RN First Assistant - RNFA

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) Resources

The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) functioning as a first assistant. The RNFA role is recognized within the scope of nursing practice by the nurse practice acts in all 50 states.

Can't Find Your Answer? Consult with the AORN staff at 800-755-2676.

AORN Position Statements Related to First Assisting

• AORN's Position Statement on RN First Assistants (PDF) delineates the definition, scope of practice, and educational requirements for the perioperative registered nurse (RN) who practices as a registered nurse first assistant (RNFA).
• AORN's Position Statement on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the Perioperative Environment (PDF) delineates the definition and educational requirements for the APRN who functions in the perioperative environment, including the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care areas.
• Questions and answers related to AORN's Position Statement on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the Perioperative Environment (PDF)

Want to Become an RNFA?

• Complete an education program that meets AORN'S Education Standards for RNFA Programs (PDF).
• Locate an RNFA program.
• Complete the RNFA Program Checklist.
• Contact AORN Government Affairs or your state board of nursing for rules and regulations defining RNFA behaviors and reimbursement language.

Need More Information?

• Apply for certification. Effective January 1, 2019, the credentialing body that administers the Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) credential changed from CCI to the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC).
• Take advantage of networking opportunities like the RNFA Specialty Assembly 
• RNFA-related articles (PDF)
• Search for AORN Journal articles 
• Clinical practice consultation 
• Current laws and advocacy initiatives 
• Cases requiring a first assistant (PDF)
• RNFA Standards of Practice (PDF), focusing on the specific responsibilities of the RNFA while remaining broad enough to allow for flexibility when applied to various practice settings

Resources for RNFA Educators 

• AORN's Education Standards for RNFA Programs (PDF) - intended to guide program administrators and faculty members in designing and evaluating curricula
• Additional teaching tools - designed to enable safe observation and participation during invasive procedures 
• Questions and answers related to AORN's Position Statement on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the Perioperative Environment (PDF)

Resources for Government Agencies

• AORN's Position Statement on RN First Assistants (PDF)
• AORN's Position Statement on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the Perioperative Environment (PDF)
• AORN's Education Standards for RNFA Programs (PDF) 
• Questions and answers related to AORN's Position Statement on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the Perioperative Environment (PDF)