The primary responsibility of a surgical assistant is to assist a surgeon during operations. In addition, they usually have responsibilities both before and after surgery. These health-care careers are ideal for those who want to be involved in patient care during surgery but don’t want the high-pressure job of a surgeon.
Prior to surgery, the surgical assistant may be required to set up the operating room by assembling all of the instruments that will be used during the procedure and testing equipment to ensure that it is in working order. They may also assist patients in preparing for surgery. Finally, they must go over the procedure again and double-check that all paperwork and permits are in order.
The surgical assistant will work closely with a surgeon or surgical nurse during a procedure, usually directly under the surgeon’s or nurse’s supervision. They have responsibilities for both the patient and the surgeon during the procedure. They must keep an eye on the patient’s condition and vital signs to ensure that they are physically coping with the surgery, as well as be aware of the surgeon’s needs and provide them with the necessary instruments and equipment. Other tasks, such as cutting sutures, assisting with tissue retractions or clamping, and closing and dressing wounds, are performed as needed and under the surgeon’s direction. When the procedure is finished, the surgical assistant may be in charge of cleaning the equipment and making sure the operating room is ready for the next procedure.
People who work in medical careers like this need a combination of personal and professional skills to help them cope with the demands of what can be a demanding job. A surgical assistant should have excellent manual dexterity, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure and in a short amount of time. It’s also necessary to be able to concentrate and stay focused for long periods of time. Surgical assistants should be able to work well in a team setting as well as independently.
Surgical assistant programs in the United States range in length from ten months to two years and include both theoretical and practical courses. Many surgical assisting certifications have stringent requirements, such as a three- or four-year degree requirement, or an Associate’s degree combined with work experience. A surgical assistant must obtain certification from an organization such as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting in addition to earning a degree.