RNAS-C Exam for National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) Latest Update

The Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery – Certified (RNAS-C) is an esteemed certification provided by the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC), designed to enhance the credentials of Registered Nurses (RNs) who specialize in surgical assistance. This credential is particularly important for RNs who serve as First Assistants during surgeries and are involved in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients undergoing surgical procedures. It validates the specialized skills and knowledge of nurses who work closely with surgeons, providing the necessary support to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the RNAS-C Certification

The primary purpose of the RNAS-C certification is to establish a recognized standard of excellence for nurses working as surgical assistants. The certification provides recognition of proficiency in the essential aspects of surgical assistance, which includes the ability to prepare patients for surgery, assist during surgeries, and monitor their recovery in the immediate postoperative phase. This ensures that the nurse is capable of performing a variety of tasks, such as handling surgical instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, providing hemostasis, and more. Achieving the RNAS-C certification demonstrates that a nurse has met the rigorous requirements of this highly specialized role, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of surgical procedures.

Eligibility Criteria for RNAS-C

To be eligible for the RNAS-C exam, a candidate must meet several essential criteria. The most important prerequisite is that the nurse must hold a valid, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license. This ensures that the candidate has the foundational nursing education and skills necessary for advanced practice as a surgical assistant.

Additionally, candidates must have completed a formal Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) training program. These programs provide specialized education and training in perioperative nursing, which includes learning how to assist during surgery, provide preoperative education to patients, and manage postoperative recovery. In total, the RNFA program includes both theoretical and clinical components designed to prepare the nurse for the unique challenges of the surgical environment.

Furthermore, a candidate must have at least 120 documented hours of first assisting practice as an RNFA in the two years immediately preceding the application for certification. These hours must demonstrate practical experience and proficiency in performing the duties of a first assistant in a variety of surgical settings. In addition to this, candidates must maintain current certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which are essential certifications for all healthcare providers involved in direct patient care.

Candidates for the RNAS-C certification must also hold one of the following certifications:

• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

These additional certifications ensure that the candidate has a solid foundation in perioperative nursing or advanced practice, further supporting their ability to perform the critical tasks associated with surgical assistance.

The RNAS-C Exam

The RNAS-C exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and skills in surgical assistance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which are divided into five sections. Each section covers a key area of surgical nursing practice, ensuring that the candidate is well-versed in all aspects of the role.

The five sections of the exam are:

1. Surgical Patient Care (33 questions – 22% of the exam): This section focuses on the nurse’s ability to care for patients in the perioperative period. It includes questions on patient assessment, preoperative education, and ensuring patient safety.
2. Surgical Skills (33 questions – 22% of the exam): This section tests the nurse’s ability to assist in surgery. Topics include the proper handling of surgical instruments, maintaining the sterile field, suturing, and providing hemostasis.
3. Anatomy and Physiology (33 questions – 22% of the exam): This section covers the nurse’s understanding of human anatomy and physiology, including the systems involved in surgical procedures and the impact of surgery on the body.
4. Procedure Considerations (33 questions – 22% of the exam): This section focuses on understanding different surgical procedures, including the required steps, instruments, and techniques necessary for successful outcomes.
5. Pre- and Postoperative Considerations (18 questions – 12% of the exam): This section tests the nurse’s knowledge of patient care before and after surgery, including monitoring for complications and managing postoperative pain.

The exam is time-limited to three hours, and candidates are given an optional 15-minute break during the process. To pass, candidates must achieve a score of at least 70%. The exam is administered remotely through the Prolydian platform, which allows candidates to take the exam in the comfort of their own home or workplace. This flexibility is a key benefit for busy healthcare professionals who may not have the time to travel to an exam location.

Application Process

The process for applying for the RNAS-C exam is straightforward, but it does require careful attention to detail to ensure eligibility. First, candidates must complete the RNAS-C application form, which can be accessed on the NASC website. Along with the application, candidates must submit a non-refundable examination fee of $425.

Once the application is reviewed and approved, candidates will receive instructions for scheduling their exam through the Prolydian platform. It is important to note that candidates must take the exam within four months of receiving approval. If the exam is not completed within this time frame, the examination fee is forfeited.

Recertification and Maintaining the RNAS-C Credential

The RNAS-C credential is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed. To maintain certification, nurses can either complete 500 hours of clinical practice annually as an RNFA or earn 150 points through continuing education and professional development activities. These activities may include attending seminars, completing relevant coursework, and engaging in professional activities that enhance the nurse’s skills and knowledge in surgical assistance. A minimum of 50 points must be earned every calendar year as part of the recertification process.

The recertification process ensures that RNAS-C-certified nurses remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in surgical techniques and patient care. It also emphasizes the ongoing professional development of the nurse, ensuring that they continue to provide the highest standard of care in the operating room.

Conclusion

The RNAS-C certification is an essential credential for nurses who wish to demonstrate their expertise as surgical assistants. The certification process requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including completing a formal RNFA program, accumulating clinical practice hours, and holding relevant certifications. The exam is designed to thoroughly assess the nurse’s knowledge of surgical procedures, patient care, anatomy, and other critical areas of surgical assistance. Once certified, nurses must complete regular continuing education and clinical practice hours to maintain their certification.

In conclusion, the RNAS-C credential provides a means for nurses to advance their careers, ensure high standards of patient care, and gain recognition in the competitive field of surgical nursing. It is a valuable certification for nurses who are dedicated to providing exceptional care in the operating room and beyond.