Surgical assistant vs first assistant

Differences between surgical assistant and first assistant duties and responsibilities

Surgical assistant example responsibilities.

• Manage medical records and document examination notes, prescriptions, and procedure details in EMR.
• Manage surgical scheduling, cataract evaluations, ultrasounds, keratometry, IOL selection, and preoperative exam for surgery.
• Prepare patients for examination by taking their vitals, and performing EKG when need.
• Assist with all dental procedures, order all supplies, maintain equipment and OSHA handbook.
• Assist surgeons in surgical procedures making incisions, manipulating tissues and organs, cauterizing, suturing and dressing wounds.
• Interview patients, review patient medical history, gather and educate patients on their medications.
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First assistant example responsibilities.

• Teach patients and family members how to manage their post operative home care needs, self-administration of medication and rehabilitation
• Execute and monitor strategic merchandising plans to achieve revenue objectives and reduce expenditures while ensuring payroll remains within budget.
• Obtain health history via phone prior to surgery and triage patients upon arrival to the ASC.
• Insert Foley catheters and intravenous catheter, if need.
• Assist in orthopedics, plastics, ENT, urology, gynecology and ortho-neuro cases.
• Provide preventative maintenance ensuring vessel's compliance with USCG regulations, inspections, and certificates.
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