Development of an RNFA program: a Newfoundland and Labrador adventure

This inquiry was to determine the feasibility of creating a nursing role for first assisting in the cardiac operating room in Newfoundland and Labrador. A committee was struck to review the role as it existed in the United States and Canada. Following this, the committee gained approval from appropriate professional associations and began developing the program. The result is that three nurses are currently working as RNFA's in Cardiac Surgery and two nurses are piloting a RNFA Program for General Surgery.