RNFA - OR (Full Time), St. Vincent

The RNFA at St. Vincent Hospital is responsible for providing comprehensive care in preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative settings. This includes positioning patients, visualizing the operative site, and assisting surgeons with specialized techniques during procedures. They also choose the appropriate suture materials and implement hemostasis techniques, making their role vital in ensuring successful surgical outcomes. The collaborative nature of the OR team reinforces the importance of communication and teamwork in delivering high-quality patient care.

To qualify for the RNFA position at St. Vincent Hospital, candidates must have an Associate’s degree in Nursing, current RN licensure in the state of PA (or multi-state licensure through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact), and CPR certification. Additionally, candidates must obtain various background clearances, including Act 34, Act 33, and Act 73. Possession of CNOR certification is also highly regarded, emphasizing the desired level of expertise in the surgical nursing field.

Teamwork is essential for the RNFA position at St. Vincent Hospital. The Operating Room is a collaborative environment involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses working together to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Effective communication among team members is crucial for executing safe and successful surgical procedures. By fostering a spirit of cooperation, the RNFA contributes to a positive and productive OR environment, enhancing the overall quality of care provided to patients.

St. Vincent Hospital is equipped with advanced surgical technologies, including the MAKO and DaVinci robotics systems. These state-of-the-art tools are utilized for various surgical procedures, allowing for greater precision and minimally invasive techniques. The use of such technology enhances the surgical experience for both patients and surgical teams, making the RNFA role even more impactful in providing exceptional care during operations.

St. Vincent Hospital, as part of the Allegheny Health Network, offers numerous growth and educational opportunities for RNFAs. Employees can participate in continuous professional development programs, attend workshops, and pursue further certifications such as advanced practice nursing roles. The commitment to fostering a supportive work environment encourages career advancement and helps develop the skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of surgical nursing.

When answering this question, highlight specific cases or procedures you have been involved with. Discuss your role in preoperative assessments, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative care. Showcase your collaboration with other surgical team members and your ability to adapt to dynamic situations, focusing on how these experiences have prepared you for the RNFA position at St. Vincent Hospital.

Discuss various techniques, such as applying pressure, using electrosurgical devices, or ligating vessels. Emphasize your knowledge and experience with different methods based on the surgical context and the importance of maintaining effective blood flow. Relate your techniques back to the essential responsibilities of the RNFA role at St. Vincent Hospital.

Patient safety is paramount in surgical settings. Discuss your protocols for ensuring patient positioning, proper equipment usage, and communication with the surgical team. Provide examples of how you've mitigated risks in the OR and adhered to the safety standards set by St. Vincent Hospital, reinforcing your commitment to excellent patient care.

Provide a specific scenario that highlights your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Describe the challenge, your thought process, the actions you took, and the outcome. This response should showcase your capability to handle stress and unexpected situations effectively, aligning with the collaborative atmosphere at St. Vincent Hospital.

Discuss the importance of clear, concise communication in the operating room. Provide examples of tools or strategies you use to ensure everyone is on the same page, such as verbal checklists or standardized hand signals. Highlight how effective communication contributes to successful patient outcomes and teamwork, core values at St. Vincent Hospital.

Emphasize the RNFA’s integral role in supporting surgeons and enhancing patient care. Discuss how the RNFA contributes to the surgical process from start to finish, facilitating operations and ensuring patient safety. Connect this understanding to the responsibilities outlined in the RNFA position at St. Vincent Hospital.

Demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to teamwork. Stress the importance of addressing disagreements calmly and respectfully, focusing on patient safety and outcomes. Provide a brief example of how you would structure this conversation while preserving a collaborative environment in the OR at St. Vincent Hospital.

Discuss your passion for lifelong learning and obtaining certifications relevant to the RNFA role. Mention specific goals, such as attending workshops, conferences, or pursuing further degrees. This response can underlie your commitment to professional growth and aligns with the educational support available at St. Vincent Hospital.

Explain your strategies for staying updated, such as reading medical journals, attending conferences, or participating in professional organizations. This can reflect your dedication to excellence in surgical practices and your proactive approach to improving patient care, aligning with the values of St. Vincent Hospital.

Share your personal motivations and highlights from your career as an RNFA. This could include seeing successful patient outcomes, contributing to innovative surgical techniques, or the supportive environment of collaborative care in the OR. Relate this back to St. Vincent Hospital’s mission of providing exceptional healthcare in the community.