RN First Assistant, Full-time, Evening Shift

Adventist Health; Sonora (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Adventist Health Sonora is seeking an RN First Assistant to organize and facilitate patient care in the Operating Room. The role coordinates care between surgeon, anesthesiologist and staff, acting as first assistant during surgical procedures with privileges granted.

Required RN licensure and CRNFA/ CNOR certifications align with AH policy; BLS is required. This full-time position involves a 12-hour shift and a strong emphasis on aseptic technique and patient safety.

Qualifications

• RNFA program completion required.
• Two years perioperative nursing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs circulating and scrubbing duties in the OR.
• Verifies surgical site/side before anesthesia.
• Counts sponges, needles and instruments per policy.
• Assists surgeon with tissue handling, clamping, suturing and drains.
• Maintains sterile field and aseptic technique; documents patient data and plans of care.

Skills

Perioperative nursing

Surgical assistance

Education

RNFA program (AORN standards)

Job description

Job Description

Adventist Health Sonora has been one of the area's leading healthcare providers since 1900. We are comprised of a 72-bed hospital, 30 medical offices, comprehensive cancer care and a vast scope of award-winning services located throughout Tuolumne and Calaveras counties and the surrounding areas. Sonora is known for its friendly hometown charm, vast outdoor experiences and lively downtown. The allure of Sonora's close-knit community is complimented by its proximity to Yosemite National Park, as well as just a quick drive to Lake Tahoe.

Job Summary

Organizes and facilitates the patient while in the Operating Room (OR). Coordinates the overall care of patient between surgeon, anesthesiologist and room staff. Functions as a first assistant during surgical incision, excision, and repair of pathology throughout the perioperative period on procedures for which privileges have been granted. Participates in preoperative assessment and planning for selected surgical patients in collaboration with the healthcare team members in the preoperative location. Regularly demonstrates subject matter expertise regarding medication, treatment and patient care standards.

Job Requirements

Education and Work Experience:

• Completion of an RNFA program that meets AORN standards: Required
• Two years' perioperative nursing experience: Preferred

Licenses/Certifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice: Required
• Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) certification in the state of practice: Preferred
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification: Required
• Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Status (PEARS)/Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Preferred
• Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) membership: Preferred

Facility Specific License/Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required

Essential Functions

• Performs circulating and scrubbing duties. Verbally confirms surgical site/side before induction of anesthesia. Accurately performs all sponge, needle, sharp and instrument counts at appropriate time and according to department policy. Handles and dissects tissues in collaboration with the surgeon. Clamps blood vessels, coagulates bleeding points, ligates vessels, and performs other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon. Sutures muscle, fascia, subcutaneous, and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon. Places drains as surgically indicated. Assists with cannulation and decannulation procedures, if indicated.
• Assists with transferring the patient to and from the operating room, positioning, prepping and draping. Provides patient with safe and aseptic environment by applying the principles of aseptic technique. Takes corrective action to rectify breaks in aseptic technique. Inspects sterile items before opening and maintains sterility of items during delivery to sterile field. Obtains and interprets patient data to determine appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as needed. Develops and implements action plan for practice changes to enhance patient outcomes.
• Maintains appropriate traffic patterns and personnel around the sterile field. Applies appropriate methods and parameters of sterilization/disinfection. Observes for general cleanliness of the Operating Room and takes appropriate action to amend, as necessary. Prepares instruments according to physician preference and scheduled procedure. Utilizes specific knowledge and skills in a surgical environment to assist the surgeon. Works under minimal supervision.
• Documents relevant data, including but not limited to nursing diagnoses, patient's plan of care, intervention and response, and discharge plan. Mentors, develops, inspires, educates and leads staff members in patient care setting. Enhances efficiency and cost effectiveness by identifying opportunities to decrease costs, as applicable to the job.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.

About Us

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 100 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 440 sites of care, including 27 acute care facilities. Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care, and hospice agencies in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of more than 38,000 includes employees, physicians, Medical Staff, and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.

JOB INFO

• Job Identification : 72483
• Job Category : RN
• Posting Date : 2026-09-18T22:14:27+00:00
• Job Schedule : Full time
• Locations : Sonora, CA, United States
• Assignment Category : Full-time regular
• Pay Range : The estimated base pay for this position is $62.83 to $86.18. Additional individual compensation may be available for this role through differentials, extra shift incentives, bonuses, etc. Base pay is only a portion of the total rewards package, and a comprehensive benefits program is available for qualifying positions.
• Hiring Department : Surgery Assist
• Shift Length : 12 Hours