Job Description
Job Description
Registered Nurse – First Assistant (RNFA)
Location: Chicago, IL
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday – Friday | Day Shift (Start: 6:30/7:00 AM) | On-Call Rotation May Be Required
Are you a skilled Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) looking to make a real impact in a mission-driven surgical environment? Join a compassionate and collaborative healthcare team that is committed to providing exceptional care to a diverse and dynamic community in Chicago.
About the Role:
The RNFA will support surgeons during procedures and ensure the highest standard of care across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and offers the opportunity to work across a variety of surgical specialties in a full-service community hospital setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Preoperative:
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Conduct patient assessments and health histories
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Educate patients and families on surgical procedures
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Assist with positioning, prepping, and draping the patient
Intraoperative:
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Provide exposure using retractors, suction, and sponges
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Achieve hemostasis and assist with tissue handling and dissection
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Perform suture closures and place drains under surgeon direction
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Maintain strict aseptic technique and support safety protocols
Postoperative:
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Apply and manage surgical dressings
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Monitor patients for complications and deliver discharge education
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Ensure a smooth transition of care and complete accurate documentation
Teamwork Leadership:
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Collaborate with the full surgical team including anesthesia and perioperative staff
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Lead by example, uphold standards of care, and mentor junior staff
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Participate in ongoing quality improvement and staff development
Qualifications – Required:
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Active Illinois RN License
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Graduate of an accredited RNFA program (didactic clinical per AORN)
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Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
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At least 2 years of Operating Room (OR) experience as scrub or circulating RN
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Eligibility to work in the U.S. (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder)
Preferred Qualifications:
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
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RNFA Certification (CRNFA) – required within 2 years of hire
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Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification
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Experience in cardiothoracic, orthopedics, or robotic-assisted surgery
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Familiarity with EMRs such as Cerner, Meditech, SurgiNet
Benefits:
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401(k) with 4% employer match
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Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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Paid Time Off (PTO)
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Life Insurance
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Supportive and inclusive work culture
Interview Process:
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Phone Screening
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Interview with Hiring Manager
Work Setting:
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Physical: Operating Room
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Requires standing for extended periods, lifting/patient positioning (~35 lbs), and maintaining sterile technique
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Exposure to blood and bodily fluids