NUS 207 - RN First Assistant

Institution:

Delaware County Community College

Subject:

Nursing

Description:

The knowledge and technique necessary to assuming responsibilities of the RN First Assistant are emphasized. The role diversity of the first assistant is explored in its interdependent relationship, as the nurse works both with the physician and for the benefit of the patient. The nursing diagnosis is used as the defining guide in planning and implementing patient care. Expanded functions are stressed and elaborated as the nurse is prepared to assume responsibility in scrubbing, draping, retracting, exposing, clamping, ligating and suturing. Intellectual and manual dexterity are combined to prepare the nurse with the essential skills necessary to this expanded professional role. The College recognizes AORN's position statement on the role of the RN First Assistant. The program meets AORN Education Standards and is accepted by the Competency and Credentialing Institute for Perioperative Nursing. Learners will function within the scope and multiple dimensions of the perioperative role as defined in the preceptor institution. Working with guidelines developed by the College in collaboration with a local AORN advisory board, the preceptorship is a 15-day clinical practicum. Preceptors are selected by the OR nurse manager in the preceptor hospital. Preceptorship sites may be arranged by the learner or selected from the College's preceptor affiliate sites. Schedules for clinical activities are mutually arranged by students and preceptor. 6 weekly clinical hours. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: Trace the historical role of the nurse in the operating room; Apply principles of asepsis, infection control, physical assessment and the nursing process; Review surgical anatomy, physiology and operative techniques related to first assisting; Recognize surgical hazards and initiate appropriate corrective and preventive action; Validate intraoperative nursing behaviors of handling tissue, providing exposure, using surgical instruments, suturing and providing hemostasis.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

New students should complete Placement Testing prior to registration; Visiting students may submit college transcript

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.dccc.edu

Phone Number:

(610) 359-5000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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