RN First Assist - Operating Room

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Overview

The RN First Assist will carry out the functions to assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The RNFA practices perioperative nursing and is therefore responsible for independent nursing behaviors of perioperative assessment and post-operative evaluation of care. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is inter-department with the surgeon. The RNFA practices independently of the roles, duties, and responsibilities of a circulating nurse or surgical technologist.
Qualifications

Certifications: Licensed Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR); Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA), Education: Certificate of Completion; College Diploma: Nursing, Work Experience: Surgical services nursing
Responsibilities

Assist surgeon in general and specialized surgeries. Collaborates with surgeons and OR team to ensure needed trays, instrumentation, and supplies are ready for each procedure.

Provide patient care and support

Administer medications .

Practice surgical procedures such as controlling bleeding and suturing incisions, draping, providing exposure, and handling tissue .

Position and prepare the patient on the operating table .

Monitor the patient’s vital signs and heart rate .

Educate patient and family on operation and aftercare. Communicate health of patient to family members.

Perform post-operative assessments. Monitor patient after surgery for pain and/or complications

Study patient history and health assessments .

Monitor surgery site for healing or infection.

Participate in research .

Possess ability to scrub and circulate based upon unit needs.

Prepare all necessary supplies. Assists in organization and coordination of supplies and equipment to maintain an efficient and cost-effective department. Charges for equipment and supplies.

Assists in room turnover.

About Us

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Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Find it all at Carle Health.

Our nearly 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We’ve grown to include eight, award-winning hospitals and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We’re developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College. Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center hold Magnet® designations, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care.

We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. | For more information: human.resources@carle.com.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $46.69per hour - $75.99per hour. This represents a good faith minimum and maximum range for the role at the time of posting by Carle Health. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model. Carle Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for team members and providers. To learn more visit careers.carlehealth.org/benefits.

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5 Questions You Should Ask During the Interview

Here are 5 questions we think you could ask during your interview. Use them as a guide to help you write your own questions.

Remember: Always have at least 5 questions prepared for the interview. If you do not, you run the risk of looking unprepared.

What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?

Why ask this? You want to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations before accepting the role. Knowing how success is measured helps you hit the ground running and avoid surprises about performance evaluations. It also signals to the employer that you're results-driven.

Can you describe the team dynamic and the company culture?

Why ask this? Skills and experience matter, but if the work environment isn’t a good fit, you won’t be happy or productive. This question helps you gauge whether the company values collaboration, how teams interact, and whether the culture aligns with your work style and values.

What are the biggest challenges facing the person in this role right now?

Why ask this? Every job has challenges, and it’s better to know them upfront. This helps you assess whether the role is a good fit for your strengths and whether the company is realistic about its expectations. If they hesitate to answer, it could be a red flag.

How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being??

Why ask this? Burnout is real, and some companies expect employees to sacrifice personal time for the job. By asking this, you’ll get a sense of how they value work-life balance, flexibility, and well-being—things that are crucial for job satisfaction and long-term success.

These questions help you make an informed decision while also showing your professionalism and strategic thinking!

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