Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

NP/RNFA

Hi all,

I am a 25 year old ED/ICU nurse with about four years of experience (3 of those strictly ICU) and am currently looking to pursue my NP/RNFA and work as a surgical NP following completion of my program. I've read certain places that you must have your CNOR in order to obtain RNFA...is this true? If so, is there a way for NPs to skirt around that requirement or do I need to get some OR experience under my belt.

Also, which joint NP/RNFA programs would you recommend?

Thanks!!

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    • Guides

    It depends on your state and what your BON has to say about it and then what your individual facility has to say about it.

  • Quote

    Why do you want to be a RNFA? You don't need to be a NP to be a RNFA.

    In my ORs we don't have NPs or RNFAs. The NPs that the surgeons work with are strictly in the clinic or floors...

    If you want to do surgery.. I'd go to PA school.

  • Quote
    • Guides
    Why do you want to be a RNFA? You don't need to be a NP to be a RNFA.

    In my ORs we don't have NPs or RNFAs. The NPs that the surgeons work with are strictly in the clinic or floors...

    If you want to do surgery.. I'd go to PA school.

    NPs can bill while RNFAs cannot so that may be one reason. They can also manage pre and postoperative patients on the floors and do consults in the clinic and on the wards.

    Every facility is different, we have NPs working in the OR and in the clinic and on wards.

  • Quote

    My understanding, from the research I have done is that if you wanted to be an RNFA, as an RN you need to have OR experience. However, if you are a NP, you do not need the OR experience. You would just need to be a licensed NP and complete the RNFA training and pass the certification exam. I think more NPs should strive for this, so it can become more common and familiar, instead of "oh become a PA if you want to be in the OR." I think we should have more opportunities. But everything is dependent on where you live, I guess.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Thanks for all your advice! I've actually settled on an AGACNP program (MSN) and will then complete NIFA RNFA after!

  • Quote
    My understanding, from the research I have done is that if you wanted to be an RNFA, as an RN you need to have OR experience. However, if you are a NP, you do not need the OR experience. You would just need to be a licensed NP and complete the RNFA training and pass the certification exam. I think more NPs should strive for this, so it can become more common and familiar, instead of "oh become a PA if you want to be in the OR." I think we should have more opportunities. But everything is dependent on where you live, I guess.

    Aquarius is correct. I completed an RNFA program about 2 years ago. Some were NPs without their CNOR.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.