Prerequisites for NUR 250

• Apply to the college and fill out a RNFA program application (PDF). The application deadline for Fall 2008 is August 4, 2008. If application deadline falls on a weekend, applications will be accepted until the end of the next business day.
• Active RN license
• Certified Nurse: Operating Room (CNOR) preferred, Certified Nurse Practitioner, or Certified Nurse Midwife 
• Basic cardiac Life Support (BCLS) required, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) recommended
• Letters of perioperative proficiency from nurse manager, educator or surgeon employer
• Individual Malpractice Insurance 
• Immunization validation (MMR, Varicella, HBV) and current PPD 

Program Guidelines

• Maryland Board of Nursing declaratory ruling 94-3, Role of the Registered Nurse in the Expanded Role: Surgical First Assistant
• Association of Operating Room Nurses, Core Curriculum for RNFAs

Program Approval

• This program is approved by the Certification Board of Perioperative Nursing

Objectives

At the completion of the didactic and clinical phases the student will be able to:

• Describe factors influencing the scope of practice for the RNFA
• Discuss how the nursing process applies to RNFA practice activities
• Apply advanced principles of asepsis and infection control
• Identify anatomical landmarks and physiologic considerations in surgical procedures
• Define first assistant activities in relation to surgical technique
• Develop effective communication skills
• Demonstrate the ability to build a collaborative relationship with physicians and other members of the health care team
• Identify concepts of adult teaching and learning as applicable to patient population
• Use the nursing process to plan perioperative care
• Use assessment finding to manage care of the patient during surgical intervention
• Develop a pain management plan based on individual patient assessment
• Demonstrate proficiency in tissue handling, hemostatis, tissue retraction and suturing
• Outline a plan for implementing RNFA Role in a practice setting

AACC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, ADA Title 504 compliant institution. Call Disability Support Services, 410-777-2306 or Maryland Relay 711, 72 hours in advance or e-mail DSS@aacc.edu to request special accommodations. For information regarding Anne Arundel Community College's compliance and complaints concerning discrimination or harassment, call 410-777-7370 or Maryland Relay 711.