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A Process To Credential The Registered Nurse As First Assistant During Surgery, Marilyn A. Hunter

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The evolution of contemporary medical practice over the past 30 years is extraordinary. This researcher has observed medical practitioners with many years of preparation in the role as first assistant to the surgeon. When phrases as "cost effective and cost containment" were verbalized it was obvious radical changes were to be made. As time went by non-physicians were employed as first assistants. These individuals attained certification by going through rigorous training programs for surgical assistants. Registered nurses were assigned to assist the surgeons in surgery. An on-the-job training was taking place. Unfortunately, only the practical application of surgical assisting was …