What degree do I need to close for a surgeon?

Specialties Operating Room

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i am a nursing student in an accelerated program. My goal once I graduate is to be a plastic surgeon's nurse. I have worked with her before and the goal is that I can close for her and help her in the OR along with seeing patients. I have talked to serval different instructors and gotten different answers on if this is something I can do with an bsn or if I would need to get some other degree/certificate. Some people I have talked to have said I can't even suture being an rn and another said I could close in the OR. Anyone have any insight to this? Or what my best opinions are to achieve these goals.

Thank you

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RN First Assistant Resources - Association of periOperative Registered Nurses - this might help. It's called RN First Assistant (RNFA or CRNFA). There should be a list of programs available on that webpage.
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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

RNFA or NP. Depending on the facility, you might (stress on might) be allowed to close certain types of incisions without advanced training/degrees. In my facility, we are allowed to close laparoscopic puncture incisions (chest, abdomen, and leg) provided that we receive a verified sign off by 3 different surgeons every 6 months.

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Ok thank you. I looked at that earlier. It's still all so confusing without having worked in the hospital and know exactly what nurses can and can't do. I don't want to pursue the wrong degree. I'll take another look at this thank you for the help!

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Ok thanks! I would probably be working in a private plastic surgery facility so I'm not sure how that difference from a hospital in terms of what you are allowed to do. Thanks!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

If you're talking about seeing patients in the office for preop care and postop follow up care, then you'll need the advanced degree. Best bet is to be very familiar with your scope of practice for your state. Just because the surgeon says you can do it doesn't mean the NPA/SOP does!

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It all depends on the hospital. RNFAs can't close in the hospital where I work.

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What does your state's Board of Nursing say? This is very important to know.

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