Surgical First Assistant

Program Overview

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ARU's Surgical First Assistant module qualifies registered nurses and operating department practitioners to provide non-interventional surgical assistance, delivering safe patient care. Covering key areas such as operative procedures, patient safety, and teamwork, the program emphasizes practical skills development through simulation and clinical placements, empowering participants for enhanced career prospects in the operating theatre.

Program Outline

ARU's Surgical First Assistant module equips registered nurses or operating department practitioners with the knowledge and skills to assist surgeons during operations, providing non-interventional assistance and delivering safe and effective patient care. It aligns with the national guidance developed by the Perioperative Care Collaborative (PCC, 2018).

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Objectives:

• Provide participants with the knowledge and skills to work as a surgical first assistant.
• Empower participants to deliver safe and effective care to patients.

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Description:

This structured program covers the following key areas:

• Role and responsibilities of a surgical first assistant
• Preoperative assessment and planning
• Intraoperative procedures
• Postoperative care
• Patient safety and risk management
• Communication and teamwork

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Outline:

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Content:

• Surgical First Assistant theory and practice
• Preoperative assessment and planning
• Intraoperative procedures
• Postoperative care
• Patient safety and risk management
• Communication and teamwork

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Structure:

• 30 credits at level 6
• Taught sessions from late January to late July
• 12-month program with workplace support from a manager, mentor, and clinical supervisor

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Course Schedule:

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Trimester 2:

• Face-to-face sessions: 18 January, 1, 15, 29 February, 14 March, 11 April

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Trimester 3:

• Face-to-face sessions: 9, 23 May, 6, 20 June, 4, 18 July

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Written assignments
• Practical assessments
• Portfolio of evidence

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Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of surgical first assistant principles and practices
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills in a clinical setting
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Patient safety and risk management practices

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Simulation exercises
• Clinical placements

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Faculty:

• Experienced surgical first assistants
• Surgeons
• Operating department practitioners

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Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on practical skills development through simulation exercises and clinical placements
• Focus on patient safety and risk management
• Integration of theory and practice

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Surgical First Assistant
• Operating Department Practitioner
• Scrub Nurse

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Opportunities:

• Enhanced career prospects in the operating theatre
• Improved patient outcomes through skilled assistance during surgeries

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Other:

• Participants are expected to have a minimum of two years' post-registration operating theatre experience and demonstrate current experience in the scrub role.
• Participants require support from their manager, mentor, and clinical supervisor throughout the 12-month program.
• The program aims to reduce risks to patients and staff and improve safety in the operating theatre.