Surgical first assistant vs registered nurse

Differences between surgical first assistant and registered nurse duties and responsibilities

Surgical first assistant example responsibilities.

• Manage floor, ICU and rehab in-patients as well as respond to ER and hospital consultation.
• Appropriate placement and securing of retractors.
• Insert and remove Foley urinary bladder catheter.
• Comply with all HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Hold retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist on total knee and hip replacements as well as fracture care.
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Registered nurse example responsibilities.

• Manage patient care for individuals with multiple diagnoses including COPD, diabetes, stroke and cardiac issues.
• Organize and manage regular clinics involving external physicians, including ophthalmology, ENT, Med/Surg, orthopedics, and podiatry professionals.
• Manage surgical recovery patients including vascular, ENT, GI urological and neurological cases, coronary bypass surgery patients.
• Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
• Provide care for cardiac patients in arrhythmia critical care unit, providing patient education and monitoring telemetry
• Re-Cover surgical patients immediately after heart and vascular surgery until transfer out of ICU.
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