Where Do I Go to See if Surgical Assistantssistant Is a Right Job for Me

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Who is a Surgical Assistant?

Over the years my mother's steadfast faith in God has inspired me, particularly when I had to perform extremely difficult surgical procedures or when I found myself faced with my own medical scare ~ Ben Carson

Surgery is considered as a very complex branch of healthcare and it involves lots of functions and duties. It is not possible for a surgeon to do it all alone. This is where you can make a difference by being an assisting hand to the surgeon as a surgical assistant. An operation theatre involves various functions to be carried out and the job is time-bound therefore, a team is required to carry out all the work. A medical professional who provides assistance to the surgeon while performing surgery and aids is known as a surgical assistant or surgical first assistant. They are required to assemble and monitoring tools used during the surgery.  They prepare reports and ensure completion of paperwork required for performing surgery.

Surgical Assistant in a Nutshell

Surgical assistants are professionals in the service of saving others' lives. They perform various medical procedures. In the career as surgical assistant, one works in a team and contribute to the success of operations. They learn new procedures and update their knowledge on new medical technology and equipment.  They clean and sterilise the tools used in surgery.

Quick Facts for Surgical Assistant

• Industry

  Healthcare

• Average Salary in India

  ₹39333.33

• Suitable for

  Male

  The career of a surgical assistant is suitable for everyone regardless of their gender. Gender biases do not exist in this career as surgical assistant. Anybody can opt for this profession surgical assistant career having relevant skills and academic qualifications. Candidates should possess a strong interest in chemistry and biology. Men, female or candidates belonging to any other gender can opt for this career. The career of the surgical assistant is such a compassionate one in which a professional serves patients with a determination to cure them.

• Any special needs

  No

  A disability may cause hindrance in the work functioning required in the career as surgical assistant. Candidates are required to be physically fit to serve best in their job. It is not possible to provide assistance with a major disability to surgeons in the operation rooms. The job requires a surgical assistant to maintain operation rooms and instantly provide medical equipment and tools required in surgery.

Table of Contents for Surgical Assistant

What is the role of Surgical Assistant?

Surgical assistants perform several duties during operation, pre-surgery and post-surgery. A surgical assistant jobs involve maintaining the environment clean for performing surgeries. They clean and sterilise medical equipment. They test the equipment if they are functioning or not. They ensure it is suitable for performing surgeries. Surgical assistants prepare the patients for surgeries. They ask them several questions to find out their medical history and medical conditions before performing any surgery on them. Surgical assistants monitor patients' vital signs on electronic equipment and ensure it is normal. They often perform several minor surgical procedures such as closing wounds, cutting sutures, inserting tubes and administering needles.  In the career as surgical assistant, individuals perform all the basic duties that allow surgeons to keep their focus on essential technical functions. They are responsible for the nursing care of the client for immediate recovery. Surgical assistants stay present beside surgeons in the operation theatre and provide all the required tools.

Assistance

Surgical assistant provides assistance to the surgeon during the operation, prior to the pre-surgery and post-surgery. They instantly provide all the required tools and equipment to the surgeon.  It allows the surgeon to focus on the surgery only. They prepare operation theatre post-surgery for another operation.

Maintenance work

Surgical assistants are responsible for cleaning and sterilising surgical equipment and tools. They clean operation rooms and prepare for surgical operations. They maintain hygiene standards inside the operation theatre.

Documentation

Surgical assistants are responsible for documentation of medical reports of patients. They set up x-rays, ultrasound reports or other required reports nearby operation sites.

Interviewing patients

Surgical assistants interview patients to know their medical history and medical conditions. The practice is done to avoid any medical complications while carrying out surgeries that affect patients' health.

Giving Anaesthesia

Surgical assistants are responsible for giving anaesthesia to patients so that they become numb before carrying out surgeries on them. Anaesthesia is required to avoid the extreme pain that patients would feel while carrying out surgical procedures.

Types of a Surgical Assistant

When it comes to a career as surgical assistant, there are several opportunities available. Some of the surgical assistant jobs are mentioned below:

Cardiac Nurse : A cardiac nurse is responsible for providing nursing care to patients with cardiovascular disease. He or she provides consultation about heart disease prevention. A cardiac nurse educates the patients on prevention of heart diseases. He or she monitors patients after cardiac surgery and before cardiac surgery.

Neurosurgical Physician Assistant : Neurosurgical physician assistant provides assistance to the neurosurgeon. They interview patients to get their details of the medical history and perform examinations. Neurosurgical physician assistants perform in -and- out- patients treatments. They provide assistance in neurosurgical procedures such as closing wounds, reviewing MRIs (Magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scans.

Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant : Ophthalmic surgical assistant provides assistance to the ophthalmologist. He or she assists ophthalmologists in numerous eye surgeries. Ophthalmic surgeon assistants recommend treatments, schedule procedures and provide care for patients pre and post eye surgery.

