Registered Nurse - First Assist

SSM Health

Location Freeburg, MO, 65035

Date Posted 29 January 2026

Job TypeFull Time

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Jefferson City

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Summary:

Provides direct assistance to surgeons before, during and after surgical procedures.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Positions patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment when necessary, while maximizing patient comfort and safety.
Implements physicians orders to provide visualization of the operative site using appropriate method, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning and irrigation.
Utilizes appropriate technique to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
Assists with body plane closure, application of wound dressings and securing of drainage systems.
Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's scope of service.
Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Completion of an RNFA program that meets the AORN standards for RN first assistant education program or RNFA education equivalency for CRNFA

EXPERIENCE

Two years' registered nurse experience in an advanced surgical specialty

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication.
Constant standing and walking.
Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry.
Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
Occasional lifting/moving of patients.
Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
Occasional driving.
Rare crawling and running.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

State of Work Location: Illinois

Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
And
Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
And
Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) - Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI)

State of Work Location: Missouri

Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
And
Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
Or
Registered Nurse (RN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
And
Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) - Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI)

State of Work Location: Oklahoma

Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
And
Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
Or
Registered Nurse (RN) - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN)
And
Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) - Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI)

State of Work Location: Wisconsin

Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
And
Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
Or
Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
And
Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) - Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI)

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Job Type:

Employee

Department:

4403000011 Operating Room

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Benefits:

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.

Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

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SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.