The future holds exciting opportunities for the Registered Nurse First Assistant RNFA specializing in the Operating Room environment. The RNFA acts as the first assistant to the surgeon during operative procedures. First Assisting will be performed under the direct supervision of the primary surgeon. RNFA will play a hands-on role in surgical procedures. Controlling bleeding, suturing incisions and wounds and intervening if complications arise are all duties of the RNFA. If a patient's heart stops, the RNFA may perform CPR, if blood pressure drops the RNFA may administer stabilizing drugs as well as monitoring the patient's vital signs and alerting the surgeon if the patient begins to struggle.

This job requires working in a high-stress environment where you must think quickly and stay calm under pressure. Excellent communication skills and the ability to follow the surgeon's instructions are vital as well as the ability to communicate clearly to other members of the team. Strict safety protocols must be followed to protect the patient and the surgical team. Some surgeries may last for several hours which means a lot of time on your feet as well. The RNFA will also care for the patient before and after their surgery until they are ready for transport.

There are many jobs available across America for the RNFA. Where would you like to visit?

Are you ready for a California adventure? Beautiful beaches, mountains, desserts and so much more await the traveler during a stay in California. Many jobs are available in this area now.

Or maybe New York City is calling you for an adventure in the city? Plenty of jobs can be found in all the great medical facilities around this area too.

Florida and/or the Sunny South could be a great place to adventure for the travel nurse, too, of course. Florida is home to so much diversity, with the beautiful waterways and forests to be explored.

The opportunities are abundant for professional healthcare travelers today and the job market is only expected to grow. So maybe it's time to start your travel adventures. Click here if you would like HCEN to help you get started.

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network