Staff Registered Nurse First Assistant

Berkshire Health Systems; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkshire Health Systems seeks an experienced Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join the surgical team in Pittsfield, MA. The RNFA provides advanced perioperative care and serves as a scrub or circulating nurse as needed, under the surgeon's direct supervision.

Required: MA RN license, BLS, ACLS within 6 months, RNFA or CRNFA certification; BSN preferred; 2 years perioperative nursing, 1 year med/surg preferred, with competency in scrub/circulating roles and ongoing certification

Qualifications

• Two years of perioperative nursing experience required.
• One year of med/surg nursing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated competency in the scrub and circulating roles.
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Successful completion of RNFA education program meeting current standards (didactic and clinical).
• BSN preferred; ADN/diploma acceptable if RNFA training completed prior to BSN-preferred standards.
• Massachusetts RN license; BLS; ACLS within 6 months of hire; RNFA certification within 3 years; CRNFA preferred.
• Maintenance of certifications and compliance with state regulations; English language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced perioperative nursing care as RNFA.
• Collaborate with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Function as scrub or circulating nurse as needed; flexible coverage throughout the surgical process.
• Work under direct supervision of the surgeon.
• Maintain certifications and comply with Joint Commission and NPSG requirements.

Skills

Perioperative nursing experience

Scrub and circulating roles

Communication in English

Ability to work under supervision

Education

BSN preferred; ADN/diploma considered

Job description

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is an integral member of the surgical team, providing advanced perioperative nursing care to patients. The RNFA collaborates with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes and demonstrates expertise in the first assistant role during surgery. In addition to primary RNFA responsibilities, this position requires the ability to function as a scrub or circulating nurse as needed, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive patient care throughout the surgical process. While functioning in the RNFA role, the RN works under the direct supervision of the surgeon.

DEFINITION/PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a Registered Nurse with specialized education and documented competency in perioperative nursing practice consistent with the RNFA Standards of Practice established by the Association of periOperative Nurses (AORN) through successful completion of a post-basic nursing education program whose intent is the preparation of registered nurses to practice as first assistants at surgery.

Registered Nurse First Assistant Advanced Specialist (RNFA-AS). Registered Nurse First Assistant-Certified (RNFA-C). Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery-Certified (RNAS-C).

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience:
  • Two years of perioperative nursing experience required.
  • One year of med/surg nursing experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated competency in the scrub and circulating roles.
• Education and Training:
  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
  • Successful completion of a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) education program that meets current professional standards and includes didactic and clinical components.
  • Required One of the Following:
  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma-prepared nurses who completed RNFA training and established practice as an RNFA prior to implementation of BSN-preferred standards will be considered qualified.
• License, Certification & Registration:
  • RN – Currently licensed as an RN in Massachusetts
  • (BLS) certification
  • ACLS within 6 months of hire
  • RNFAG- National RNFA certification obtained within 3-years of hire, unless exempt due to grandfathered status.
  • Acceptable RNFA Certifications Include:
    • Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) through the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) - Preferred.
• Other Requirements:
  • Maintenance of all certifications and continuing education requirements applicable to RNFA practice and State regulations
  • Assures compliance with unit-specific scope of practice.
  • Must be able to speak the English language in an understandable manner.
  • Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of the position can be fully met.
  • Call Rotation
  • Occasional weekend or evening shifts based on department needs.
  • Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations
  • Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
  • Knowledge of operative techniques related to the procedures in which the RNFA assists.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the customer being served.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Joint Commission and National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG).