AGACNP w/ RNFA outlook?

[Kmerc0341, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I was looking at UAB's Acute Care NP Program w/ RNFA and am wondering if anyone had any insight to pay compared to typical AGACNP? I work in SICU/CVICU and have only been in the OR to observe CABG and valvular repairs and see the RNFA doing endovascular vein harvests, and closing surgical sites. I have also seen them come to the bedside for emergent re-sternotomy, and splinting fractures from time to time. But I am interested to know how useful it is to have an RNFA credential as an NP, outside of working for a CT Surgeon. Would this be a wasted credential in a setting such as critical care, ED, or medical cardiology?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

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Would this be a wasted credential in a setting such as critical care, ED, or medical cardiology?

Yes, as the RNFA is geared towards assisting in surgery.

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But I am interested to know how useful it is to have an RNFA credential as an NP, outside of working for a CT Surgeon.

Depends on what you want to do with it and the setting you work in. Theoretically, an RNFA can be used in any type of surgery, not just cardiac. However, it is less common to find RNFAs in academic settings as residents fill the role.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I've been ACNP-BC since 2004 and have seen many variations of in-patient NP roles through the years. Personally, I've practiced in Critical Care Medicine for around 15 years and have been in In-Patient/Hospitalist Cardiology for about 3 years. 

You will not need RNFA in Critical Care Medicine. I am skilled in central lines of all types, arterial lines, chest tubes, and not as proficient in intubations and never needed RNFA for those for obvious reasons (you do those yourself as an independent provider). An NP colleague here in Neuro does LP's and is not an RNFA.

In General In-Patient Cardiology, I do not do as much procedures except for some invasive drain removals which also do not need RNFA. I do have a PA colleague who assists in the cath lab and does diagnostic coronary angiographies (no PCI) but this person may have training in this skill prior to being hired.

I know some ex-colleagues who work in Trauma and some are AGACNP-BC + RNFA and they do assist in surgery similar to your example in Cardiac Surgery. Another high volume procedure field is IR and I have an NP friend in that field who does procedures as well but is not an RNFA.

Hope this helps though this is mostly anecdotal.