Can the role of the nurse as surgical assistant add value in the Australian public health care sector?

Authors

Toni Hains, Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalFollow
Anojan Navaratnam Dr, Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalFollow
Andrew O'Brien, Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalFollow
Karen Walsh, Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalFollow
Jane Neilsen, Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalFollow
Susan Firth, Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalFollow

Author Credentials

MClinSc(PNSA), MNPractSt, PhD Scholar (UQ), NP, FACORN

Abstract

While the role of the Registered Nurse/Nurse Practitioner as surgical assistant has been underutilised in the Australian public health care sector, this role adds value by enhancing learning opportunities for medical and nursing staff. This extended practice role also provides a mechanism for increasing nurses’ job satisfaction leading to nursing workforce retention and workforce capacity building. Additionally, a consistent and experienced nurse in the role of table-side assistant for robotic-assisted surgery can improve patient safety, communication and enhance surgical flow.

Recommended Citation

Hains, Toni; Navaratnam, Anojan Dr; O'Brien, Andrew; Walsh, Karen; Neilsen, Jane; and Firth, Susan (2021) "Can the role of the nurse as surgical assistant add value in the Australian public health care sector?," Journal of Perioperative Nursing: Vol. 34 : Iss. 1 , Article 2.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.26550/2209-1092.1108

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