Registered Nurse First Assistant Theory, Practice, and Clinical Practicum

6.0 credits

This course is designed to provide the learner with a comprehensive understanding of the perioperative process, building upon knowledge of anatomical structures and physiology, indications for surgical intervention, assisting considerations, intraoperative performance of surgical first-assisting techniques, and evaluation of postoperative patient outcomes. The didactic portion of this course will emphasize the expanded functions unique to the RN First Assistant including the legal, regulatory, and professional issues as well as the specific role of the RNFA in management of patients across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases incorporating the three dimensions of Socialization Theory: professional socialization, organizational socialization, and role socialization. The clinical portion of this course will focus on the learner's application of knowledge to safely perform the skills required during the perioperative process. Emphasis will be placed on the development of advanced surgical assisting skills, such as providing surgical site exposure, tissue handling, cutting tissue, suturing, providing hemostasis, using surgical instruments, and wound management. Students will collaborate and communicate with other healthcare providers to develop a plan of care to achieve optimal patient outcomes. In collaboration with a board-certified surgeon preceptor, as well as a RNFA or CRNFA mentor (optional), students will develop personalized learning objectives and identify learning resources to enhance the knowledge and skills necessary for competent RNFA practice and role development. Open to nonmatriculated students. Special application required.