ObjectivesThis program is designed to provide the advanced knowledge and clinical skills necessary to prepare the operating room nurse to practice in collaboration with, and at the direction of, the surgeon during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience. The advanced intraoperative competencies necessary for this role include: handling soft tissue, wound exposure, using instruments, suturing and knot tying and providing hemostasis.
Academic titleRegistered Nurse First Assistant Program Completion Certificate
Course descriptionThe Registered Nurse First Assistant Program is delivered using print-based materials via distance education. It includes five self-learning modules, 200 hours of clinical practice and a research paper. Learners will be accommodated in their own geographic region as much as possible.
Program Content
Registered Nurse First Assistant Modules:
Module One: Role and Responsibilities of the RNFA
* Scope of Practice
* Legal Regulation
* Ethical Issues
* Collaborative Practice
* Leadership Skills
* Health Care Delivery System
* Nursing Research
Module Two: Asepsis and Infection Control
* Chain Infection
* Body's Response to Infection
* Asepsis
* Infection Control
* Multiply-Resistant Organisms
Module Three: Use of the Nursing Process for Clinical Decision Making
* Nursing Process
* Cardiac and Hemodynamic Considerations
* Respiratory/Metabolic/Hemodynamic Considerations
* Anesthetic Considerations
* Perioperative Considerations
Module Four: Surgical Techniques Related to the RNFA
* Soft Tissue Handling
* Methods of Providing Wound Exposure
* Providing Hemostasis
* Needles and Suturing and Knot Tying
Module Five: Surgical Procedures for General Surgery
* General Surgery
* Gynecology
* Urologic Procedures
* Peripheral Vascular Surgery
* Orthopedics
OR
Module Five: Cardiovascular System and Surgical Procedures
* A&P Fluid,Lytes and Acid-Base Balance
* Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures and Monitoring
* Open Heart Procedures
* Peripheral Vascular Procedures
* Harvesting Bypass Conduits for Cardiac Surgery
* Infection Control and Surgical Site Infection