Registered Nurse First Assistant – Surgery

About the role

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) will serve as a first assistant in the operating room, supporting surgeons during incision, excision, and repair of pathology. This contract position is based at Lodi Memorial Hospital in Lodi, CA, and involves coordination with the surgical team, anesthesiologist, and peri‑operative staff.

Key responsibilities

• Organize and facilitate patient flow in the OR, ensuring seamless coordination between surgeon, anesthesiologist, and staff.
• Act as first assistant during surgical procedures, handling tissue dissection, vessel clamping, coagulation, and suturing.
• Perform circulating and scrubbing duties, including accurate sponge, needle, sharp, and instrument counts.
• Verify surgical site and side verbally before anesthesia induction.
• Participate in pre‑operative assessment and planning with the healthcare team.

Required profile

• Completion of an RNFA program meeting AORN standards.
• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice.
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Preferred: 1‑2 years RNFA experience, 2 years peri‑operative nursing experience, CRNFA certification, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, and AORN membership.

Required skills

• RNFA clinical competencies.
• CNOR certification.
• BLS and PALS certifications.
• Proficiency in circulating and scrubbing procedures.
• Ability to perform instrument counts and surgical site verification.