RNFA: how does it work for you?

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Hi, this topic hasn't been posted about in a few years, so I was hoping to hear from some RNFAs ( RN first assists) about how the path has worked for them.

I am an OR nurse with 5 years experience and CNOR. I scrub and circulate, but don't get to scrub as often as I'd like. I've always been interested in RNFA, but our hospital does not employ them. There are some independent RNFAs that come by sometimes for particular cases. A few nearby hospitals have staff RNFAs, and our surgeons are lobbying for our facility to hire one or two.

So I was wondering, if you are an RNFA (or if you know how it works in your OR),

- what are your thoughts on employee vs independent

- if employee, are you only an RNFA, or do you fill in other nursing duties during down time?

- is the pay significantly more? One nurse at my facility is going for it and plans to ask for a doubling of salary. Is that reasonable? Elsewhere on here I've seen $5/hour more.

- do you think it would be that much better to be an NP with the RNFA? Lots more work to get there, of course, and huge expansion of scope of practice. But I'm 47, so it may be too long journey for me to make,lol

I know this is long, but any insights anyone can share would be much appreciated!

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Specializes in ICU.

I would only attend NP school if you are ok with a large debt at 50+ years old. When do you plan to retire? Do you have children going to college in the next five years? Do you have financial obligations or things that will tie up money?

A mod should move this to the OR Forum.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

My facility recently decided to begin a first assist program for both RNs and CSTs. They accepted applications from current employers and provided the clinical experiences required. In return, they were obligated to remain employed by the facility in the FA role for 2 years. They are primarily used in the FA role for those surgeons who do not have a PA or NP who assist them. However, if staffing is an issue, they can and will be utilized as either a scrub or circulator.

As for NP, I can only see that being useful if you want to expand the role to include duties outside the OR. The PAs and NPs in my facility are present for surgery and then expected to also round on patients on the floor, manage discharges, etc.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Operating Room Nursing forum.

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Specializes in Surgery.

I'm a NP-RNFA. Does your current job have tuition reimbursement of any kind? I got through school n 3 years-part time-with 20K in debt and having to use my 10K nest egg but I paid that off quick. Its also allowed me so much more autonomy and learning to operate is fun! Get the RNFA.

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Thanks to those who have replied thus far. Yes, my employer offers tuition reimbursement. I've been taking masters classes towards a MSN in admin, but I keep thinking about the RNFA and how much I would enjoy that. I think the NP RNFA route is the most flexible, long term, but it's a huge amount of work to get there.

Rose Queen, how are the RNFAs at your facility paid? Do they make a lot more, or just a few dollars?

Alicia777, do you work for a hospital or a private practice? I'm glad you are enjoying the job!

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Specializes in OR, Trauma, OH, Vasc., Ortho, Gen.

I'm an OR RN who is in an ARNP program, I plan to do the RNFA program. I love surgery and plan to end up with a surgeon at some point. If i'm already trained it's a bonus for them

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