Can the Registered Nurse (RN) function in the role of a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to perform the functions of the Master Uterine Manipulator (MUM) during robotic surgery (such as hysterectomy procedures) without the RNFA Certification (CRNFA) or without going through the credentialing or privileging process performed by the institution?
Within the role of the RNFA there are specialty surgical areas that may require additional training. It is within the scope of practice of the appropriately prepared and competent RN to perform the functions in the role of a RNFA to perform the functions of the MUM. The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) recommends the RN the CRNFA or other equivalent certification to demonstrate training and competency. The institution may require certification and/or specific training.
The institution may require the RN to complete the credentialing and privileging process to function in the role of the RNFA. Credentialing is the process of assessing and confirming the license or certification, education, training, and other qualifications or a licensed or certified healthcare practitioner. Privileging is the process of authorizing a health care practitioner’s specific scope and content of patient care services. Other state or federal requirements/regulations and accreditation standards (such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or Joint Commission) may require certification, credentialing, and privileging of the RN performing in the RNFA role.
The WABON recommends the registered nurse use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if an activity is within the nurse’s scope of practice.