title: The RN first assistant. Professional advancement in an expanded role.
abstract: In today's changing health care climate, patients need the continuity of care that an RNFA can provide. Becoming an RNFA takes years of experience, built upon an established foundation of broad clinical experience, highly developed technical skills, and knowledge gathered both inside and outside of the operating room. An extensive knowledge of case management, anatomy, physiology, wound healing, and physical assessment affirms the RNFA as a multicompetent team member. This, in addition to some sound business sense, can lead to various employment opportunities.
authors.affiliation: Saint Michael's Hospital, USA.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Kurkowski
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009872:Operating Room Technicians / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017009:Professional Autonomy