Surgical assistant vs nurse

Differences between surgical assistant and nurse 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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Nurse example responsibilities.

• Monitor patients' status during surgery (circulate in operating room) and manage patients in PACU.
• Manage high-acuity cardiac/pulmonary and psychiatric patients
• Monitor patients for cardiac rhythm changes and implement medication according to ACLS guidelines.
• Educate patients and families on diseases processes, medications, wind care, and iv infusion.
• Provide care for patients on medical/surgical, transplant, cardiac, orthopedic, postpartum, neonatal ICU, and psychiatric units
• Demonstrate competence in CPR and other medical emergency situations.
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