What is the workplace/work environment of Surgical Assistant like?

Surgical assistants work in hospitals, healthcare or medicare facilities. Surgical assistants spend their majority of work hours in operation rooms assisting the surgeon. They are responsible for cleaning and sterilising the medical equipment and tools used in the operation. Surgical assistants prepare operation theatre post-surgery for another operation. They are required to stand for multiple hours to perform their duties. Surgical assistants usually work long hours.

Does Surgical Assistant require travelling?

Not Likely

No, the career as a surgical assistant does not require travelling. Surgical assistants perform their work duties in hospitals where they are employed. They may occasionally require travelling to attend conferences or to participate in training.

Employment Shifts

Full Time

Surgical assistants work full time. They often work on weekends and late hours. Hourly basis, on-call, work from home or part-time work do not have any space in this highly responsible career.

Employment Nature

Contractual, Permanent

In the career as surgical assistant, individuals are provided employment on both contractual and permanent basis. The duration of the contractual term entirely depends on the requirements of the healthcare organisation. It may be for shorter periods of time and later could be extended depending on the performance of the candidate.

Work Place

hospitals

Surgical assistants work in hospitals.

Presence in Geographical Area

Semi-urban, Urban

Kerala is known for its dedication to health awareness and medical advancement. India's state with the highest literacy rate is also an employment promising state for surgical assistants and other medical professionals. Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi are also the cities with alluring employment opportunities for surgical assistants and other medical professionals.

Time Pressure

Likely

Time pressure is quite common in the career a surgical assistant.

Overtime Details

Several surgical assistants work from early morning to late evenings, while some other work from mid noon to late-night or some are required to work in night shifts. They usually work long hours. Surgical assistants work 8 to 9 hours. Their working hours usually increase. In case of emergency or shortage of staff, they may be required to work double shifts or 12 to 15 hours. Double shifts rarely happen in the career as a surgical assistant.

Weekly Hours of Work

Min 54 Hours

In the career as surgical assistants, they usually work long hours. Surgical assistants work 8 to 9 hours. Their working hours usually increase. In case of emergency or shortage of staff, they may be required to work double shifts or 12 to 15 hours. Double shifts rarely happen.

How to become a Surgical Assistant?

To answer how to become a surgical assistant? Students are required to complete 10+2 with physics, chemistry and biology with an aggregate of 50 per cent of marks from a recognised board.

02 Step

Entrance examination

Several colleges and universities conduct entrance examinations to provide admissions. Students are required to appear in such entrance examinations. Admissions are provided on the basis of students' performance in the entrance examination. There are other colleges and institutes as well which do not conduct entrance examinations and provide admission on the basis of students 10+2 passing percentage. We have mentioned below the popular entrance examination.

Popular entrance examinations

AIIMS Nursing: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Entrance Examination Nursing	NEIGRIHMS: North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Entrance Examination
JIPMER:  Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research Entrance Examination	HPU- NEE: Himachal Pradesh University Nursing Entrance Examination
NIMHANS: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Entrance Examination	-

Students are required to enrol themselves in bachelor's degree programmes in related specialisations after successful completion of 10+2. We have mentioned popular bachelor's degree programmes for the surgical assistant career.

Popular bachelor's degree programmes

Students have several options after completion of a bachelor's degree programme to lead their career path. We have mentioned below the two major options to bring ease for you to opt for a more successful career with fewer hurdles.

Option 1 : After completing a bachelor's degree, candidates can enrol themselves in a master's degree programme in related specialization without any gap in the academic year. Post master's they can start working in the industry in an entry-level position.

Option 2 : After completion of a bachelor's degree programme the candidates can start working in the industry in an entry-level position. After acquiring an experience of 1-2 years, they can opt for a master's degree in the related specialisations. After successful completion of the programme, they can further start working in the industry.

Popular master's degree courses

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Surgical Assistant?

When it comes to the career as a surgical assistant, there are several opportunities available for skilled individuals. Some of the skills are mentioned below.

Dexterity : Surgical assistants are required to coordinate with other medical professionals to avoid any complications related to the patient's health. They know it is a high-risk job and a little mismanagement could lead to fatal patients' lives.

Eye for detail : Surgical assistants are required to keep an eye for detail. They have to monitor surgical procedures and provide accurate information about the patient's medical history and medical conditions. They monitor the patient' vital signs on electrical equipment to ensure everything is normal. They stay updated about the drug given to patients or advised to take.

Research skills : Surgical assistants keep themselves updated about the medical tools, equipment and other medical practices. They research new methods and technologies used in the operation room to perform surgery. Surgical assistants keep track of medical developments and the use of drugs. They research on anaesthetic technology and resuscitate practices.

Communication skills : Surgical assistants have to interview numerous patients on a daily basis. Effective communication skills are required to make patients comfortable while sharing their medical history. Surgical assistants must listen carefully to patients and clearly ask them about their medical conditions.

