Boone Memorial Health is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join our surgical services team. This advanced perioperative nursing role works directly with the surgeon to ensure optimal patient outcomes before, during, and after surgical procedures.
The RNFA plays a critical role in maintaining surgical efficiency, patient safety, and high-quality clinical outcomes in a fast-paced operating room environment.
Position Summary
The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a highly skilled perioperative nurse who collaborates directly with the surgeon to provide optimal patient care during surgical procedures. This role involves assisting in the operating room by handling tissues, providing exposure, using instruments, suturing, and ensuring a safe surgical environment. The RNFA practices under the supervision of the surgeon and contributes to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to promote patient safety and positive outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Directly assist the surgeon during procedures by providing surgical site exposure, handling and cutting tissue, suturing incisions, and using surgical instruments and medical devices in accordance with their intended design and purpose. Anticipate the surgeon’s needs to facilitate efficient workflow.
• Assist in patient positioning, skin preparation, and sterile draping while maintaining aseptic technique. Ensure proper alignment and positioning to prevent injury.
• Develop and implement the patient’s plan of care, including preoperative assessments, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative evaluations. Recognize and address safety hazards in the operative environment.
• Control bleeding, close wounds, and perform other technical functions that support safe surgical outcomes.
• Communicate surgeon preferences and patient-specific needs to the surgical team. Participate in timeouts, debriefings, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain strict aseptic technique, monitor infection risks, and adhere to regulatory standards including AORN guidelines and facility policies.
• Accurately document patient care, surgical details, and outcomes in the electronic health record. Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may be considered with relevant experience. Completion of an accredited RNFA program required.
Licensure and Certification
Active Registered Nurse license in West Virginia.
Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) through the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) or equivalent required.
BLS and ACLS required.
CNOR preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 2–3 years of perioperative nursing experience in an operating room setting.
Prior experience as a surgical scrub nurse or circulating nurse strongly preferred.
Skills
Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and techniques.
Excellent critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
Ability to function effectively in high-stress environments.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for extended periods (8–12 hours).
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Manual dexterity for handling delicate surgical instruments.
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other clinical hazards; appropriate PPE required.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Boone Memorial Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.