RNFA or CRNA?

Published May 3, 2015

50 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hello all,

I'm currently awaiting a response regarding my admission into my local nursing program (I've been waitlisted), and I'm obviously getting way ahead of myself, but I've been looking into different specialties.

It has always been a dream of mine to work and live in a large metropolitan city. I hear that residents and interns are typically always the first assist in procedures in teaching hospitals, which kind of defeats the purpose of having an RNFA on staff. That is my only stipulation with the idea of getting my RNFA certification- that I'll essentially be unable to work alongside the surgeon by handling tissue, closing after the procedure, etc. That part interests me to no end.

When it comes to becoming a nurse anesthetist, I realize that it requires a master's degree. The only drawback in my situation of becoming a CRNA is not being able to handle tissue, closing, etc like the RNFA would be able to do.

Long story short, I'm in love with the idea of working in the OR, and any information y'all can relay to me about either profession is greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.