RNFA vs STFA

I would think in the OR they are mostly the same but outside of the OR, the RN can do more for the DR, make rounds, write orders ,etc....

Umm no. The RNFA scope is that of an RN. If Non APNs in your facility can round, write orders etc then I would be interested in seeing that states Nurse practice act.

To the OP as an assist the roles are identical. The RNFA has the advantage that they can work in the RN role as either a scrub or circulator. The RNFA needs two years as an OR nurse prior to taking the exam. The CFA (correct term) needs to graduate from a CST program and then graduate from an accredited CFA program. There are also direct programs that take you straight through. It will also largely depend on what your particular hospital uses which are more employable.

David Carpenter, PA-C

It was my understanding that you need to be an RNFA-NP to be able to round ...write scrips..and see PTs at clinic? or is that what you mean by APN?

Exactly. Its going to depend on your state practice act but generally to do anything outside of the OR that is not part of an RN license you are going to have to be an APN. If you have RNs who are not APNs writing scrips or orders on the floor they are almost certainly practicing outside the nurse practice act.

APN is the generic term for Advance practice nurse. It includes CNMs and NPs. In some states it also includes CNS and CRNAs. Specifically its the list of nurses that are allowed to use advanced practice skills to diagnose, treat and prescribe. It differs somewhat from the term Medicare uses, Non-physician provider which is the group (PA, NP, CNM and some CNS) who are allowed to bill Medicare for first assist and E&M services.

David Carpenter, PA-C