A college without walls. Learning first assistant skills.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Surgical Nursing
• Perioperative Care

Background:

• The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) plays a crucial role in surgical patient care.
• Effective collaboration between RNFAs, surgeons, and healthcare providers is essential.
• Patient safety and advocacy are paramount in the perioperative setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a course designed to prepare nurses for the expanded role of an RNFA.
• To equip nurses with the skills for comprehensive patient care during surgical interventions.
• To foster collegial relationships and enhance the RNFA's contribution to patient care.

Main Methods:

• The course focuses on assuming expanded perioperative role responsibilities.
• Emphasis is placed on developing individual responsibility for patient care.
• Training includes patient assessment, family education, and intraoperative safety.

Main Results:

• Nurses completing the course are prepared for independent responsibility as RNFAs.
• The program facilitates the establishment of collaborative relationships within the surgical team.
• RNFAs emerge as confident patient advocates committed to quality care.

Conclusions:

• The RNFA role is vital for comprehensive surgical patient management.
• Effective training programs are necessary to develop skilled and accountable RNFAs.
• Collaboration, communication, and mutual respect enhance patient advocacy and care quality.