  Ability to interpret, prepare and maintain patient information using the electronic health record (EHR).
  •  Skilled in performing surgical techniques within the RNFA scope of practice, including tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, hemostasis, and use of surgical instruments and equipment.
  •  Skilled in making sound decisions and practicing critical thinking, especially when responding to urgent and emergent situations.
  •  Knowledge of health equity and ability to provide age-specific, culturally competent care that considers the patient’s physical, psychosocial, and socioeconomic needs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

  •  Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently independently with ability to assist with heavier weights (100+ pounds) with team lift or mechanical equipment.
  •  Able to sit, stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
  •  Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
  •  Requires frequent use of computer.
  •  Must demonstrate manual dexterity.
  •  Occasional exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue, communicable diseases, chemicals, including but not limited to sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp items.
    Employee eligible for Hepatitis B Vaccination if desired.
  •  Must be able to perform the primary duties and responsibilities of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

 

Compensation:

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) $45.80-$77.64, DOE

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) $40.25-$58.45 DOE

 

Benefits 

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA and Health Savings Account (HSA) Options
  • 401K Plan with Roth Options
  • 401K 3% employer match and a 2% base non-elective employer contribution
  • Eligibility for company-paid benefits such as life insurance and long-term disability, subject to applicable waiting periods
  • Option to elect Supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Access to the Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounts: available for meals in the cafeteria and over-the-counter pharmacy items
  • Exercise/Fitness Facility: access to the Rehab Therapy Fitness Center for the employee and dependents

Expectations for All Employees
Support the organization’s mission, vision and values by adhering to the behavioral standards of Grande Ronde Hospital. Comply with all laws and regulations affecting Grande Ronde Hospital.  Be familiar with and adhere to the Personnel Policy Manual and the Code of Conduct and support the Grande Ronde Hospital Compliance Program.  Effective communication skills and the ability work effectively with people from various backgrounds are critical.


Mission: Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics will ensure access to high quality, cost-effective health care in a safe and customer-friendly environment for all those in need of our services.


Vision: Quality health care is our mission. Patients are our passion. 


Values: Creativity, Compassion, Collaboration, Credibility