Registered Nurse Cardiac First Assistant

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.   

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Not Benefits Eligible

Work Shift

Day - 8 Hour or less Shift (United States of America)

Department

7423 Surgery-CardiacTo assist on all surgical procedures under the direction of the surgeon as stated in the essential functions granted to the RNFA.

QUALIFICATIONS

License /Certification
Required:

CA RN License

CNOR

BLS

ACLS within one year of hire/transfer.


Education
Required: Completion of recognized RNFA training program.
Preferred: BSN, MSN, or currently enrolled in RN-BSN program.

Experience
Required: At least two years of perioperative RN experience, preferably in the scrub as well as the circulating role.



Essential

RN Cardiac First Assistant

Assists on all cardiovascular surgical procedures as directed by the surgeon.

Functions as the first assistant at surgery in the general and obstetric surgical suites.

Assists the surgeon by providing intraoperative tissue retraction.

Assists with intraoperative hemostasis. Assists with intraoperative tissue manipulation.

Uses surgical instruments and suture material to manipulate tissue as directed by the surgeon.

Assists with intraoperative wound closure. Sutures tissue, using instruments and suture material as directed by the surgeon.

Preoperative- assists with: review of procedure prior to the case; opening and set up of the operating room suite; either preoperative counts or patient assessment as coordinated with the circulating RN; transfer of the patient to the OR bed; anesthesia induction if requested to do so by the circulating RN; and positioning the patient for the surgical procedure.

Interoperative- scrub in and assist in the draping of the patient; assist the surgeon within the parameters of standardized procedures; and assist in counts as needed.

Postoperative- assists with: the application of the patient's dressings; transfer from the OR bed; accompany the patient to the PACU if required; and clean up and turn over of the operating room. May assist with specialty procedures including minimally invasive vein/arterial harvesting, closure of deep fascia layer, insertion of invasive monitoring lines and cardiac sternal wound closure.

RN Circulator

Assesses basic patient needs, including recognition of abnormal diagnostic data, and potential problems related to the proposed surgical intervention and communicates appropriate information to the physician and other members of the surgical team.

Provides the ability to modify assessment criteria based on the age of the patient, psychosocial and physical needs.

Implements patient's plan of care by evaluating patient's response to care, organizes and adjusts assignment according to patient needs.

Facilitates patient transfer to appropriate postoperative unit, ensuring patient safety and communication with receiving patient care staff.

Demonstrates understanding in use of patient care equipment and instrumentation. Responsible for knowledge of emergency equipment and supplies, including the crash cart, airway management cart, and the malignant hypothermia cart. Timely written referral of any malfunctioning or defective equipment.

Assures that all medications are administered properly 100% of the time, including IV's as prescribed by physician; knows actions, indications, precautions, adverse reactions, dosage and route of administration on all drugs before administering to the patient.

Maintains clear communication and rapport with patient/family as appropriate for setting. Gives and documents emotional support and keeps patient/family informed of progress.

Assures that patient's personal hygiene needs are met, immediate environment is clean and safe.

Maintains a current and complete medical record. Coordinates admission, transfer and discharge of patient with appropriate personnel and documents observations, assessment treatments and outcome as necessary.


Additional

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

$68.91 -$103.36

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.