Surgical assistant, Kaiāwhina hāparapara
Also known as
- Registered nurse first surgical assistant, oral surgical assistant, operating room nurse, operating theatre nurse, theatre nurse
Surgical assistants help surgeons with tasks like sterilising, making or closing surgical incisions and applying dressings.
Your pay could be
$52K
Lower
$70K to $117K
Most common
$139K
Upper
How does this pay compare?
Pay is before tax
Your training could be
4 years
Surgical assistants
- usually work shifts, including early mornings, nights and weekends
- usually work in hospitals and health centres
- may do emotionally demanding work
- need to be accurate, organised and work well in a team
Tasks
- assist surgeons during operations
- sterilise and prepare surgical equipment
- operate on patients to treat conditions
- prepare patients for operations
- care for patients after operations
- communicate with caregivers and whānau
- work with other health professionals
- monitor medical supplies and surgical equipment
Organised
Social
Practical
Interests that fit this job
Interest quiz,
Kairoro Kaingākau
Do the Interest quiz to find out how well your interests fit with this job.
Do the quizYou need a qualification to become a surgical assistant and experience may be useful.
You need
- a bachelor's degree in nursing OR a graduate diploma in nursing
- to complete the Postgraduate NURSEPRAC 707 Registered Nurse First Surgical Assistant course
- an Annual Practising Certificate
- to pass a police check
You may need
- experience in similar work
- to pass a medical assessment and drug test
Registration
You need to be registered to do this job. This means you meet your industry's professional standards.
Nursing Council of New Zealand
Te KauniheraTapuhi o Aotearoa
Phone Number,04 385 9589
registration@nursingcouncil.org.nz
https://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/If you’re in school
You need University Entrance to do the study or training for this job.
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