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Discussion

Cfa?

I just accepted a management position (working manager..) in a small OR, and there is a CST whom was recently hired who wants to be an FA. She is doing a distance learning program for first assisting, and traveling for a test to Atlanta.

I was surprised that a CST could become a certified FA, when an RN must have a BSN to sit for a certification exam.

This CST tells me she can suture, etc., just as an RNFA.

I am going to investigate further of course, but hope someone may shed some light on what the role is for a CST who becomes an FA?

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Yes, you have to have a BSN to be certified, but you only have to have gone through an approved course to be a RNFA. I do have problems with a CST going through a "on-line" course to be able to do something an OR RN with 20 years of experience could do. I have 26 years experience and can do all that an RNFA can do but I don't have the will to go to a program. I am happy with what I do now, everything but the suture part. Like I said before I do have problems with "FA"s. They go through a maybe 6 month course, if even that, and suddenly become an expert in assisting. This will probably rankle the hairs on most FAs but I personally don't approve. I guess I am old fashion. I don't really approve of CSTs either but that is another story. Mike

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Well, I did some investigating..and I realize now that their certification is a different certification than that of an RNFA, but was surprised to learn that the scope of practice is not different for a CST/CFA and a CRNFA.

I have no problem with CST's being FA's, but I think that if it is acceptable that a CST can be certified as an FA with less than one year education-OR focused or not, that an RN with less than a BSN with documented FA experience and ability should also be allowed to sit for the same certification exam.

Just doesn't seem right....

Originally posted by kathyann

Well, I did some investigating..and I realize now that their certification is a different certification than that of an RNFA, but was surprised to learn that the scope of practice is not different for a CST/CFA and a CRNFA.

I have no problem with CST's being FA's, but I think that if it is acceptable that a CST can be certified as an FA with less than one year education-OR focused or not, that an RN with less than a BSN with documented FA experience and ability should also be allowed to sit for the same certification exam.

Just doesn't seem right....

RN's are allowed to sit for certification exams for surgical assistant, providing they have completed a SA program...distance courses don't count. Eastern Virginia Medical School has a Surgical Assitant program which is 2 years in length...those grads are not your shake and bake RNFA's who took a weekend course in Papua New Guinea to learn how to tie knots...those guys are the real deal, and they do and are First Assist in all their cases, and they can be reimbursed for their services.

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