How do they match: Surgical Assistants

  • Medical Surgical Nursing Assistant
  • Surgical Medical Assistant

  • Prepare and apply sterile wound dressings.
  • Clamp, ligate, or cauterize blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry, using hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures, or electrocautery equipment.
  • 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.
  • Determine availability of necessary equipment or supplies for operative procedures.
  • Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
  • Obtain or inspect sterile or non-sterile surgical equipment, instruments, or supplies.
  • Remove patient hair or disinfect incision sites to prepare patient for surgery.

  • Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
  • Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.
  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
  • Administer intravenous medications.
  • Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
  • Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
  • Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
  • Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.