RN First Assist

anustart · Sep 15, 2013

We have first assists in the OR where I work. You have to work in the OR for approximately 2 years to take the CNOR exam to become an RNFA. You don't necessarily have to take the CNOR exam before starting FA school, but you do have to pass it before you can finish your FA program. I'm looking into an FA program at UCLA. You go for one weekend of classes at the end of April, then go back to work for a month. You return to UCLA for one more weekend, then you head back to work for your FA training. You have to have 120 hours of FA experience to graduate. You have to do a little write up on each of the cases you FA and I believe one big case study. Hope that helps!

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

I would love an RN First Assist position! I graduate in Dec 2014 and plan on applying to the hospital's "new grad peri-op 101" program. Unfortunately, this hospital uses residents instead of RNFAs but I believe there are other hospitals in the area that utilize RNFAs.

LoopsRN2 · Sep 29, 2013

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.

lacajun1 · Jan 30, 2014

I am currently finishing my NIFA (national Institute for First Assist). This is a recognized program for AORN. It is a great program! Mostly done on line with 1 week hands on. Watch out for programs that are not recognized by AORN. I would go for the RNFA you are much more involved with the cases.

boatswife · Feb 24, 2014

I am currently finishing my NIFA (national Institute for First Assist). This is a recognized program for AORN. It is a great program! Mostly done on line with 1 week hands on. Watch out for programs that are not recognized by AORN. I would go for the RNFA you are much more involved with the cases.

Could you please tell me more about the 120 clinical hours. Are you able to utilize hours that you have already done assisting?

I am getting ready to get the ball rolling with the NIFA program. I just passed my CNOR exam, so that's one less thing to do.

boatswife · Feb 26, 2014

Nevermind........I found out that the clinical hours needed begin after you are finished/pass Course 1.

mhy12784 · Feb 27, 2014

I was just reading about RNFA's today.

How common are they, especially without being an NP ? I believe theres only one NP RNFA at my facility.

Ill be honest when i say that I never thought about going the RNFA route, but im definitely interested to learn more about it as well

boatswife · Mar 10, 2014

There are no RNFA's at my hospital.

Can anyone give me input as to what Insurance provider they use? I know that I will have to purchase coverage, just don't know anything about the providers.