Schauble Earns Certification Designation

McDonough District Hospital is pleased to announce that Angela Schaub le, RN , CNOR, CRNFA, of Colchester was recently notified that she has successfully recertified as a Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA). This credential is designed for nurses who practice in the expanded role of Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA). “Angie’s recent voluntary re-certification as a RNFA in surgery has again demonstrated her dedication to providing high quality surgical care at MDH,” remarked Dr. Ed Card, long time surgeon at MDH. “It reflects well on her commitment to MDH and reflects a department-wide commitment to high quality care.”

Of the nearly 20,000 registered nurses in the nation who are RNFAs, only 1500 have achieved this certification. In the health care surgical arena, the CRNFA is an indication of demonstrated professional achievement in providing care of patients, before, during, and after surgery.

Schauble began her employment at MDH in August 1982 as a Nurse Assistant on the medical floor. She became a registered nurse in 1986, and started her career in surgery the same year. She earned her RNFA status in 1997 and upon successful completion of the written exam she was credentialed as a CRNFA in 2004. Recertification must be renewed every 5 years and requires 200 hours of continuing education.

CRNFAs are valuable members of the health care team. In 2005, the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI), the certifying body for operating room nurses, conducted research that showed certified nurses and first assistants are more confident in their clinical abilities and have a strong commitment to quality patient care and continuing education.

Linda Sampson, director of MDH Surgical Services, commented on Schauble’s recent achievement: “We are proud and fortunate to have Angie share her skills as a CRNFA at MDH. She has demonstrated a commitment to excellence with her original pursuit of certification for the first assistant designation and for her continued diligence in recertification over the years. Through Angie’s training and continued education as a CRNFA, she offers a level of expertise in surgical nursing that is highly regarded among staff and surgeons. She is a credit to MDH and to the community she serves.”

Established in 1979, CCI is the leading provider of certification for perioperative nurses, as well as a premier provider of competency assessment, and competency-based education to surgical healthcare professionals.

Pictured, left to right, Dr. Ed Card and Angela Schauble during a recent surgery.