Difference Between RNFA and Surg. PA?

shodobe · Jan 16, 2005

If you do a search through the archives I think you will find all you need. I know I have seen threads on this subject. Mike

callbabe · Feb 5, 2005

Hi all. I've been reviewing some of the threads and find I have some confusion concerning the differences between these 2 professions. Outside of the fact that the RNFA seems to build on the circulating and scrub RN duties before going on for FA duties, what are the differences? I'm currently getting my RN, but previously worked in the military as an extended duty medic, and considered PA vs. RN programs. I do NOT want to start a big deal about quality here or turf battles, but am looking for some basic facts. Thanks to all.
Howard

The only real difference is that the PA can write drug orders,and are otherwise known as doctor wannabe's. Nurses can do everything else.

The one really big thing that separates us is the nursing process. The PA does not know how th actually take care of the pt. We are taught that from day one. I have been a RN for 30+ years and a practicing RNFA for the last seven years. I went thru a formal FA program several years back for recognition for the work I was already doing. I looked into a PA program and was told that none of my credits for my RN license were applicable, and that I would have to start over. 28 month program. Dollars and cents. A PA if working privately for a physcian/and or surgeon can bill 30% of his fee.

RNFAs can bill 20%. except that most insurance companies recognize PAs, very few recognize RNFAs. It is sad but true.

joey442000 · Jan 12, 2006

what if you get your rnfa from UAB. it has a dual masters AACNP/rnfa. then you would have the same responsibilities as a PA right.

cocothemonkey · Jan 13, 2006

A NP first assistant and a surgical PA are roughly equivalent.

jwk · Jan 13, 2006

The only real difference is that the PA can write drug orders,and are otherwise known as doctor wannabe's. Nurses can do everything else.
The one really big thing that separates us is the nursing process. The PA does not know how th actually take care of the pt. We are taught that from day one. I have been a RN for 30+ years and a practicing RNFA for the last seven years. I went thru a formal FA program several years back for recognition for the work I was already doing. I looked into a PA program and was told that none of my credits for my RN license were applicable, and that I would have to start over. 28 month program. Dollars and cents. A PA if working privately for a physcian/and or surgeon can bill 30% of his fee.
RNFAs can bill 20%. except that most insurance companies recognize PAs, very few recognize RNFAs. It is sad but true.

So much for not starting a turf battle.

Am I missing something? RNFA's are just that - assistants in surgery. There are non-RN CSA's and CFA's doing the exact same thing. PA's take care of patients preop and postop, as well as assisting in surgery. There are numerous other differences between an RN and PA.

I'm not sure where you get the idea that PA's are doctor wannabe's. That falls squarely into the "mid-level" nursing specialties who want to create their own parallel "medical" system, thinking that they're not only the equal to but better than physicians.

suzanne4, RN · Jan 15, 2006

The cardiac RNFAs that I have worked with at several different facilities also participate in pre- and post-op care. And write orders, written as if a verbal order from the physician, same way that the PA does.

It depends on state and facility.

suzanne4, RN · Jan 15, 2006

Part of thre required 2000 hours for the certification of the RNFA is 600 hours doing pre-op and post-op care...........:wink2: Not all of their required hours are strictly in the OR.

suzanne4, RN · Jan 15, 2006

what if you get your rnfa from UAB. it has a dual masters AACNP/rnfa. then you would have the same responsibilities as a PA right.

You would not automatically get your C-RNFA. Requirements for the RNFA currently are a CNOR, and you must have two years of experience as an RN in the OR to be able to sit for the exam, then you also need 2000 hours in the role of the RNFA to be able to sit for the C-RNFA exam. Many states are only reimbusing the RNFA now if they have the certification.

shodobe · Jan 16, 2006

You have to have your BS to sit for the cert exam unless you took it prior to 1999, I think. You were then grandfathered in. Not sure of the cut-off date.

joey442000 · Jan 21, 2006

You would not automatically get your C-RNFA. Requirements for the RNFA currently are a CNOR, and you must have two years of experience as an RN in the OR to be able to sit for the exam, then you also need 2000 hours in the role of the RNFA to be able to sit for the C-RNFA exam. Many states are only reimbusing the RNFA now if they have the certification.

you do have to have 2 years experience in the OR to get into this program and you do come out with your rnfa as well as your aacnp. and here you dont have to have a c-rnfa to practice only rnfa. here is a link to their program http://www.uab.edu/son/grad_acc_rnfa.htm

also I was just curious what the pay is for an rnfa? whether you are and indepdant or working for a hospital or physician

grimmy, RN · Jan 22, 2006

you do have to have 2 years experience in the or to get into this program and you do come out with your rnfa as well as your aacnp. and here you dont have to have a c-rnfa to practice only rnfa. here is a link to their program http://www.uab.edu/son/grad_acc_rnfa.htm
also i was just curious what the pay is for an rnfa? whether you are and indepdant or working for a hospital or physician

[color=darkslategray]a lot depends on your geographic location, etc. if you're a member of aorn, go to http://www.aorn.org/careers/default.htm and click on salary calculator, and sign in. put in all the pertinent info, and for your location, education, facility, etc. the regional comparable salary/wage will show up.