Welcome to health care that soars above. Welcome to WRHN.

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) (Job ID: 7154)

Work Type: Temporary Full Time

Location: WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd (formerly St. Mary’s General Hospital Campus)

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.

Position Summary

The Operating Room Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) as a multidisciplinary team member, is an experienced peri-operative nurse who functions at an advanced level of peri-operative practice and has acquired specific knowledge, skills and judgment specific to clinical practice. In collaboration with, and under the direction of the surgeon,



the RNFA provides assistance to the surgeon and team during the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative phase.

The Registered Nurse (RN) utilizes the nursing process, critical thinking and problem solving skills to provide holistic care to individuals, families, groups, communities and populations across the life span. The RN assumes responsibility and accountability for developing and coordinating an individualized patient care plan in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, patient and family. RN's provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. The RN is accountable and responsible for his/her own actions and adheres to the practice standards outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Responsibilities

Perioperative Assessment

- Provides initial and ongoing assessment and interpretation of patient’s health status within the framework of professional nursing practice, and in accordance with the principles of patient and family centered care.
- Assesses and interpretes information regarding the patient’s culture and values system, healthcare goals, and their desire to participate in their care.




- Assesses patient goals for care / discharge and ensures supports are in place to facilitate the achievement of these goals.
- Apply knowledge of surgical anatomy and physiology.
- Administer medications as directed by the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
- Participate in the scope of preoperative practice including chart reviews, evaluation for conduit, Allen’s test, Skin and wash assessment, patient/family teaching.

Intervention

- Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with patient and their families.
- Develops a comprehensive, individualized plan of care in collaboration with the patient, their family, and the interdisciplinary team.
- Implements patient care interventions within professional scope of practice and as ordered by the most responsible physician.
- Participates at interdisciplinary team rounds, patient care conferences, and discharge planning meetings.
- Utilizes educational materials to support patients understanding of their health care, health promotion, and/or health maintenance, and the enhancement of their individual wellbeing.
- Liaises with other providers in the community to ensure a smooth transition across the care continuum.

Evaluation and Skilled Practice

- Ensures the implementation, coordination and ongoing evaluation of the patient or client care plan including the documentation of patient’s responses to interventions and achievement of expected outcomes.
- Documents complete, accurate and relevant information.
- Ensures an appropriate assignment of patient care to the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and collaborates as requested/required by patient acuity.
- Evaluates patient outcomes, engages in patient education, and conducts regular patient visits

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