RN First Assistant: Perioperative Expert

CHRISTUS Health; Longview (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CHRISTUS Health in Texas is seeking a Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to collaborate with surgeons and the healthcare team for optimal patient outcomes. The RNFA practices intraoperatively under the surgeon’s direction, not as a scrub nurse, and operates within CHSB policy and safety guidelines.

The ideal candidate will have RNFA training, 5+ years of OR experience (scrub and circulate), and active CNOR certification, with BLS/ACLS credentials.

Qualifications

• RNFA program completion that meets AORN/CCI standards.
• At least 5 years of OR experience including scrubbing and circulating.
• Current RN license in state of employment or compact.
• BLS and ACLS certifications required.
• CNOR perioperative nursing certification

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates effective management of surgical patient care using the nursing process and plan of care.
• Maintains sterile field and aseptic technique; monitors team movement around sterile area.
• Ensures equipment readiness and safety; supports turnover and efficiency.
• Performs counts (sponge, sharps, instruments) and documents results.
• Maintains safety of patients and staff; supports anesthesia as needed.
• Administers and documents medications per policy.
• Demonstrates ethical practice and adaptability to nursing practice changes.
• Delegates tasks per laws and competency; supports teaching to patients and families.
• Assists in safe patient positioning considering physiological effects.
• Uses sterilization techniques and documents validation of sterilization parameters.
• Handles specimens per policy and procedure.
• Participates in Universal Protocol/Time-Out process.
• Keeps accurate inventory and uses supply/pharmacy pyxis correctly.
• Keeps schedule changes in mind to ensure proper instrumentation and supplies.
• Assists with high-risk equipment safety and monitoring during procedures.
• Fosters collaborative environment and recognizes each provider’s contribution.
• Provides first-assistant duties including using instruments, achieving exposure, tissue handling, hemostasis, and suturing.

Skills

OR nursing

First assistant duties

Education

RN license (state or compact)

BLS Certification

ACLS Certification

CNOR Perioperative Nursing Certificate

Job description

CHRISTUS Health in Texas is seeking a Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to collaborate with surgeons and the healthcare team for optimal patient outcomes. The RNFA practices intraoperatively under the surgeon’s direction, not as a scrub nurse, and operates within CHSB policy and safety guidelines.

The ideal candidate will have RNFA training, 5+ years of OR experience (scrub and circulate), and active CNOR certification, with BLS/ACLS credentials.