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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Can The Role Of The Nurse As Surgical Assistant Add Value In The Australian Public Health Care Sector?, Toni Hains, Anojan Navaratnam Dr, Andrew O'Brien, Karen Walsh, Jane Neilsen, Susan Firth
Can The Role Of The Nurse As Surgical Assistant Add Value In The Australian Public Health Care Sector?, Toni Hains, Anojan Navaratnam Dr, Andrew O'Brien, Karen Walsh, Jane Neilsen, Susan Firth
Journal of Perioperative Nursing
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.