In the Scrublight is my brand-new feature where I shine a warm spotlight on an incredible nurse or business owner and the unique role they play in healthcare. Each month (as long as I have a willing participant lol), I’ll introduce you to someone whose career path might be one you’ve never even considered- from clinical settings to innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and everything in between. You’ll get a peek into what inspired them, what path they took to get there, challenges they’ve overcome, and the rewards that keep them inspired.

Why? Because nursing isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession. There are dozens of paths your license can take you — and sometimes, we don’t realize the possibilities until we hear someone else’s story. My hope is that In the Scrublight not only celebrates the amazing diversity within our field, but also gives you fresh ideas for your own journey. Whether you’re feeling a little stuck, curious about what else is out there, or just love cheering on fellow nurses, this is your place to get inspired and see what’s possible in scrubs.

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👏 IN THE SCRUBLIGHT 👏

WELCOME MIA P., RNFA!

Mia is a Registered Nurse First Assistant. RNFAs provide direct assistance to surgeons in the OR. The RNFA’s responsibilities include providing surgical site exposure by handling tissues and utilizing surgical instruments; maintaining hemostasis through the use of electrocautery devices, clamps, and sutures; insertion of surgical drains; and suturing and wound closure. RNFAs who work on cardiac surgery teams may also be trained in endoscopic vein harvesting. Additional responsibilities include assisting with preparing the patient for surgery, patient positioning, and draping.

Some RNFA's work as employee's, but others (like Mia) have an LLC and work for themselves. If you already work in the OR then this could be a great option!

How long have you been an RN/RNFA?

"I was an LVN for 2 years before I received my RN license in 2002. After I received my RN license, I transitioned into an RN role in the GI lab (where I worked) and performed the following: admitting patients; obtaining consents; assisting in procedures and providing conscious sedation; and post-anesthesia recovery and discharge. This training prepared me with a solid foundation to transfer over to the Main OR, where I underwent a formal OR nurse training program offered at the hospital and worked as a circulating nurse and scrub nurse. I received my CNOR certification in 2005, which is a requirement for entry into an RNFA program, and I enrolled in an RNFA training program in 2008. I completed the coursework and clinical hours over the next year and received my RNFA certificate in 2009.

Is a BSN required?

"Some RNFA programs may allow entry with an ADN degree, especially if the applicant has a Bachelor's degree in another field. But in reality, a BSN is preferable because the RNFA is assuming an advanced perioperative nursing role in the OR. In addition, in order to obtain certification as a CRNFA, a BSN degree is required."

If someone were to ask you how to become an RNFA, what steps would they take?

"There are two different pathways for an RN to obtain their RNFA certification.

1) An RN must have a minimum of 2 years of experience working full-time in the OR managing perioperative care, and must be currently employed either part-time or full-time in perioperative nursing. This is the basic requirement to sit for the CNOR exam. After obtaining CNOR status, it is highly recommended to obtain scrub experience before enrolling in an RNFA program. Prior scrub experience establishes a critical foundation in maintaining a sterile field, instrument selection and handling, and a basic understanding of surgical procedures. My RNFA program required a minimum of 2 years of scrub experience.

2) RNs who do not have OR experience can enroll in an RNFA program as a nurse practitioner. NPs without OR experience are typically required to take an additional course in the basics of perioperative nursing before commencing an RNFA program. The benefit of being an NP-RNFA is that you can work for a surgeon in private practice and follow surgical patients throughout their entire perioperative experience, from preoperative assessment and preparation to intraoperative assistance, and in postoperative management and follow-up care."

What are some of the PRO's and CON's of your job?

Pros - Greater learning experiences and career opportunities. Minimal to no charting. Flexibility in schedule is also possible if you work as an independent contractor. Higher pay is a benefit, as well.

Cons – Available positions in hospitals may be limited, as not all hospitals employ RNFAs. Liability risk also increases due to the expanded role in the OR with a wider scope of practice, which carries a higher level of responsibility and greater potential for errors or complications compared to a standard OR RN role. And if you work as an independent contractor, you will have to purchase your own health insurance, malpractice insurance, and disability insurance.

What is a realistic salary range for an RNFA? - "Approximately 20-30% higher than standard OR RN pay. Where I am in Southern California, the average hourly rate for a hospital-based RNFA ranges anywhere from $70-95/hr."

Thanks Mia! If any of you are interested in this career path, check out becoming a CNOR and RNFA courses in your area. 😊

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💖 Best wishes, Deanna

(ALWAYS check with your own local and state requirements regarding program details, licensure, business information, etc. This is for general information only)

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Are you, or do you know of a nurse that has a unique or maybe non-traditional job that would be a great addition to the "Scrublight"? I would LOVE to feature you on a future edition!

👉Email me at: Deanna@coachingprn.com

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👇Be sure to check out my career resources below!👇

🔥Career Resources 🔥

✅ "Alternatives in Nursing"- *UPDATED: Over 100 nursing options, Nurse Entrepreneur ideas, Websites & Apps to help you find a job you love!

✅ "Discovering Your Purpose Driven Career"- 4 week online career course. Designed for nurses wanting a change, to start their own business, or those considering entering the nursing field.

✅ Go to my website at CoachingPRN.com for more info.

✅ Schedule a free call here to see if 1:1 coaching is for you.

👉 Follow me on Instagram @nursecoach_deanna for more health & career tips!

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