Also read - Career as staff nurse

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Surgical Assistant?

Internship Availability

Yes

Students are expected to enrol in training for the next 10 to 22 months after completion of the course or during the academic programme. Several students get interning opportunities through a university internship programme.  Internships are crucial as it increases the chances of getting a final placement. A surgical assistant intern is required to report to the clinical associate. He or she works under the supervision of a registered nurse or surgical assistant. The surgical assistant intern assists the surgeon during the operation. He or she maintains inventory and passes instruments and tools required during operation. A surgical assistant or surgical tech intern is also responsible for cleaning the operating room and storing equipment and supplies.

Career Path Progression for Surgical Assistant

There are sevral surgical assistant jobs available for aspiring candidates. Some of the prominent opportunities in the career as a surgical assistant are mentioned below:

Surgical Technician : A surgical technician is also known as a surgical technologist. He or she is a professional who provides assistance to the surgeon and other members of the operating room team. The surgical technologist job description involves preparing the operating room before the surgery and maintaining it after the operation for other surgeries. He or she is responsible for cleaning and maintaining hygiene standards in operation rooms.

Operation Theatre Assistant : An operation theatre assistant is also known as OT assistant. He or she is responsible for providing assistance to healthcare professionals in the operation theatre. An operation theatre assistant possesses knowledge of bio-waste management and infection control. Operation theatre assistant's work responsibilities are similar to the surgical technician's work responsibilities. He or she prepares the operation theatre and maintains the medical equipment.

Anaesthesist : Anaesthetists are the professional physicians involved in giving anesthesia to patients before, after and during the surgery to lower the extreme pain. They possess great knowledge about how the body reacts to anesthesia and surgery. Anesthetists also play a crucial role in resuscitating patients.

Staff Nurse : Staff nurses are responsible for providing nursing care to patients suffering from illness, pain or disability. They monitor the vital signs of patients in electrical equipment to ensure everything is normal. Staff nurses are the first ones to interact with visitors arriving in hospitals or other medical facilities.

Nurse ICU (Intensive care unit) : An ICU nurse is specialised in managing and providing care to the patients in the intensive care unit. His or her duties involve evaluating the patient's medical conditions and administering treatment.

Physician Assistant : Physician assistants are part of the medical team that includes doctors, surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals. They are also known as PAs. Physical assistants' work responsibilities include performing examination, diagnosis illness and administering and scheduling treatment. He or she prescribes medicine and monitors progress in patients' conditions.

Surgical Assistant Jobs and Salaries

Surgical Technician

Operation Theatre Assistant

Anaesthesist

Staff Nurse

Nurse ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

Physician Assistant

What is the job outlook for Surgical Assistant?

Surgical assistant work in hospitals. He or she provides assistance to the surgeon during operation, pre-surgery and post-surgery. The career as surgical assistant is such a demanding profession in the healthcare field. The healthcare industry is flourishing with setting up new hospitals for patients and improving health facilities. We could say that surgical assistants contribute to the success of operations. There is an expected steady growth in the number of jobs in the next few years. Surgical assistants are often required to work longer hours than usual working hours. Sometimes, he or she may require work in double shifts in case there is a shortage of staff. This job requires the inner motivation to stay in the service of others. It may often feel hectic and difficult to cope up with the environment at the initial years of career. The salary offered to surgical assistants is average.

Frequently Asked Questions for Surgical Assistant

Que. What is the average cardiac surgical assistant salary?

Ans.

A cardiac assistant salary varies depending on work responsibility and skills. The average cardiac assistant salary is Rs. 280,000 per annum.

Que. What are the various surgical assistant course?

Ans.

There are numerous surgical assistant course such as bachelor's degree course, master's degree course, diploma course, undergraduate diploma course, postgraduate diploma course and certification courses in various related specialisations. These specialisations include surgical technology, operation theatre technology, nursing and other related specialities.

Que. What is the minimum required assistant surgeon qualification?

Ans.

The minimum required assistant surgeon qualification is a bachelor's degree or diploma in nursing, surgical technology, operation theatre technology or medical science.

Que. What is the average salary of a surgical assistant?

Ans.

The salary of a surgical assistant depends on work experience and skills. The size and area of the healthcare where it is located also affect the salary bars. The average salary of a surgical assistant in India is Rs. 300000 per annum.

Que. What are the work responsibilities of the operating room assistant?

Ans.

The operating room assistant is responsible for providing assistance to the medical team in the operation room. He or she provides medical equipment and tools instantly to surgeons required in the operation. An operating room assistant monitors the surgery and vital signs of patients in the electric equipment to ensure there is not any abnormality. He or she prepares the operation room for performing operations.

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Where Do I Go to See if Surgical Assistantssistant Is a Right Job for Me

Source: https://www.careers360.com/careers/surgical-assistant

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