[divokevan]

I was wondering about the experiences of any RN first assistants. I know you go to extra school outside of the RN. Is it worth it pay wise? Do you get paid more than an RN that's just circulating? I was looking up info everywhere and I can't find anything! Thanks.
I heard in WA they get paid by the case? Sound true or not?

Thanks for the little bit of info!

Kevan!

[mikethern]

My workplace has about 15 RNFA's. I think they earn about a dollar more per hour, but it's worth it because being an RNFA is the easiest job in the O.R.

Circulating sucks.
Scrubbing is fun.
First assisting is a cakewalk.

[Satori77]

Where can you find out about schools??

[mikethern]

Originally Posted by Satori77

Where can you find out about schools??

Do your research about this school....
http://www.rnfa.org/index.html

Your hospital might even be willing to pay for your training.

[Satori77]

Thanks.

[rachelgp]

Ok, so I know there is no substitute for experience, but what are you supposed to do if you want to get into OR? I mean, everyone has to start somewhere, right? From the research I've done, most of these certifications (CNOR and RNFA) want 2 years experience before you're even eligible to certify! What are you supposed to do in the meantime? Forgive me if this is a dumb question.

[divokevan]

What you have to do is get in on a consortium where they hire unexperienced nurses and they train you from the ground up so to speak. Most hospitals do this once a year or so in the OR in Washington. I am going to go in through a graduate RN internship my hospital does. They only have two spots twice a year but i think it'll be okay, my mom is an RN, CNOR in the OR there. Here's to positive thinking!