SUNY Upstate Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) ProgramThis 6-credit program provides eligible RNs with the
necessary education to assume the role of the first
assistant during operative and other invasive procedures. The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a specialized RN who has the advanced technical knowledge to directly assist a surgeon during procedures. This includes: clamping vessels, closing incisions, suturing, handling tissue and providing hemostasis. The RNFA also provides pre- and post-surgery patient care. Upon completion of the program, nurses will be able to work as an RNFA.. The RNFA program consists of one six-credit course that runs continuously from September through April. The course starts in the Fall semester, with one full week
of classroom instruction, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Following this week, the student is free to spend the
remainder of the course (through April) accruing the
required clinical hours. There is no break between semesters.
Following the classroom instruction week, there is
some on-line work related to the clinical experience and
limited number of afternoon clinical conferences held on
the Upstate campus in Syracuse. NURS 514 - Registered Nurse First Assistant: Theory and Practice CourseThis course leads to a certificate entitling the participant to practice Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA). Using the nursing process as a framework, the student will explore the appropriate role and responsibilities of the RNFA during the delivery of care to surgical patients in all aspects of the surgical experience: pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative. The skills required to implement the role of the RNFA during common surgical procedures, including suturing, retracting, and instrumentation, will be presented in a workshop format with opportunity for practice. Classroom investigation and discussion will focus on professional and practice issues related to the role of the RNFA. Two hundred and twenty five hours of clinical practicum will allow the student to apply the principles and skills learned in the classroom for assisting the surgeon and patient during surgical and other invasive procedures. During the clinical practicum students will assist with preoperative, intra-operative, and post-operative patient management in collaboration with other health care providers. A minimum of 150 hours must be spent directly assisting a board certified surgeon preceptor. This course meets the Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) guidelines and requirements for Registered Nurse First Assistant. For more information
on the upcoming semester, call the College of Nursing
at 315 464 4276. |
PhD, RN, Dean, College of Nursing Office of Student Admissions 1215 Weiskotten Hall SUNY Upstate Medical University admiss@upstate.edu 315 464-4570
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