When it comes to Surgical Assistants, there are no consistent policies that cover all 50 states. Have you ever wondered what laws there are or not, in each state? Click here to read an overview in this ASA newsletter issue.

Rodney Jensen

SFA Program Director

Graduate Profile  

Name:  Nancy Erdner
Credentials:  LPN, CST (not yet certified as First Assistant)
City & State:  Elkton, MD
Job: Certified Surgical Tech at Union Hospital - Cecil County
Graduated from NIFA's SFA Program: June, 2009

Career Path:  I started at Union Hospital 40 years ago, after I graduated from a practical nursing program. I worked first as a nurse's aide and later became an LPN. I worked on the floor for four years, then went into the OR and did on-the-job training as a surgical technologist. I've been working as a surgical technologist for about 21 years.

I took the NIFA training basically to improve my skills and to be more aware of the anatomy and physiology of the body. I had already been first assisting as a surgical tech, as had several other CSTs at the hospital, and our institution encouraged us to take the first assistant program so that we would be more aware of the liabilities and more knowledgeable about the structures in the body. When you're helping a surgeon, it's so important to know what you're looking at, when you're ligating or cutting.
 
Taking the program really increased my confidence. There are three other people at our institution who have also recently taken the program through NIFA. The surgeons are proud of the fact that we finished the program. They feel very comfortable with our skills and often request us.  Most of these surgeons are also our preceptors [for our clinical internships], so they know our weaknesses and strengths.

SFA Tip

Have you ever found it tough to cut a strand of suture with regular suture scissors?
 
The trick is to rotate the scissors to a point where the center screw is facing you, or up. Since suture scissors are manufactured to operate that way, you will find it easier to cut from now on!

Farewell to Truffles

Fridays around NIFA will not be the same with the recent loss of our friend Truffles (CED Chief Executive Dog), loyal friend to all of us at the office. Truffles never missed "Bring your Pet to Work" Fridays.
 
All the regulars, including Emily's India, John's Archie, Susan's Deuce and Jeremy's Monty, as well as past students, employees and graduates, will miss the loving and gentle (albeit sometimes loud) presence of Truffles.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NIFA. NIFA does not give any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of statements made by our contributors and does not accept any liability for error or omission. It is the responsibility of all OR personnel to work within and adhere to their facility bylaws and individual state scope of practice.    

The National Institute for First Assisting (NIFA) is the nation's leader of distance learning First Assistant programs. NIFA's new SA250 Surgical First Assistant program is CAAHEP accredited and prepares Surgical Assistants for the role of Certified First Assistant.