LoopsRN2

I would also advise you to contact the hospital(s) in your area to make sure that they will employ CRNFA/RNFA, many don't and with the rapidly changing health care systems, many insurance companies are not reimbursing for those services any longer. A more secure avenue may be to go Advanced Practice Nurse, PA, etc. I am an RN, Certified First Assist and my area hospitals don't use CRNFAs. Good luck.

Just delurking a bit to say WAY TO GO TASHA!!! I am waiting for my son to graduate from college in May, and I may once again hit the books. As for now, just enjoying work. So encouraging to those of us still on the BSN to see what you are up to!

I have researched this over the last couple of years, and I have found a variety of practices. The one thing I that seems to be a common trend is that the role of the CSA/CSFA/RNFA/CRNFA is a dying field with an increase in difficulty getting reimbursed by insurance companies and budget cuts. I can't imagine that a surgical technician would ever operate under the RN license/malpractice etc (circulator I am assuming you mean?) during a surgery.

Never let them see you sweat and I never try to be fake. I have first assisted since 1998, and I have a tough exterior while I am first working with a new surgeon. Many others have a vivacious personality that will help them get along with all surgeons, I don't. I am all about getting down to business and getting the job done. Good luck!

I first assist and can really have some long hours on my feet/legs! If I put in 12 hours, my calves would really be sore the next day but fortunately found a great pair of Keens with very high arches. Made a world of difference! Also, have you considered Jobst stockings or some ted hose? I personally get too hot but have friends who have obtained some relief with them, with the added benefit of aiding varicose veins Good luck!!

If you have a smart phone, there may be an instrument app that works like a "memory" game? If you are able to bring your wrapped instruments that you are having a hard time remembering, bring the instruments to a place where you may be allowed to have your phone and take a pic, label it and make an itemized list as what area of specialty instruments is, its use and WHERE it is found :) Again, this is assuming that you are able to photo your instruments at/in your facility. On your off time, you can review your instrument details. I am also type A....I totally know the feeling!!

I have been working as a first assist since 1998, RN/CSA and although this reply is from 2008 I have to say this is one of the most honest and well written responses regarding the future of the CSA/CSFA/RNFA. All of this still applies 4 years later.

Congrats!! Enjoy your accomplishment!

Hello!!! First of all I wanted to say what a GREAT attitude you to start the ball rolling again! Looking back on it, all think most of us EC grads would agree the CPNE was the largest mountain for us to climb in reaching our RN, but for me it was well worth the trip!! HANG IN THERE. Use your past two experiences to your advantage, review everything that happened and formulate new strategies for things that went wrong. During my first PCS, nothing was going right or as planned, always stay on task and don't let fear take you. I think doing Sherri's program is an awesome way to start. Were both of your CPNE's under the 17th edition? I tested under the weekend launch of 18th, and it really wasn't bad. Do you have a weekend scheduled yet?

Sorry that I can offer no advice on Syracuse, but I drove 7+ hours from Minnesota to Madison WI for my CPNE, and it was still worth it. I had my 20 year old son with for the ride (actually he did most of the driving), and that made all the difference in the world. Is there no one at all that could go with you? I spend a lot of time on the road, but the stress of the weekend would have been too much for me to handle alone. I would suggest the train if that is in option. Good luck!!

Hey MsPC!!!! Thanks for the info! I reviewed some posts from the WGU board, and it appears that they only offer a gpa of 3.0 max, which may pose some problems for me should I chose our local NP program darn it I had my ASN too. Ugh! Good luck on your CPNE!! Where are testing?

Vein harvest already falls under the scope of practice of my CSA, my credentialing for assisting in surgery. We don't do bypass in my hospital however, so I would need to travel the 90+ for any of those type of cases. I can direct bill insurance companies under my CSA (like a NP), which can be financially beneficial, but I would need to work in a area that has less than 75% medicare/medicaid, and we are at 78%. So instead of self employment, I am employed by the hospital. This DNP is exactly what started the fire under my pants to review my plans, lol! I gave myself the month of April/May to make a decision and June to start the application process, first for BSN. I would like to have the final choices of NP programs nailed down, so that my choices of BSN routes would apply appropriately. I am so scared of the financial investment this would involve, but if I don't do this now, I won't ever do it! The best, most financially cost effective decision may be to chose the CRNFA route, which would only require BSN, CRNOR (an operating room certification) and one more assisting exam. This would allow me to participate more in the patient's care during their stay in the hospital ( follow them inpatient post operatively, discharge instructions, etc)

BSN in 40 days?! Congrats! Am I allowed to ask how many prereqs you did in advance, and what your total $$ was? Is Western Gov accepted in all states?

Thanks so much for the reply. I have only my ASN at this time, but work for some amazing surgeons and would love to be advanced practice in this field; I am struggling with what I will actually recoup financially should I choose this path, as we live in a rural setting and are quite the field is quite saturated with NPs/PAs at this time.

Hi tadahh, I am totally new to exploring Georgetown Online NP program to see if it would be a good fit for me. You mentioned that you take a week of call on/off. This sounds very similar to me, may I ask what you do? I am an RN, Certified Surgical First Assist and my only option will be online. Our nearest program is 90 miles away, and I can not afford to not work. How does working in a specialty area bruise a chance at getting into Georgetown? I did spend a couple of years in specialty setting but that was under a different title. There is so much I don't know about this process, overwhelming!