A Day In The Life of Surgical Assistants

In this day in the life guide, you will find out:

  • What does a day as Surgical Assistants looks like
  • What do they do every day
  • Things they do on a weekly or monthly basis
  • How many hours do they work

The purpose of this is to give you a clear picture of this career so you can make a better career decision on whether this career is suitable for you or not.

Top 2 Featured Schools For Surgical Assistants

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Typical Day for Surgical Assistants

Here is a list of tasks that Surgical Assistants do every day.

  • Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
  • Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
  • Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.
  • Coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or to protect against nerve damage or circulation impairment.
  • Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.

Weekly and Monthly Tasks

Here is a list of tasks that Surgical Assistants do on a weekly or monthly basis.

  • Assist in the insertion, positioning, or suturing of closed-wound drainage systems.
  • Assist in applying casts, splints, braces, or similar devices.
  • Transport patients to operating room.
  • Postoperatively inject a subcutaneous local anesthetic agent to reduce pain.
  • Insert or remove urinary bladder catheters.

Working Hours

  • How many hours do Surgical Assistants work per week? 40 hours per week
  • What is the work schedule like? Regular (Set schedule and routine)

Work Environment

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to Radiation
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

Learn more about Surgical Assistants

Overview | Job Description | Salary | Requirements | Is This Career Right For Me

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Dental Assistants
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Pharmacy Aides

This career is also closely related to Assistant-at-Surgery, Certified First Assistant (CFA), Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Technician, First Assistant, Gastrointestinal Technician (GI Technician), Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) or Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C).

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