RNFA programs

suzanne4, RN · Mar 6, 2006

Do you have OR training? To do the C-RNFA program, that is sponsored by AORN, requires that you have at least two years of OR experience, as well as hold the CNOR title.

The issue is not the program itself, you will be getting most of your experience at the OR table under a preceptor, but what are you planning to do with the training?

anapurnas · Mar 6, 2006

Hi!

Thanks for your help! Actually, for APNs who are certified, the 2 years of OR experience are waived as is the CNOR certification requirement. So, as an APN with a Masters, you can take a RNFA course without that experience (see CNOR website). This is likely due to the high use of APN/PAs in the OR by the specialist surgeons they work with (such as my case). I am wanting to take the course for my own education, not as a requirement.Of course, the course requirements for graduation don't change for APNs, just the requirements for being able to take the course.

Do you have any opinions about the quality of various programs?

Thank again!

anapurnas · Mar 6, 2006

To clarify more:

I do not need to be a certifiedRNFA. I am just curious about the courses, not getting nationally certified.

thanks!

RockieSis · Mar 6, 2006

Check out SW Florida College in Tampa area. Much more economical, and approved by AORN. My friend went many years ago and has done very well with her career. I am considering it myself. Other than a packet of information I do not know anything else about the program.

Good Luck. From what I understand it is a commitment!

RockieSis

JR816, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2006

All right guys, need more clarification. What is a RNFA and what is a AORN? I'm a first year student. (still learning the ropes)

suzanne4, RN · Mar 6, 2006

RNFA is a Registered Nurse First Assistant in the OR.

AORN is the Association of Operaring Room Nurses

CNOR is the Certificatio exam that you can sit for once you have two years of OR experience.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 6, 2006

Hi!
Thanks for your help! Actually, for APNs who are certified, the 2 years of OR experience are waived as is the CNOR certification requirement. So, as an APN with a Masters, you can take a RNFA course without that experience (see CNOR website). This is likely due to the high use of APN/PAs in the OR by the specialist surgeons they work with (such as my case). I am wanting to take the course for my own education, not as a requirement.Of course, the course requirements for graduation don't change for APNs, just the requirements for being able to take the course.
Do you have any opinions about the quality of various programs?
Thank again!

If you are not going for the Certification, do you have any OR experience at all? Most of the Certification classroom programs are only a week or so in length, because you get all of your time in while you are precepting, and most already have OR experience and quite a bit of it. Same thing when I got my RNFA. The issue is that you need a training program that will cover all aspects of the OR from the beginning of the process.

Look for a program that is going to have an excellent didactic program, as well as excellent clinical facilites for you to do your initial preceptorship at. And make sure that you have preceptor that likes to teach. Other than than, I can't recommend a specific program or programs for you. The ones that I am familar with are for nurses that already have their CNOR, etc.

jer_sd · Mar 6, 2006

I finished the NIFA course in 2001, I recomend it. I have also completed two NP programs and the didactic material in the RNFA course was challanging but enjoyable but very different from NP courses. THe RNFA focused on procedures and supporting the MD rather than making your own choices.

I worked in radiology special procedures and was able to take the CNOR which I did near the end of the program. I passed without a problem due to the course material in the RNFA course. It coveres a lot of the info you will need to have an introduction to the OR.

Jeremy

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 6, 2006

here is an article from medscape regarding apns as rnfa that you might find interesting:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/499689

charcole · May 3, 2006

I am a APN working with a surgeon for about four years now. My prior background was as an OR nurse where I had on the job training as a surgical assistant and practiced in that role for 7 years. Anyway, now one of the hospital states I need to produce a certification as a RNFA or CSA or they will suspend my surgical priviliges. I was wondering if anyone has ever had this happen and how can it be resolved within 30 days.

charcole:sniff:

bruinbear · Jun 24, 2010

Hello! Would anyone happen to be a past resident of the UCLA Operating Room (OR) New Graduate program? I was recently accepted and would love to talk to someone who has been through the program! Thanks so much!!!