Rn surgical first assistant how to#

Caring for a patient after surgery is different from being in the operating room while the surgery is taking place.

Another is whether the mental and emotional pressure can be tolerated. The most important one is the ability of the person to safely and properly handle the extra workload and advanced training that comes with the program and the job duties.

Rn surgical first assistant how to#

How to Become a RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant)įor those who want to become an RNFA, there are several things to consider. That makes them highly versatile and very valuable to the medical community in many settings. Since the RNFA is also an RN, they can provide a dual role in the hospital - working as an RN as needed, and working as an RNFA as needed. This can eliminate the need for a second doctor or trained first assistant that is not a nurse. Additionally, an RNFA can help a doctor much more in the operating room than other scrub persons may be able to do. That can give them not only more compassion for patients but a better ability to show others how to properly care for them. These nurses are able to get first-hand knowledge of what takes place during surgery, which can allow them to better understand the needs the patient will have afterward. Why is a Registered Nurse First Assistant So Important? Still, the RNFA practices under the direct guidance of the surgeon and does not have a concurrent scrub person function. That sets them apart, as an RN who has not been trained to be a first assistant would not be allowed to perform these duties. Additionally, a registered nurse first assistant can provide hemostasis, suturing, and wound management. Duties include the use of medical devices and instruments, providing exposure to the surgical site, and the handling or cutting of tissues. What Does a Registered Nurse First Assistant Do?Īn RNFA works to achieve optimal outcomes for the patient by collaborating with the surgeon and members of the healthcare team. Where a person wants to work is important when pursuing their education. The biggest difference is increased operating room abilities, but it is also important to understand that there are hospitals and other facilities that do not use or employ RNFAs. The specific role of the RNFA varies, based on the hospital or other facility that the nurse works in. That is where the registered nurse first assistant comes in. There are hard lines between doctors and nurses as to the duties they can perform, but with the proper training and certification it is possible to blend those roles a bit more. These nurses go beyond the normal scope of what an RN handles and what they are allowed to do. What is an RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant)?Ī registered nurse first assistant is, first and foremost, an RN. Here are some of the most important things to know and consider, before you decide on this career path. When you are ready to make a difference in the lives of countless patients, you may want to pursue a career working as a registered nurse first assistant. There are even RN to MSN programs available if you want to take that route. There’s additional training on top of the RN designation for people who want to work as an RNFA. Fortunately, there are LPN to RN online programs you can take. They must be registered nurses (RNs), as LPNs and other types of nurses do not have the proper training. These RNFAs treat patients in surgery, and they operate as a first assistant to the doctor performing the operation. One of those is the registered nurse first assistant (RNFA). What is a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)?Īmong all the nursing specialties, there are some that are just more rewarding than others.