The road to becoming an RNFA

[AAAZ]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 2nd semester nursing student in an FNP program and I'm wondering what my best path is to becoming an RNFA? I'm considering the possibility of leaving the program early once I become an RN to pursue the RNFA track, but I'm still not exactly sure how to go about the whole thing. Every RNFA program seems to require a certain amount of experience as a first assistant/scrub nurse. How is that possible before you become one? Do you just become an OR nurse for a couple of years before you apply?

ANY information would be greatly appreciated. All the research is making me crazy!

Thank you in advance to anyone who replies!!

[nessajune21]

From what I understand, you need 2 years experience and 2000 hours in periop in order to take part in RNFA training. Good luck in pursuing your dreams!

[RN1989]

Yes you need to get a job in the OR. Read the rules carefully regarding whether you must have scrub time or if circulator time will count. Many places are using scrub techs (they are cheaper than nurses) so you may have a difficult time getting to scrub.