Scrub tech/first assist

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Specializes in MedSurg, OR, Cardiac step down.

Can you list your profession as CST/first assist if you are only a scrub tech? It's my understanding a first assist has to be a CNOR. Is this legal?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I thought RNFA was the first assist credential....

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

CNOR is the specialty certification for OR nurses. It doesn't automatically mean one is a first assistant. That requires an RNFA course, which depending on the program may require one to be certified. There is also a first assistant for surgical technologists. They become known as CFAs, certified first assistants. Here is information about CFAs: Surgical Assisting - CAAHEP

Information about CNOR: About CNOR certification

information about RNFA: First Assisting (RNFA) : Association of periOperative Registered Nurses

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Oh, and while I am not nor have I ever been a surgical tech, I do find the use of "only" a scrub tech offensive. They are a valuable member of the surgical team, and the good ones can even teach a nurse a lot. I have great respect for the vast majority of the surgical techs I work with- some have been at it since before I was even born, and I have learned an immense amount of knowledge from them and rely on them quite a bit throughout my day.

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Specializes in MedSurg, OR, Cardiac step down.

what else are they called? ?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
what else are they called? 

It's not calling them surgical techs or scrub techs, it's your use of the word only. It implies that they are not your equal. Everyone on the surgical team is important.

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Specializes in MedSurg, OR, Cardiac step down.

What do you mean my use of the word only, I'm not understanding what you are saying. You mean scrub vs surgical?

Sorry, but I'm not implying anything..

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Can you list your profession as CST/first assist if you are only a scrub tech? It's my understanding a first assist has to be a CNOR. Is this legal?

In your OP you said "only a scrub tech" which could have a negative connotation to it depending on how it was said and the meaning you have behind it. It is very difficult to decipher tone of written words though so it may have been nothing ill meant on your behalf but the other poster is just saying that it could be taken wrong.

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Specializes in MedSurg, OR, Cardiac step down.

I see now, I was thinking as only the word-not the word only. I went back reread my OP and I see now.

Geez, everyone is so sensitive..smh

My feelings would not be hurt if someone said 'only a nurse' in a sentence like she can't do that because she's only a nurse..it's the truth-I can't prescribe medicine because I'm 'only a nurse' not a NP give me a break..doesn't mean I'm any less valuable as a team member.

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In your OP you said "only a scrub tech" which could have a negative connotation to it depending on how it was said and the meaning you have behind it. It is very difficult to decipher tone of written words though so it may have been nothing ill meant on your behalf but the other poster is just saying that it could be taken wrong.

I understood what she said. People need to not be so sensitive when it comes to how a person words something. She meant can you say you are a first assist when you are only a scrub tech.

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I see now, I was thinking as only the word-not the word only. I went back reread my OP and I see now.

Geez, everyone is so sensitive..smh

My feelings would not be hurt if someone said 'only a nurse' in a sentence like she can't do that because she's only a nurse..it's the truth-I can't prescribe medicine because I'm 'only a nurse' not a NP give me a break..doesn't mean I'm any less valuable as a team member.

You did nothing wrong. The person who attacked you needs to get over herself.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
You did nothing wrong. The person who attacked you needs to get over herself.

I fail to see how pointing out that word choices can carry negative connotations is attacking the poster. In an online environment without non-verbal clues such as tone of voice, body language, and eye contact, words will be interpreted by the reader. Considering the use of only in the ADN vs BSN debates, yes, on this site it is frequently used with a negative connotation.

However, if you feel the post is inappropriate, feel free to report it and let the mods deal with it.

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