RN First Assistant in Surgery, Certificate of Competency
Program Overview
The RN First Assistant in Surgery Certificate of Competency program at Delaware County Community College equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to become RN First Assistants (RNFAs) in surgery. The program includes coursework on surgical anatomy, physiology, and nursing behaviors, as well as a clinical internship. Graduates are qualified to work as RNFAs, a specialized nursing role with responsibilities in surgical procedures. The program is recognized by professional organizations, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- The RN First Assistant in Surgery Certificate of Competency (NURR) program at Delaware County Community College provides nurses with the knowledge and techniques needed to assume the responsibilities of an RN First Assistant (RNFA) in surgery.
Objectives:
- Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Describe the historical role of the operating room nurse as it relates to RNFA practice.
- Describe essential principles underlying RNFA practice.
- Describe the principle nursing behaviors encompassed in RNFA practice.
- Apply knowledge of surgical anatomy and physiology to surgical first assisting.
- Analyze approaches used in operative procedures.
- Identify surgical hazards and their management.
Outline:
The program is structured into two semesters, with a total of six credit hours. The curriculum includes:
- NUS 207 - RN First Assistant: (3 Credits) This course covers topics such as the historical role of the OR nurse, essential principles of RNFA practice, and nursing behaviors in RNFA practice.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are qualified to work as RN First Assistants in Surgery, a specialized nursing role with the responsibilities of scrubbing, draping, retracting, exposing, clamping, ligating, and suturing. The program is recognized and acknowledged by various professional organizations, including the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and the Competency and Credentialing Institute for Perioperative Nursing. This provides graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
Overview:
Delaware County Community College (DCCC) is a public two-year institution serving Delaware and Chester counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. It provides a wide range of academic and non-credit programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students.
Services Offered:
DCCC offers a comprehensive array of services to support student success, including:
Admissions & Financial Aid:
Application assistance, financial aid options, scholarships, payment plans, and international student support.Academics:
Associate degrees, career degrees, transfer degrees, certificates, bachelor's degrees, digital learning, dual enrollment, cooperative education, and internships.Student Services:
Academic advising, career counseling, disability services, first-generation student support, tutoring, learning commons, testing center, student employment services, and student records.Campus Life & Athletics:
Athletics, student clubs and organizations, student government, health and wellness programs, fitness center, and arts programs.Continuing Education:
Online classes, personal and professional development programs, GED testing, community education courses, training and certification programs, and corporate college services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
DCCC provides a supportive and engaging campus environment with opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including athletics, student government, and arts programs. The college also offers a range of health and wellness services to support student well-being.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordable Education:
DCCC offers a high-quality education at an affordable price.Flexible Learning Options:
Students can choose from a variety of learning formats, including traditional classroom instruction, online courses, and hybrid programs.Career-Focused Programs:
DCCC offers a wide range of career-focused programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs.Transfer Opportunities:
DCCC has transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities, making it easy for students to continue their education.Supportive Campus Community:
DCCC provides a supportive and welcoming campus community that helps students succeed.Academic Programs:
DCCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Allied Health & Nursing:
Nursing, medical assisting, dental hygiene, and more.Business, Computing & Social Science:
Business administration, accounting, computer science, criminal justice, and more.Communication, Arts & Humanities:
English, communications, art, music, and more.Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM):
Biology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and more.Workforce & Economic Development:
Skilled trades, manufacturing, and other industry-specific programs.Other:
DCCC has multiple locations throughout Delaware and Chester counties, offering students convenient access to its programs and services. The college also has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
