WHAT IS A NURSE PRACTITIONER?
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse in advanced practice. After completing degree requirements in nursing, nurse practitioners (N.P.'s) attend advanced degree programs, usually masters level, to learn advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical assessment, manisfestations of disease and other related courses which prepare them to assess, diagnose and treat common problems.They are also trained to co-manage high-risk patients with the physician. Many states, including Virginia, have given N.P.'s prescriptive authority for a selected formulary of medications. N.P.'s pass a national certification exam and also hold state lcensure. More importantly, the focus of nurse pratitioner practice is one which uses a holistic approach, one which takes into account the total human condition. N.P.'s consistently integrate their health promotion, disease-prevention skills when preparing management plans for their patients and actively engage the patient in the decision making process. In this way, the patient genuinely feels a greater sense of control and is more likely to experience a healthier more satisfying outcome.

Our physicians were the first to hire nurse practitioners in the Northern Virginia area. As the N.P.'s of Fairfax Ob-Gyn Associates, we salute the physicians in our practice for having the vision to appreciate our value in the health care system as we work interdependently with them and other health care professionals, as patient advocates. Our ultimate goal is to teach our patients and their families how they can best take care of themselves so that they are able to enjoy long, healthy, and productive lives.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
Our physicians have been performing minimally invasive surgery for ten years. They are members of the American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists (AAGL).

If you should need a surgical procedure, your first step would be a consult with one of our gynecologists. You will meet with one of the peri-operative nurses at the hospital for a pre-operative consult. If needed you can also meet with the anesthesiologist. Many minimally invasive surgeries are done as an out-patient, same day procedure. After discharge from the hospital our staff will follow up with you at home over the phone, usually the day after you get home.

What is a Laparoscope? Gynecologists have used the laparoscope for more than 25 years. This slender instrument contains a magnifying lens and a light source. When passed through a tiny incision in your abdomen, the laparoscope shines light into your body and provides your gynecologist with a clear view of your internal reproductive organs. The laparoscope is often attached to a video camera and monitor to provide a larger image. When a laparoscope is used along with specialized surgical instruments, procedures that once required full abdominal incisions can now be performed through tiny incisions. LAVH (Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy) is one such procedure. With LAVH, you will probably have less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery than with abdominal hysterectomy.

Sterilization by Laparoscopy has become a common method of permanent sterilization for women. In this operation the doctor uses the laparoscope to look at the pelvic organs and seal the fallopian tubes, thereby preventing pregnancy. The surgery has very few ill effects and you can go home from the hospital or surgical center on the same day.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy is often used to find the cause of abdominal pain, infertility or other problems in the reproductive organs.

How will having a CRNFA help you during surgery?
A CRNFA is an expert educated in the art of perioperative surgery, learning the physiology and technical skills necessary to assist you and your physicians during your operative period. This may include your preoperative education and preparation. The CRNFA acts as the "second Pair of hands" in all major OR cases. If minor cases require assistance, she is also called to attend the surgery. She has been trained in all operative procedures performed by the physicians at Fairfax Ob-Gyn Associates. She also assists in obstetrical deliveries that require operative intervention, such as cesarean section. She is available to speak with you about your surgery, explaining what your expectations should be, and giving you details about the surgery and postoperative course. The morning of your surgery, she will be available to talk with you again, offer you reassurance and assist with preparations for your operation.

The CRNFA acts as your advocate in meeting your needs, dealing with the hospital staff, and acts as a liaison for you to you physician and caretakers. She will assist in your postoperative course, meeting any needs that might arise, or referring you to the appropriate person who can help you.