Registered Nurse- First Assist (RNFA)

About Us

Cooper University Health Care is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving residents and visitors throughout Cape May County. The system includes Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, three urgent care facilities; Cape Regional Physicians Associates with primary care and specialty care providers delivering services in multiple locations throughout Cape May County; The Cancer Center at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, the Claire C. Brodesser Surgery Center; AMI at Cooper, Miracles Fitness and numerous freestanding outpatient facilities providing wound care, lab, and physical therapy services. We have a commitment to our employees by providing competitive rates and compensation programs.  Cooper offers full and part time employees a comprehensive employee benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, on-site Early Education Center (employee discount), attractive working conditions, and the chance to build and explore a career opportunity by offering professional development.

Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional is accredited by and received the Gold Seal of approval from The Joint Commission.

Short Description

Work as Registered Nurse-First Assist (RNFA) in Surgical operating rooms assisting Surgeons across our surgical Divisions:

• Applied knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques relative to operative procedures as RN First Assist while applying principles of asepsis and infection control skillfully   
• Performs position, prepping, and draping of the patient 
• Handles tissue as directed by the surgeon during the operative procedure while providing exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning/sponging techniques
• Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon; sutures the peritoneum, fascia, subcutaneous tissues, and skin with application of surgical dressings
• Assists with transfer of the patient from the operating room 
• Recognizes safety hazard and initiates appropriate corrective actions while practicing within limitation of preparation and experience 
• Performs pre/post-operative evaluation and teaching
• Maintains Continuing Education and teaching 
• Visits patients and makes rounds with/without the sponsoring physician; writing assessments on progress notes, which must be co-signed by sponsoring surgeon  
• May write post-operative orders as directed by operating surgeon, which are signed immediately by the operating surgeon, while the patient is in the recovery room. (RNFA may NOT dictate or write operative reports or discharge summaries) 
• In the event of incapacity or unavailability of the operating surgeon during a major surgical procedure, the functions of a first assist, who is not a surgeon, shall be limited to maintaining the status of the patient while a substitute operating surgeon is summoned, except in matters of dire emergency. “Dire Emergency” shall include only those circumstances posing a significant risk of imminent death or serious bodily injury to the patient, such as uncontrolled bleeding. 

Experience Required

• BSN required 

License/Certification Requirements

• NJ RN License
• CNOR Certification
• CRNFA Certification from the National Board of Perioperative Nursing
• American Heart BLS
• ACLS Preferred 

Special Requirements

• Monday- Friday 0700-1700 & 0800-1800 with on-call weekday & weekend requirement

Salary Min ($)

Salary Max ($)