RN First Assistant
NURSING X 458.1
This program provides students a thorough grounding in principles and learn the intricate skills necessary to assume responsibilities in scrubbing, draping, retracting, exposing, clamping, ligating, and suturing.
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What you can learn.
- Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (APRNs) can further their surgical and operating room careers as RN First Assistants (RNFA)
- Acquire strong foundation in principles and intricate skills necessary in scrubbing, draping, retracting, exposing, clamping, ligating, and suturing
- Understand the RNFA role, implementation of standardized procedures, hemostasis, wound healing, and closure
- Understand principles of surgical emergencies, general surgery, urologic surgery, gynecologic surgery, anesthesia, and pharmacology
- Attend 52 hours of lecture and laboratory plus a required independent preceptorship (120 hours)
- Understand and prepare for the requirements for licensing exams
About this course:
The RN First Assistant (RNFA) Program consists of 52 hours of lecture and laboratory plus a required independent preceptorship. Practicing surgeons, clinical professionals, and perioperative nurse specialists provide participants with the knowledge and techniques essential for assuming the responsibilities of the RNFA. The RNFA's role is diverse, involving closed relationships with both surgeon and patient. Students receive a thorough grounding in principles and learn the intricate skills necessary to assume responsibilities in scrubbing, draping, retracting, exposing, clamping, ligating, and suturing. Topics include introduction to the RNFA role, implementation of standardized procedures, hemostasis, wound healing and closure, surgical emergencies, general surgery, urologic surgery, gynecologic surgery, anesthesia, and pharmacology. Required preceptorship: Preceptorships are arranged by the participants and vary in length dependent upon individual learning needs; requirements are reviewed during the first class. Students must successfully complete the preceptorship before receiving the certificate of completion. The course will be held at the UCLA Extension Center in Westwood.
Lecture and Practicum Topics Include:
- Introduction to the RNFA Role
- Implementation of Standardized Procedures/Protocols
- Medical/Legal Aspects to Expanded Practice
- Reimbursement Issues
- Surgical Emergencies
- Pharmacology
- Wound Healing
- Wound Closure
- Hemostasis
- Anesthesia Concepts
- General Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- OB –Gynecology
- Electrosurgery Concepts
- Orthopedics
- Plastic Surgery
- Endoscopic Surgery
Prerequisites for acceptance into the program:
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- RN license
- Two years of operating room experience in scrubbing and circulating
Board Certified/or eligible APRNs are also accepted into the program. Perioperative OR nursing experience is preferred.
For APRNs who do not hold two years’ of operating room experience, please sign up for our one-day program, Basic Concepts and Skills of Perioperative Nursing for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), designed to clinically prepare you to function in the surgical arena. APRNs must also obtain national certification prior to the certificate of completion.
Preceptorships are arranged by the students for completion of the required 120 hours. The requirements for the preceptorship will be reviewed during the first class session. Successful completion of the preceptorship is required prior to the certificate of completion being awarded.
Additional requirements
- Malpractice insurance must be obtained before beginning preceptorship
- Basic life support provider certificate must be obtained before certificate of completion is awarded
- CNOR must be obtained before certificate of completion is awarded.
1. When the course is open for enrollment, click the "Apply Now" button. You will be prompted to create a Student Account and Profile in order to complete the application.
2. Complete the application and pay the $100 application fee.
As part of the application, you will be asked to attach the following documents in PDF format:
- RN license
- Evidence of a baccalaureates degree in a related field
- Curriculum vitae/resumé noting two years of operating room experience in scrubbing and circulating
- Two letters of reference on official hospital letterhead from supervisors or surgeons knowledgeable about your competencies
Once you have been accepted into the program, you will receive an email with instructions for paying the course fee, along with a packet of information on textbooks, supplies and equipment, and a hotel list of accommodations near the classroom. Please verify acceptance prior to making travel arrangements and purchasing required texts.
Affiliation Agreements
An affiliation agreement can be created specifically for the duties of the RNFA preceptorship if required by your hospital/organization. View sample agreement
To have an affiliation agreement prepared, please provide the name, title, and address of the person authorized to sign for contractual matters at your facility. Most hospitals do not require an agreement, however if one is requested by your facility, please be aware that this is the only agreement UCLA Extension can accept.
Basic Skills of Perioperative Nursing
Are you an APRN planning to enroll in the RN First Assistant program, but lack the necessary two years of operating room experience? This 1-day course held at the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center prepares you to take the RNFA class.
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