Surgical First Assistant

Program Overview

The Surgical First Assistant level 6 module prepares registered nurses or operating department practitioners to assist surgeons during operations, providing non-interventional assistance and delivering safe patient care. The program follows national guidance and requires participants to have two years of post-registration operating theatre experience. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to practice as surgical first assistants, ensuring appropriate use of the role, reducing risks, and enhancing safety.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The Surgical First Assistant level 6 module enables registered nurses or operating department practitioners to assist surgeons during operations, providing non-interventional assistance and delivering safe and effective patient care.
• The program follows the current national guidance developed by the Perioperative Care Collaborative (PCC, 2018).
• Participants should have a minimum of two years of post-registration operating theatre experience and demonstrate current experience in the scrub role.
• Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to practice as surgical first assistants, ensuring the appropriate use of the role in their organization, reducing risks for patients and staff, and enhancing safety.
• The program requires support from a manager, mentor, and clinical supervisor (consultant surgeon) throughout the 12-month duration.