Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA)

The RNFA supports surgical procedures in all modalities at UCSF Health, performing first‑assistant duties such as hemostasis, wound exposure, suturing, and tissue handling under the surgeon’s supervision. The role blends clinical, educational, and safety responsibilities, requires credentialing through the Medical Staff Services Office, and may involve work at any UCSF Health location. This role is required to work at multiple system sites, with on call required.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No )

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

60%

Yes

Performs First Assistant responsibilities in accordance with Registered Nurse First Assistant Board of Department of Consumer Affairs and Title 22, and UCSF standardized procedures. Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique relative to the operative procedure.

-

Assesses the patient pre-operatively and develops nursing care plan based on the assessment

-

Assists in the positioning, skin preparation and draping of the patient

-

Provides hemostasis and wound exposure

-

Handles tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury

-

Sutures tissue

-

Applies dressing to the wound

-

Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with the design and purpose

-

Assists in transporting the patient post-operatively as needed

20%

Yes

Collaborates with other professionals and directs non-professional nursing personnel in maintaining recognized standards.

-

Teaches and collaborates with all nursing personnel for whom she/he is working with, including Nursing students, Surgical Technology students and OR Assistants

-

Collaborates with the surgical departments for education and training of medical students and Residents as needed

-

Collaborates with the medical staff including Anesthesia, the Surgeons, Residents and the Perioperative Nursing Staff, including Staff Nurses and Surgical Technologists to assure optimal patient outcomes

-

Adheres to hospital and departmental policies and procedures

-

Performs effectively and harmoniously as a member of the operative team

-

Demonstrates collaborative behavior consistent with department policy

10%

Yes

Participates in daily operational activities necessary for safe patient/staff environment

• Utilizes resources efficiently to facilitate optimal patient care
• Provides input to the Clinical Service Coordinator and Nurse Manager regarding unit needs
• Participates in unit and departmental communities for formulation of Nursing and Hospital policies and procedures
• Works with OR Team to proactively identify safety issues or concerns
• Assures proper surgical pre-op and post-op counts are completed
• Participates in Universal Protocol Process

10%

Yes

Able to circulate and scrub for multi-services performed at Mission Bay/ Moffitt-Long Adult Operating Rooms

• Provides patient care at an expert level
• Proper use of supplies and equipment
• Role models clinical expertise, professionalism, and excellent communication
• Participates in departmental QA by monitoring compliance with established professional patient care standards
• Collaborates to provide the most current information for preference cards
• Follows the latest Professional Association Standards, regulatory requirements, clinical evidence and standard procedures
• Takes department call as scrub and circulating RN

100%

Required qualifications:

• Minimum one year robotics experience multiservice
• 3 years inpatient adult OR scrub RN
• Strong communication and collaborative skills consistent with UCSF Living PRIDE standards.
• Commitment to ongoing education and maintenance of RNFA competencies.
• Current American Heart Association BLS Certificate
• Active RN license required.
• Active RNFA certification from accredited program
• Able to apply principles of asepsis and infection control
• Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to recognize safety hazards and initiative appropriate preventative and corrective action
• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Health locations.

Preferred qualifications:

• Minimum 1-2 years of recent experience as first assist in surgery
• BSN or MSN degree
• Current American Heart Association ACLS Certification

Education/Licensure/Certifications:

• Current certification as a Registered Nurse First assistant (RNFA) in California
• Completed RNFA training hours
• Active California nursing license
• UCSF Health requires RNFA to be credentialed through its Medical Staff Services Office (MSSO) to practice and function in their clinical role. Credentialing and approval of the Standardized Procedures takes between 30-90 days and must be completed prior to the first working day.