High rate of fistula placement in a cohort of dialysis patients in a single payer system.

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are considered superior to arteriovenous grafts and catheters. Nevertheless, AVF prevalence in the United States remains under the established target. The complication rates and financial cost of vascular access continue to rise and disproportionately contribute to the burgeoning health care costs.

Surgical nurse practitioners as registered nurse first assists: the role, historical perspectives, and educational training.

Advanced practice nurses (APN) who practice in the surgical subspecialty areas may have the opportunity to expand their scope of practice to include first assistant at surgery. Surgical APNs who practice as registered nurse first assistants (RNFA) should seek credentialing and apply for institutional privileges to assure the consumer of competent providers. Credentialing as an RNFA documents the educational learning process and skills acquired, and recognizes this area of expertise.