Job Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The RN Surgical First Assist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Peri-operative Registered Nurse/First Assist is a clinically competent, registered, professional nurse who prescribes, delegates and coordinates nursing care to the surgical patient through the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation. Effectively interacts with the patient, significant others and health care team members, while maintaining ANA and AORN standards of professional nursing practice. Provides the professional nursing services of a Surgery staff nurse in support of medical care, with expanded intra-operative behaviors unique to first assisting.

• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department (co-workers, charge nurse, assistant manager and manager), physicians and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for interdisciplinary approach to the patient's needs.
• Education-attains knowledge and competency that reflects current nursing practice through participation in ongoing educational activities appropriate to the area of practice.
• Seeks experiences and formal independent learning activities to maintain and develop clinical and professional skills and knowledge.
• Peer Evaluation-Participates in systematic peer review.
• Collaboration-Collaborates with patient, family, physicians and ancillary staff. Creates a documented plan,focused on outcomes and decisions related to the care and delivery of services, that indicates communication with patients, families and others.
• Self-Evaluation - Participates in systematic self-review. Takes action to achieve goals identified during the evaluation process.
• Research-Utilizes the best available evidence, including research findings to guide practice decisions.
• Uses the results of quality improvement activities to initiate changes in nursing practice and in the healthcare delivery system.
• Participates in shared governance, committee work, and unit projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Competencies and Performance Expectations

• Demonstrates computer competence for order entry, results, documentation, policies, etc.
• Demonstrates competence in use of complex surgical equipment and supplies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the ability to report and arrange for repair of surgical equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to patients. Able to interpret data about the patient's status in order to identify each patient's age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group and family

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors of Science in Nursing (or an Associates Degree in Nursing with commitment to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Nursing within 3 years)
• Current Illinois Registered Nurse licensure
• Certified First Assistant
• Graduate of an accredited Surgical First Assistant program
• Completion of Didactic portion of RNFA course
• Two to three years’ experience in perioperative nursing in an acute care setting within the past three to five years
• Ability to scrub and circulate
• CPR-BLS
• Able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action

Preferred:

• Perioperative Nurse Certification

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.