Table of Contents
- Understanding the Role of the RNFA
- Factors Affecting RNFA Pay Scale
- Average RNFA Pay Scale
- Negotiating RNFA Salary
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Future Outlook for the RNFA Profession
Understanding the Role of the RNFA
The role of an RNFA varies based on their employer, but in general, they are responsible for prepping the patient, assisting with anesthesia, positioning the patient, holding retractors, suturing, and stapling during the surgical procedure. In some cases, they may also perform surgical procedures under the supervision of the surgeon, such as closing incisions with staple devices or sutures.
To become an RNFA, you must first be a registered nurse (RN) and meet the qualifications necessary to become a surgical RN. After obtaining RN credentials, you can then obtain additional training to become an RNFA, which typically involves completing an RNFA program accredited by the Competency & Credentialing Institute.
Factors Affecting RNFA Pay Scale
Several factors impact RNFA salaries, including years of experience, education and qualifications, geographical location, and type of healthcare facility. Employers often consider these factors to determine an individual’s pay rate.
Years of Experience:
The number of years an RNFA has been working in the field is often a key factor in determining their salary. Those with more experience generally earn a higher salary because they have gained expertise in the field over time. In some cases, employers may even offer bonuses or other incentives to retain experienced RNFAs.
Education and Qualifications:
RNFAs with additional training and education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), may earn higher salaries than those without advanced degrees. Additionally, having RNFA certification from a recognized agency, such as the National Institute of First Assisting or the Competency & Credentialing Institute, may increase an RNFA’s salary as well.
Geographical Location:
RNFA salaries can vary significantly based on location. Areas with high demand for nursing specialties, such as major metropolitan areas or areas with a shortage of staff, tend to have higher salaries. However, the cost of living in these areas may also be higher, which affects the RNFA’s overall income. Rural areas may have lower salaries, but the cost of living may also be lower, meaning that the RNFA’s income goes further.
Type of Healthcare Facility:
The type of healthcare facility where an RNFA works will also determine their salary. RNFAs working in larger hospitals typically earn more than those in smaller medical clinics or surgical centers. Similarly, RNFAs working in high-risk specialties, such as cardiac or neurology surgery, may earn more than those in lower-risk areas.
Average RNFA Pay Scale
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for an RNFA is $77,460 per year, or approximately $37.24 per hour. However, the actual RNFA pay scale can vary dramatically based on location, experience, and qualifications.
A survey by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) found that the average annual salary for an RNFA was $130,000. However, there was a wide range of reported salaries, from $70,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on location and work setting.
Location also plays a significant role in determining the RNFA pay scale. For example, RNFA salaries in California can range from $75,000 to $160,000 per year, depending on the location and type of healthcare facility. In contrast, the average RNFA salary in Texas ranges from $60,000 to $105,000 per year, with a lower cost of living contributing to the lower salaries.
The RNFA pay scale also varies depending on the specialty or surgical field. For example, RNFAs who work in cardiac or neurology surgery typically earn more than those in other specialties due to the higher level of expertise required for these surgeries. RNFAs who work with plastic or reconstructive surgeons also tend to have higher salaries, as this is a highly-specialized area.
It is essential to note that RNFA salary can also be influenced by the level of competition in the job market. High demand for RNFAs can lead to higher salaries, while an oversupply of RNFAs can lead to lower salaries.
Negotiating RNFA Salary
Negotiating RNFA salary is a critical aspect of securing a fair wage that reflects an RNFA’s experience, qualifications, and expertise. While the process can seem daunting, there are several tips that RNFAs can use to negotiate their salaries effectively.
1. Research the Market
Before negotiating, research the RNFA job market by reviewing salary trends in your desired geographic location and specialty. The goal is to identify the average pay scale and how your experience and qualifications compare to others in the field.
2. Leverage Your Experience and Qualifications
RNFAs with the most qualification and experience have the strongest negotiating power. Here, it is essential to highlight your unique selling points and how your qualifications, certifications, and experience directly translate into value for your employer.
3. Know Your Worth
Self-worth is critical when negotiating; it’s essential to understand your value and be confident in it. Know how much you are worth and prepare to make an argument based on the research you have done to rebuttal any objections the employer may have.
4. Consider Additional Benefits and Perks
When negotiating RNFA salary, it’s important to consider more than just the base pay. Benefits such as insurance, paid time off, relocation assistance, sign-on bonuses, and other incentives can make a vast difference in salary negotiation.
5. Avoid Common Mistakes
Finally, avoid common mistakes such as oversharing information regarding your personal life or sharing an inflated salary number. Stay professional and respectful throughout the negotiation, maintain a positive attitude and focus on how you and the employer can benefit from a successful negotiation.
Career Advancement Opportunities
RNFAs have multiple career advancement opportunities that can potentially increase their income. These opportunities include promotions, additional training/certifications, and other specialized roles.
1. Promotions
One career advancement opportunity for RNFAs is seeking promotion opportunities. Hospitals often have a chain of command, which creates a hierarchical structure within the workplace. Therefore opportunities for advancement exist, moving up from an RNFA to a Clinical Coordinator, who manages other RNFA staff members, or a Surgical Services Manager, who is responsible for the management of surgery-related departments like the Operating Room.
2. Additional Training/Certifications
Another way to advance a career as an RNFA is through obtaining additional certifications and training. Specific certifications such as the National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA) and the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) can increase an RNFA’s salary by showing employers that they have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills in the field.
RNFA’s can also become Certified RN First Assist (CRNFA), which requires additional education and a certification review course. Achieving this certification proves expertise in the field, which set them up for research, management, or other more specialized roles within the field.
3. Specialized Roles
Finally, RNFAs can also advance their career by taking on specialized roles. There are many specialized roles within the surgical industry such as Surgical Sales Representatives, Infection Control Specialists, or even Surgical Training Educators. By taking on these roles, RNFAs can increase their earning potential and take on a leadership position in their respective roles.
Future Outlook for the RNFA Profession
The future outlook for the RNFA profession appears promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for RNs, including RNFAs, is projected to increase by 7% between 2019 and 2029. With a growing population, there will always be a need for surgeries, and therefore, an ongoing need for qualified RNFAs.
While the job market for RNFAs has remained steady, advances in technology have altered the surgical landscape. As technology becomes more sophisticated in surgical instrumentation and robotics, the role of the RNFA may undergo changes. For example, it is possible that robotics and artificial intelligence can perform tasks previously performed by an RNFA resulting in modifications to the RNFA role.
Another significant factor that will impact the future of the RNFA profession is the aging of the baby boomer generation, who will require more surgical procedures as they get older. RNFAs who specialize in geriatrics will be in high demand and may command higher salaries in the future.
A growing nursing shortage may also impact RNFA salaries and job growth. With fewer nurses available, the demand for RNFAs may increase, thereby increasing salaries. In contrast, if there are more available RNFAs than available jobs, the salaries may decrease.
In conclusion, the future outlook for the RNFA profession appears positive, with job opportunities projected to increase by 7% over the next decade. However, advancing technology may alter the role of the RNFA, and demographic changes may shift the focus to specialized geriatrics care. With the nursing shortage, it’s essential for RNFA candidates to be informed about projected changes and advancements in the field, to determine the best direction to pursue to achieve long-term career growth and financial stability.