Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) 2026 July

Registered Nurse First Assistant Certification

A registered nurse first assistant (RNFA) is a special type of nurse that specializes in the field of perioperative nursing. This nurse is certified to assist the doctor in surgery, and they can work in a variety of medical settings. This includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and even dentists’ offices. RNFAs can also provide a much more comprehensive level of care for patients after surgery, since they are able to see the results of the procedure firsthand.

RNFA programs are typically offered by universities or perioperative nurses’ associations. They are based on the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses’ (AORN) core curriculum and prepare RNs and advanced practice nurses to assume the role of an RN first assistant. The University of Tennessee offers a three-course program that meets AORN educational standards and allows students to take the national CRNFA exam.

The UTHSC RNFA program consists of one week of on-campus simulation workshops during the fall semester, and 180 clinical hours of perioperative practicum during the spring or summer term, precepted by a board-certified surgeon in the area of the student’s residence. In addition, the program offers a comprehensive online learning section, and students can use proven CRNFA flashcards to raise their score on the test.

Registered Nurse First Assistant Schools

The Registered Nurse First Assistant, or RNFA, is a perioperative registered nurse who assists the surgeon in surgical operations. This role goes beyond the usual scope of a nurse’s duties, so it requires advanced training and certification. Those seeking to become a RNFA should have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a current license to practice. They should also have CNOR certification and at least two years of operating room experience.

RNFAs are important because they allow surgeons to operate more efficiently. They can help doctors perform more procedures and make patients feel better faster. Moreover, the RNFA has a more compassionate view of surgery, which can help them provide better care afterward. These nurses can also help doctors save time and money, which can be crucial for a hospital’s finances. Ultimately, they can make healthcare more cost-effective and save lives. The RN First Assistant program is offered by a variety of schools and complies with AORN’s standards and guidelines. The curriculum consists of online didactic modules and a hands-on clinical experience called the SutureStar Summit.

CRNFA Questions and Answers

You need a BSN, at least two years, 2,400 hours of perioperative nursing practice, CNOR certification, and six credits of post-RN authorized RNFA training before you become an RNFA.

It can take this process 6-7 years.

RNFA stands for Registered Nurse First Assistant.

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a surgical first assistant who also performs additional duties as a perioperative registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

An RNFA typically earns $104,000 annually.

The Registered Nurse is given the specialist credentials that show specific training has been completed to care for surgery patients by the Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant certification.

A combination of nursing and medical duties must be performed in the position of RN first assistant to the surgeon. Controlling bleeding, providing wound exposure, suturing, and other surgical procedures are done directly under the surgeon’s supervision by the first assistant RN.

CRNFA stands for Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant.

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