RN First Assistant

RN – First Assistant (Operating Room)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Job Type: Full-time | In-person | Day Shift (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday)

About the Role:

We are seeking a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join our dynamic surgical team. This position involves assisting surgeons in operative procedures while ensuring optimal patient safety and surgical outcomes. The RNFA will provide advanced intraoperative technical skills, along with preoperative and postoperative care support.

This full-time position requires flexibility for occasional on-call rotation and calls for a motivated and detail-oriented professional passionate about delivering excellent care in the operating room.

Key Responsibilities:

Preoperative Duties:

• Perform patient assessments and pre-surgical evaluations.
• Educate and prepare patients and families before surgery.
• Ensure appropriate patient positioning and draping for surgery.

Intraoperative Duties (RNFA Role):

• Provide exposure at the surgical site using retractors and suction.
• Assist in achieving hemostasis and manage bleeding.
• Perform tissue handling, dissection, and wound closure under the surgeon's direction.
• Insert surgical drains and manage instruments and sterile technique.
• Ensure compliance with surgical counts and safety protocols.

Postoperative Duties:

• Apply surgical dressings and monitor for complications.
• Educate patients on postoperative care.
• Collaborate for seamless hand-off and care continuity.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
• Document care in EMRs (e.g., Cerner, SurgiNet).

Qualifications:

Required:

• Active Illinois RN License
• Completion of an accredited RNFA program
• CNOR certification (or willingness to obtain shortly after hire)
• BLS certification (CPR/AED)
• Minimum 2 years of OR experience as a scrub or circulating nurse

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• ACLS Certification
• Experience in cardiothoracic, orthopedic, or robotic surgeries
• Familiarity with Cerner, SurgiNet, or similar EMR platforms

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rate (commensurate with experience)
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Professional development opportunities

Physical & Work Environment:

• Frequent standing, lifting patients (~35 lbs+), and fine motor tasks
• Operating Room setting with potential exposure to fluids or sharp instruments

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Surgery

Physical Setting:

• Operating room

Application Question(s):

• Do you have an active RN license to practice in Illinois?
• Have you completed an accredited RN First Assistant (RNFA) program?
• Do you currently hold BLS and ACLS certifications?
• How many years of operating room experience do you have?
• Are you available to work full-time Monday–Friday (7 AM – 3:30 PM)?
• What is your expected hourly rate or base salary?
• Do you have experience assisting in cardiothoracic, orthopedic, or robotic surgeries?
• Are you proficient in using EMRs such as Cerner or SurgiNet?
• Are you a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder?

• Please provide your regular email address and phone number.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: On the road