Is certification required for the Registered Nurse (RN) to perform in the role of a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) or surgical first assistant?

The nursing laws and rules do not require the perioperative RN to obtain certification to function in the role as a RNFA/surgical first assistant. The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) recommends the RN obtain the CRNFA or other equivalent certification to demonstrate training and competency. The institution may require certification and/or specific training. 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.