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Department of Nursing

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RNFA

RN First Assistant - Post-Graduate Program

Program Overview:

This program is a post master’s certificate program designed for certified advanced practice nurses with little or no perioperative nursing experience who wish to become an RN First Assistant at surgery.  It meets the AORN Standards for RN First Assistant Education Programs and is based on the Core Curriculum for Registered Nurse First Assistants. 

Course List :

NUR 6309 Role of the RNFA (3-0-0): This course focuses on the role of the advanced practice nurse as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA). The content utilizes the RNFA Core Curriclum to introduce the advanced practice nurse to the operating room environment and to the RNFA role. Emphasis is placed on surgical anatomy and physiology, principles of asepsis, surgical hazards, first assisting techniques, and scope of practice.

NUR 6401 RNFA Practicum (0-0-12): A guided clinical experience to acquire skills to function as a first assistant in surgery. Students will engage in supervised clinical activites and complete a surgical first assisting log. Case studies and independent learning activities will be required. Four semester credit hours will be received for validated documentation of 180 clock hours of internship in a clinical setting.

Admission Requirements

  1. Licensure in state of residence as an advanced practice registered nurse (NP, CNS, CNM) or a registered nurse who meets one of the following criteria:
    • Holds a master of science degree in nursing and is eligible to sit for advanced practice certification exam
    • Enrolled in a master of science degree in nursing educational program or is enrolled in the RN-MSN program
    • Holds a bachelor of science in nursing degree and is certified as a CNOR (admission to the course for these students must be approved in advance by the program director as permission will be granted on a case by case basis.)
  2. CPR, BCLS, or ACLS (preferred)
  3. Proof of liability Insurance prior to beginning clinical practicum. Proof of clinical privileges as an RNFA student prior to beginning clinical practicum
  4. Proof of required Immunizations

 

Steps for Admission

The following must be completed to be accepted into the RNFA Program:

  1. Application to the College of Graduate Studies (as a Non-Degree Additional Certification Student)
  2. Submit official transcripts to the ASU College of Graduate Studies
  3. Submit a copy of CNOR certification to the Dept of Nursing
  4. Complete & Submit theRNFA Application Form
  5. Complete & Submit the RNFA Verification of Eligility
  6. Complete & Submit the Student Immunization Record