RN-First Assistant

5 Star Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare staffing agency seeks a Registered Nurse First Assistant to assist surgeons during operative procedures, providing both preoperative and postoperative care. The ideal candidate will have an active RN license in Illinois, a completed RNFA program, and at least 2 years of experience in the operating room. The role requires leadership skills, proficiency in surgical techniques, and familiarity with EMR systems. Competitive benefits are offered, making this an excellent opportunity for qualified nursing professionals.

Qualifications

• Current RN license in Illinois, actively in good standing.
• Completion of accredited RNFA program required.
• 2+ years of experience in OR as scrub or circulating RN.
• Perioperative nursing certification CNOR required.
• RNFA certification CRNFA within 2 years of hire.
• BLS certification including CPR/AED/choking response.
• 2+ years OR experience as scrub or circulating RN.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons during operative procedures and perform technical functions.
• Conduct patient assessments, provide education pre-surgery.
• Document perioperative events in EMRs and participate in quality improvement.
• Document perioperative events in EMRs (Cerner, SurgiNet).
• Lead in the OR and mentor junior staff.
• Participate in CQI and staff in-services.

Skills

Patient assessment

Surgical techniques

Team collaboration

Leadership

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois

Completion of an accredited RNFA program

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

CRNFA

BLS

2+ years OR experience

Tools

EMR systems (Cerner, SurgiNet)

Meditech EMR

SurgiNet

Job description

A Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) assists surgeons during operative procedures, performing advanced technical functions under the surgeon's supervision. This role includes pre , intra , and post operative nursing care to enhance surgical outcomes, improve efficiency, and maintain patient safety.

Role & Responsibilities

Pre operative Duties

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments (e.g., history review, physical evaluation).
• Provide pre surgical patient/family education and teaching
• Ensure proper surgical positioning, preparation, and draping of the patient
• Provide surgical field exposure: use of retractors, suction, sponges.
• Handle tissues appropriately, perform precise dissection (including vessel, muscle, fascia).
• Suture closures under supervision: peritoneum, fascia, subcuticular, skin
• Place drains when directed by the surgeon.
• May cannulate for cardiopulmonary bypass or assist in advanced specialties (e.g., CVOR, orthopedics, robotics)
• Maintain aseptic technique and instrument sterilization.
• Participate in instrument and sponge counts, uphold surgical safety protocols
• Apply and manage surgical dressings.
• Evaluate post operative patients for complications and provide teaching.
• Work with the team to ensure seamless transition of care.
• Document perioperative events in EMRs like Cerner, SurgiNet
• Coordinate and collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, scrub and circulating nurses, and perioperative staff
• Provide leadership in the OR, uphold professional nursing standards, and mentor junior staff
• Participate in continuous quality improvement (CQI), research, performance evaluations, and in services

Sustain prolonged standing, lifting/positioning adult patients (?35lbs), and maintaining dexterity under sterile conditions

Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and potentially hazardous materials

Qualifications

Required

1. Registered Nurse (RN) license, active and in good standingspecifically licensure in Illinois

2. Completion of an accredited RNFA program (didactic & clinical per AORN standards)

3. Perioperative nursing certification (CNOR) required before or shortly after hire

4. RNFA certification (CRNFA) from recognized board within 2 years of hire

5. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification includes CPR, AED, choking response

6. 2+ years OR experience as scrub or circulating RN

Preferred

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification

Experience across multiple surgical specialties (e.g., cardiothoracic, ortho, robotics)

Specialty training (e.g., robotics, perfusion assistance).

Experience with EMRs (e.g., Cerner, Meditech, SurgiNet)

Required Citizenship / Work Permit / Visa Status

US &GC