This text offers clear, concise, step-by-step guidance on the expanded roles and responsibilities of the RN serving as first assistant in the operating room. Current, readable and well-organized, the text surpasses the limited content in general perioperative books. The author and her contributors - all leaders in the field - place emphasis on tissue handling and wound healing, instrument management and suturing. Institutional credentialing and collaborative practice information find application with both nurses applying for practice privileges and hospitals setting up a credentialing process. Hundreds of end-of-chapter review questions make this text the only one to promote and support study for the RN First Assistant role and for national certification. It is a Brandon-Hill recommended title.