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  3. Registered nurse first assist - Operating room
MERCYHEALTH logo

Registered nurse first assist - Operating room

MERCYHEALTH·Freeport, Illinois

$38 - $62/hr·Other·On Site·2-5 yrs·
Posted 4 months ago
Practice for this role

About the role

The Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) functions as a first assistant during surgical procedures, handling tissue, clamping vessels, and suturing in collaboration with the surgeon. They also participate in preoperative assessment, provide exposure during surgery, and follow selected surgical patients postoperatively.

Job DetailsJob Location

  • FHN
  • Memorial
  • Hospital -
  • Freeport,
  • IL 61032Position
  • Type: Full-time; F.9 (72)Salary
  • Range: $37.77 - $62.32
  • HourlyJob
  • Shift:
  • DaysJob
  • Category: NurseJob Summary Days; 9-hour shifts; Call is 1-2 weeknights per week and 1-2 weekends per month. Functions as a first assistant during surgical incision, excision, and repair of pathology and throughout the perioperative period on procedures for which privileges have been granted. Supports the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Job Responsibilities Provide competent and ethical care within legal standards of practice as applicable to the RNFA. Participate in preoperative assessment and planning for selected surgical patients in collaboration with the health team members in the preoperative location. Recognize safety hazards and initiate appropriate preventative and corrective actions. Provide exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques. Handle and dissect tissues in collaboration with the surgeon. Clamp blood vessels, coagulate bleeding points, ligate vessels, and perform other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon. Suture muscle, fascia, subcutaneous, and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon. Place drains as surgically indicated. Assist with cannulation and decanulation procedures, if indicated. Follow selected surgical patients postoperatively in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Serve as an educator, mentor, consultant and resource to colleagues and other health care professionals in relation to RNFA activities. Work as a professional colleague with the preoperative team and influence multidisciplinary relationships by enhancing collaborative processes. Maintain regulatory, credentialing, and privileging requirements. Complete RNFA-specific competencies. Pursue professional growth related to both preoperative nursing and RNFA practice and participate in a professional organization. Circulate surgical cases when required.
  • Requirements
  • Education: Graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Completion of an RNFA Program.
  • Required
  • Experience: Two years perioperative experience is preferred. Must have excellent knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique.
  • Licensure/Certification/Registration: Current registered nurse licensure in the state of Illinois. BLS certification required. ACLS certification, CRNFA and CNOR preferred.
  • Populations
  • Served: While performing this job, the employee may care for patients in the following age groups.

Neonate

  • <30 days
  • Infant: <1 year
  • Early
  • Childhood: 1 year and <5 years
  • Late
  • Childhood: 5 years and <13 years Serves patients in areas other than patient care.

Adolescent

  • 13 to <17 years
  • Young
  • Adult: 17 to <30 years
  • Middle
  • Adult: 30 to <60 years
  • Older
  • Adult: >60 years

Requirements

Candidates must be graduates of an accredited school of nursing and complete an RNFA Program, holding current Illinois RN licensure and BLS certification. Two years of perioperative experience is preferred, along with excellent knowledge of surgical anatomy and operative technique.

  • professional certificate
  • Mentoring
  • Preoperative Assessment
  • Suturing
  • Tissue Handling
  • Safety Hazard Recognition
  • Postoperative Follow-up
  • Drain Placement
  • First Assistant
  • Surgical Incision
  • Surgical Excision
  • Surgical Repair
  • Perioperative Period
  • Surgical Anatomy Knowledge
  • Circulating Surgical Cases
  • Operative Technique Knowledge

Posting details

Employment type
Other
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
$38 - $62/hr
Location
Freeport, Illinois
Posted
Mar 11, 2026
Application
Employer website
MERCYHEALTH logo

Hiring organization

MERCYHEALTH

At Mercyhealth, our doctors, nurses and staff are committed to making lives better for our patients and their families. They bring knowledge and innovation to ensure that our patients receive world-class health care, close to home. As an integrated health system, we provide...

Salary listed on 44 jobs
IndustryHospitals and Health Care
TypeNonprofit
Size5,001-10,000 employees
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Market context

Illinois nursing roles remain consistently in demand

In Illinois, nursing roles typically see steady demand across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings, especially for candidates with an active Illinois license and current CPR certification. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for both accredited nursing education and readiness to work in fast-paced care environments. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your license, CPR status, and degree match before applying.

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