· What does the acronym RNFA stand for?

Registered Nurse First Assistant

· What is a RNFA?

An RNFA is an experienced perioperative (operating room) nurse who has acquired additional education, knowledge and judgement, along with advanced technical skills to function effectively as an assistant to the surgeon throughout a patient's perioperative (surgical) experience. The RNFA functions collaboratively with the surgeon and operating room team to perform a safe operation with optimal patient outcomes.

Most operations require a surgical 'first assistant' to help the surgeon. This is in addition to the other health care team members in the operating room (e.g. Scrub and circulating nurses, anaesthesiology, etc). Within the operating room setting, the RNFA functions in a role more traditionally fulfilled by family physicians and/or residents/medical students.


Sample RNFA Job Description

Reference:
AORN (2002). AORN Position Statement: Revised AORN Official Statement on RN First Assitants. Standards, Recommended Practices & Guidelines. Denver: AORN, 143-144.