Student Spotlight: Maricruz Arzeta Francisco
Credentials: APRN
Student Status: San Antonio, TX
City & State: Waco, TX
Current Position: I currently work as an RN circulator with Methodist Healthcare Systems in San Antonio. Currently hold an APRN license, but wish to finish the NIFA RNFA program before practicing as a family nurse practitioner.
Where did you get your RN and FNP degrees? I got my associate’s degree at South Texas Community College, McAllan, TX. Bachelor’s in nursing from UT Brownsville, TX. Master’s in nursing family nurse practitioner TX A&M, Corpus Christi.
How did you come to choose perioperative nursing? When in high school I wanted to become a surgical tech. However, a nurse said to me, “Become a nurse and you can be both nurse and scrub if you want to.” Best of both worlds.
What is the funniest or scariest moment you’ve ever seen at the table? My scariest moment was when my CABG [coronary artery bypass graft] patient woke up from anesthesia after the sternum had been opened. Another scary moment occurred when the CV surgeon opened a patient’s chest and massaged the heart while waiting for perfusion for an emergency CABG.
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA this week that you will use for life? One technique was the “love lock.” However, the live class/instructors made every “learned video technique” easier to comprehend and perform. The “trick-o-treat” was my fave.
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career? Having the knowledge and skills of a nurse and surgical assistant can definitely help a surgical outcome and patient satisfaction. Improve patient care facility, as I can serve as a good resource.
Bone Fracture Surgery Crossword Puzzle
Test your knowledge of bone fracture surgery with this month’s all-new crossword puzzle.
When you’re ready to check your answers, follow this link to see how well you did. Good luck!
Jobs Front
Click here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month.