RN First Assistant

JOB SUMMARY: Under the under the direct supervision of the surgeon who has privileges in surgery and in accordance with designated standardized procedures, the RN First Assistant (RNFA), performs first assistant duties for adult patients undergoing surgical procedures in the operating room as specified in the designated standardized procedure. Advocates for patient in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

AGE OF PATIENT/POPULATIONS SERVED:

• Neonates (0 – 1 month)
• Pediatrics (1 month – 12 yrs)
• Adolescents (13 – 18 yrs)
• Adults (19 – 65 yrs)
• Geriatrics – (Over 65)

This position may, from time to time require that patients outside the normal group be cared for. In this event, the person should consult available resources to provide the appropriate care.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Consistently supports and maintains the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Joseph Medical Center.
• Follows the guidelines related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Promotes a culture of safety for patients and employees through proper identification, proper reporting, documentation and prevention of medical errors in a non-punitive environment.
• Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends and developments in his/her related scope of practice by reading books, journals and other literature and attending related seminars, conferences and the like.
• Participates in ongoing quality improvement activities.
• Assesses Operating Room readiness, table positioning, supplies and supply availability and equipment readiness for a variety of procedures.
• Develops the patient's plan of care and monitors treatment in the operative environment. This includes practice of aseptic technique and maintenance of sterile fields as well as correction of breaks in technique for any of the team members.
• Manages patient safety by implementing operative policy and procedures including patient identification, site verification, positioning and counting of sponges, instruments and sharps. Takes action to correct deficiencies.
• Holds self, physicians and other team members accountable for safe patient practices and environment.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Supportive of the compliance program set forth by SJMC and demonstrated by:
  • Upholds the Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance.
  • Adheres to and helps to enforce all compliance policies relevant to his/her area.
  • Assures timely compliance education as requested by the Compliance Officer and/or through corporate initiatives.
• Sets an example to all staff in their daily activities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of two years clinical nursing experience in the operating room.

LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Current RN license issued by the Board of Nurse Examiners of the State of Texas to practice professional nursing.
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) required.
• Current AHA or ARC CPR/Basic Life Support Certification preferred.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing program, Associates or Bachelors degree.
• Completion of a planned program of instruction for RN First Assistants.

SKILLS:

• Technical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills relevant to area in order to effectively communicate with physicians, health team members, patients and families and to safely and efficiently treat patients.
• Ability to prioritize work with minimal supervision, in order to independently carry out the duties of the position.
• Able to communicate effectively, in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Houston's oldest hospital is GROWING!

Welcome to St. Joseph Medical Center (SJMC), Houston's first and only downtown hospital delivering world-class care for the last 137 years and looking forward to the next century of exceptional care to Houstonians when they need us most.

Whether it's for a scheduled surgery, the birth of a baby, an unexpected emergency, or an outpatient visit, we have staff available around the clock to provide you access to immediate, quality health care. SJMC has been providing health care services to Greater Houston residents for over 130 years, which should give you great comfort in knowing that we have a great tradition of caring for our community. We strive to meet our patients' expectations and encourage our patients to provide us with feedback on how we can help them have the best experience possible while they're in our care.

Over the last years we have expanded our services to include the Advanced Wound Care Center, Comprehensive Cardiac and Vascular Services, the Women's Center, the St. Joseph Maternal Fetal Medicine Center, and a Weight Loss Surgery Program, just to name a few. As you work with our physicians, nurses, case managers, educators, and other staff, you will be guided through your health care journey, from diagnosis to treatment, with compassion every step of the way.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the foundation of the care St Joseph Medical Center provides to our community we are privileged to support in all of our employment practices. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic.