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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
A surgical assistant is a medical professional who helps doctors, nurses, and surgeons during surgery or other medical treatment. Surgery is considered 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. He or she is required to assemble and monitor tools used during the surgery. A surgical assistant prepares reports and ensures the 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 a career as a surgical assistant, one works in a team and contributes to the success of operations. Surgical assistants learn new procedures and update their knowledge of new medical technology and equipment. Surgical assistants clean and sterilize the tools used in surgery. In a career as a surgical assistant, individuals perform all the basic duties that allow surgeons to keep their focus on essential technical functions.
Quick Facts for Surgical Assistant
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Industry
Healthcare
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Average Salary in India
₹26500
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Suitable for
Male
A career as a surgical assistant is suitable for everyone regardless of gender. Gender biases do not exist in this career as surgical assistant. Anybody can opt for this profession's surgical assistant career having relevant skills and academic qualifications. Candidates should possess a strong interest in chemistry and biology. Men, females 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.
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Any special needs
No
A disability may cause hindrance in the work functioning required in a career as a 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?
A Surgical assistant performs several duties during the operation, pre-surgery, and post-surgery. A surgical assistant's jobs involve maintaining the environment clean for performing surgeries. He or she cleans and sterilizes medical equipment. A surgical assistant tests the equipment if it is functioning or not. ensures it is suitable for performing surgeries. A surgical assistant prepares the patients for surgeries. He or she asks them several questions to find out their medical history and medical conditions before performing any surgery on them.
A surgical assistant monitors patients' vital signs on electronic equipment and ensures it is normal. He or she often performs several minor surgical procedures such as closing wounds, cutting sutures, inserting tubes, and administering needles. In a career as a surgical assistant, he or she is responsible for the nursing care of the client for immediate recovery. A surgical assistant stays present beside surgeons in the operation theatre and provides all the required tools.
Assistance
The surgical assistant provides assistance to the surgeon during the operation, prior to the pre-surgery, and post-surgery. He or she instantly provides all the required tools and equipment to the surgeon. It allows the surgeon to focus on the surgery only. A surgical assistant prepares operation theatre post-surgery for another operation.
Maintenance work
The role of the Surgical assistant is to clean and sterilize surgical equipment and tools. He or she cleans operation rooms and prepares for surgical operations. The Surgical assistant maintains hygiene standards inside the operation theatre.
Documentation
Surgical assistants are responsible for the 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 types of a surgical assistant are mentioned below:
Neurosurgical Physician Assistant: Neurosurgical physician assistants provide assistance to the neurosurgeon. They interview patients to get the details of their medical history and perform examinations. They provide assistance in neurosurgical procedures such as closing wounds and reviewing MRIs (Magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scans.
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 patients on the prevention of heart diseases. He or she monitors patients after cardiac surgery and before cardiac surgery.
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 the majority of their work hours in operation rooms assisting the surgeon. They are responsible for cleaning and sterilizing the medical equipment and tools used in the operation. Surgical assistants prepare operation theatre post-surgery for another operation. Surgical Assistants are required to stand for multiple hours to perform their duties.
Does Surgical Assistant require travelling?
Not Likely
No, a career as surgical assistant does not require travelling. A Surgical assistant performs his or her work in hospitals where he or she is employed. He or she 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 a career as a surgical assistant, individuals are provided employment on both a 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. the working conditions are safe and clean as they work mainly in operating rooms.
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 cities with alluring employment opportunities for surgical assistants and other medical professionals.
Time Pressure
Likely
Time is one of the most important assets in a surgical assistant’s life. 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 others work from mid-noon to late-night or some are required to work night shifts. They usually work long hours. Surgical assistants work 8 to 9 hours. Their working hours usually increase. In case of an emergency or shortage of staff, they may be required to work double shifts or 12 to 15 hours. Double shifts rarely happen in a career as surgical assistant.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 54 Hours
In a career as surgical assistants, they usually work long hours. Surgical assistants work 8 to 9 hours. Their working hours usually increase. In case of an 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?
Steps to become a Surgical Assistant
Are you thinking about working as a medical professional and are interested in surgeries, how surgeries are done and how complicated it must be for a doctor or surgeon to perform surgery all alone? No, it cannot be done alone, it is the most crucial time while performing surgery on someone and a millisecond is also very important, a surgeon or a doctor cannot waste his or her time by moving and taking surgery tools and equipment.
Therefore he or she will have a team of Surgical Assistants, if you are someone willing to serve people with doctors a Surgical Assistant is one of the best options for you. We have mentioned below the steps for how to become a psychiatrist after 10th or how to become a psychiatrist after 12th.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Surgical Assistant?
When it comes to a career as a surgical assistant, there are several opportunities available for skilled individuals. Some of the skills that are required for mentioned below.
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. Surgical assistants monitor the patient’s vital signs on electrical equipment to ensure everything is normal. They stay updated about the drug given to patients or advised to take.
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.
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.
Research Skills: Surgical assistants keep themselves updated about 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 various anaesthetic technology and resuscitate practices.
Popular Online Medicine Courses and Certifications
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Surgical Assistant?
Internship Availability
Aspiring candidates 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. Surgical assistant interns are required to report to the clinical associate. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or surgical assistant. The surgical assistant intern assists the surgeon during the operation. They maintain inventory and pass instruments and tools required during operation. Surgical assistant interns are also responsible for cleaning the operating room and storing equipment and supplies.
Also read: Career as staff nurse
Career Path Progression for Surgical Assistant
Junior Surgical Assistant: A Junior Surgical Assistant is a professional who is responsible for helping doctors or surgeons during the surgery and acts as an assisting hand to the surgeon. A Junior surgical assistant works under the supervision of a Senior Surgical Assistant and others.
Senior Surgical Assistant: A Senior Surgical Assistant is an experienced professional who is responsible for assembling and monitoring tools used during surgery and doing various medical procedures. A Senior Surgical Assistant works in a team and contributes to the success of operations and leads a team of Junior Surgical Assistants.
Surgical Assistant Jobs and Salaries
Junior Surgical Assistant
- Average Salary 20000
Job Description
The Junior Surgical Assistant job description includes cleaning and sterilising the tools used in surgery, assisting doctors and surgeons and assembling and monitoring tools of surgery. A Junior Surgical Assistant tests the equipment and prepares the patients for surgery.
Salary Description
An entry-level Surgical Assistant salary in India ranges between Rs 0.3 Lakhs to Rs 5.1 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 2.6 Lakhs per annum. Junior Surgical Assistant salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors like skills and experience of the candidates, job location, and others.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Senior Surgical Assistant
- Average Salary 33000
Job Description
The Senior Surgical Assistant job description includes checking and ensuring the safety and functioning of the surgery equipment and monitors and supervising the team of surgical assistants and patient’s vital signs on electronic equipment and ensuring it is normal.
Salary Description
The estimated Dentist salary in India ranges from Rs 0.5 Lakhs to Rs 12.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 4.5 Lakhs per annum. Senior Doctor salary may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
What is the job outlook for Surgical Assistant?
Surgical assistants provide assistance to the surgeon during the operation, pre-surgery, and post-surgery. The career as a surgical assistant is such a demanding profession in the healthcare field. The healthcare industry is flourishing by 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. Surgical assistant jobs require the inner motivation to stay in the service of others. It may often feel hectic and difficult to cope with the environment in the initial years of a career. The salary offered to surgical assistants is average.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Surgical Assistant
Que. What is the average cardiac surgical assistant salary?
Ans.A cardiac assistant's 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 is numerous surgery 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 specializations. These specializations 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 operating 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 electrical equipment to ensure there is not any abnormality. He or she prepares the operation room for performing operations.
Que. Name the best colleges to become a surgical assistant.
Ans.The best colleges to become a surgical assistant are:
Que. What is surgical assistant?
Ans.A surgical assistant is a medical professional who works closely with doctors, nurses, and surgeons. He or she provides assistance to surgeons during the surgery, assembles and monitors tools, and prepares reports for the patients.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Patients are advised to stop smoking before surgery as nicotine affects the blood flow and slowdowns the healing of wounds post-surgery.
Fact 2
Earlier alcohol, opiates and other pain alleviators were used sparingly before the procedure to keep patients conscious.
Fact 3
It was usual for surgeons to reuse bandages and dressings stiff with blood before the mid-1860s.
Fact 4
Earlier hallucinogenic drugs such as marijuana and hashish were used by Chinese and Indian doctors to lower the pain.
Fact 5
In Inca, surgeons used chew coca leaves and spit it into the wounds to lower the pain while drilling holes in the heads of patients.
