From the Editor
This month’s issue focuses on Cesarean section delivery.
We’ve gathered some interesting resources on the topic, including an informative teaching video and a crossword puzzle to test your knowledge.
And in our Student Spotlight, we’re pleased to present Madelaine Castillo, who attended last month’s SutureStar Summit in Denver.
Enjoy!
EW! Surgical Continuing Education Courses from NIFA!
In the market for continuing education? NIFA is now offering surgical continuing education courses! The courses currently available are Cesarean Section, Vessel Harvesting and Carotid Endarterectomy. We’re working on several more to be released before the end of 2012.
All courses are offered online and each one awards 4 continuing education credits, good toward CNOR recertification. The courses include NIFA’s specially designed workbooks that cover pre- through post-operative considerations, including the first assisting role. Click to learn more about the online and hands-on courses.
Surgical Video: Cesarean Section
Click here to view an educational video of a Cesarean section delivery conducted at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Merriam, KS.
The video is less than 30 minutes long and contains a running commentary by the doctor performing the procedure–great way to learn.
Learn More about C-Sections
Here are two links offering basic information about Cesarean sections:
Medicine.net
EncyclopediaofSurgery.com
Cesarean Section
Test your knowledge of Cesarean sections with this month’s crossword puzzle. Click here for the puzzle and clues, and a link to the answers.
iPad Apps of the Month
These are general pregnancy apps. If anyone knows of a good app related to C-sections, please email the editor.
iFetal Pro: With just one “tap,” iFetal can calculate more than 30 different categories of information with pictures and audio playback of fetal heartbeats. Available at the Apple Store.
ObstetriCalc: An obstetrical wheel that allows a woman to define her own date or date range (e.g., LMP+3Weeks+2days, or Conception + 20weeks). A special interface dedicated to an easy definition of dates allows for daily and intensive use.

Credentials: BSN,RN,CNOR
Student Status: Current student in NIFA’s RNFA program
City and State: Hanford, CA
Current Work: Part-time Staff RN, Adventist Medical Center, Hanford, CAPath to RNFA: Growing up with both parents as physicians gave me exposure in the medical field and they were my inspiration to continue that work because I know that nothing is more rewarding than helping sick people in need. I’ve been an RN since 1990; started working in Texas and California.On deciding to become an RNFA: Being an OR Nurse for more than 20 years and having experience with scrubbing, I want to advance my skill while assisting in surgery.

Questions?
Do you have questions about implementing an RNFA team or becoming an RNFA?
Try the following links. If you do not find the answers you need, please call us at 1-800-922-7747. We would be happy to discuss any questions you may have and discuss the benefits of having an RNFA team–you will please staff, surgeons and administrators!
Prerequisites for becoming an RNFA
NIFA Office Hours