Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) ProgramThe College of Nursing offers a six-credit Registered Nurse First Assistant certificate program. The RNFA is a specialized RN with 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 SUNY Upstate First Assistant ProgramSUNY Upstate offers the first program in Central New York for this in-demand career with one fall evening class and a spring surgical preceptorship. A total of 225 clinical hours are completed. The course begins in the fall semester and classes are held once per week. The program is based on the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) educational guidelines and core curriculum. Our program has been reviewed by the American Association of Operating Room Nurses Competency and Credentialing Institute and is on their list of approved RNFA programs. Sequence Note: The program consists of a two course sequence taken over the Fall and Spring semesters and must be taken in that order. Semester Begin Dates
First Course: NURS 513This course is the first in a two-course sequence leading to a certificate entitling the participant to practice as a 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. This course will be held one evening per week, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Fifty clinical hours can be completed during this semester. The course meets the Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) educational guidelines and requirements for RNs to assume the role of RNFA. Second Course: NURS 521This course is the second in a two-course sequence leading to a certificate entitling the participant to practice as a Registered Nurse First Assistant. Classroom investigation and discussion will focus on professional and practice issues related to the role of the RNFA. Students continue to apply the concepts learned in the previous foundations course with the emphasis being on the expanded functions unique to the RNFA during operative and other invasive procedures. During a clinical practicum students will assist with preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative patient management in collaboration with other health care providers. A minimum of 175 hours must be spent in a clinical setting with validated documentation of clinical experience. The course meets the Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) educational guidelines and requirements for RNs to assume the role of RNFA. TuitionAs part of the State University of New York (SUNY) education system, the academic programs at Upstate cost much less than those at private institutions. Tuition for RNFA students, who are residents of New York state, is $349 per credit hour. Campus fees, prorated for the courseload, will also apply for all matriculated students. |
PhD, RN, Dean, College of Nursing Office of Student Admissions 1215 Weiskotten Hall SUNY Upstate Medical University admiss@upstate.edu 315 464-4570 or 800 736-2171
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