About CRNFA Certification
The CRNFA certification program is for registered nurses first assistants providing care for patients before, during, and after surgery who are interested in improving and validating their knowledge and skills as well as providing the highest quality care to surgical patients.
Registed nurse first assistants who meet all eligibility requirements and pass the CRNFA exam will earn the Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) credential.
CRNFA certification represents a level of professional achievement and a demonstrated knowledge of clinical competence and practice standards. Just as important, it demonstrates proficiency in practice, enhancing qualÂity patient care and sets a standard of commitment to the profession of perioperative nursing. The CRNFA credential has administered and awarded by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) since 1970.
Definition
CRNFA certification is defined as the documented validation of the professional achievement of identified standards of practice by an individual Registered Nurse First Assistant providing care for pateints before, during, and after surgery.
Merged Credentials - CNOR and CRNFA
If you currently hold the CNOR credential and successfully pass the CRNFA exam, then you will hold both the CNOR and CRNFA credentials and may use both designations after your name. For example, Jane Doe, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA. However, for operational purposes these credentials become merged, and you must only meet the CRNFA requirements to recertify both credentials.
If you are an advanced registered nurse practitioner certified in your specialty and successfully pass the CRNFA exam, then you will hold only the CRNFA credential. For example, Jane Doe, MSN, RN, FNP, CRNFA. To recertify you must meet the CRNFA recertification requirements.
Role of the RNFA
According to AORN, "The RN first assistant at surgery collaborates with the surgeon and the healthcare team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The RN first assistant practices perioperative nursing and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice. The RN first assistant practices in collaboration with and at the direction of the surgeon during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience. The RN first assistant does not concurrently function as a scrub nurse.”
Candidates use the CRNFA credential to gain credibility and recognition from colleagues and patients, achieve their personal and professional goals, and enhance their career development.
Hospitals and institutions around the world support the CRNFA program because certified healthcare providers are confident in their skill and knowledgeable of the latest standards of practice and care. CRNFA-certified nurses are leaders in the operating room community.
The CRNFA credential is a Category 1 nationally accepted certification for the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program, a program designed to recognize health care organizations that provide nursing excellence.
The Inactive Status is not available for the CRNFA credential.
Download our CRNFA Certification Booklet for a complete reference on certification.