In my experience as a Registered Nurse First Surgical Assistant (RNFSA), with over eight year’s clinical experiences as a RNFSA, Surgeon Assistants are a valuable commodity, who add value to patient care.

With the current economic climate and projected reduction in medical students entering into medicine, some centres have seen a massive reduction in numbers of surgical registrars. Hospitals are also seeking cost containment which has led to more and more agency RNs who may not be aware of the surgeon’s specific preferences. Both these situations can lead to feelings of frustrations from surgeons who are often unsure of the level of assistance being offered.

Legislation is steering to ensure that all nursing staff acting in an assisting role are appropriately educated, trained and skilled to meet the requirements of expanded practice roles within the NZ scope of practice for RNs.

FAL’s surgical assistants meet the required criteria.