INTRODUCTION
Throughout this assignment I will analyse the impact of the Perioperative Nurse Surgeon Assistant (PNSA) role at MercyAscot hospital where I am currently employed. I will discuss any foreseeable problems, and the support given by the hospital. The position description will be critiqued using current literature, and my own professional development will be addressed.
IMPACT OF PNSA ROLE WITHIN MERCYASCOT
Since the beginning of modern day nursing in the late 1800's nursing staff have been directly involved in the technical and direct nursing care within the perioperative field (Bridges 1995). This role has changed over the years governed by medical training schemes, and more recently by legal and ethical issues pertaining to the code of professional conduct. (UKCC 2002). I feel that the perioperative nurse has followed the dictations of the medical field with regard to the level of intervention and their defined role within the operating room. However due to financial constraints, and the advanced academic training the role of the perioperative nurse has once again developed into one that is extending the skills of the practitioner (NATN 1993).
British nurse in nurses' station.
Czech nursing students.
The American student nurse Miss Lydia Monroe of Ri...The perioperative environment is constantly changing. New and expanding roles within the speciality are being formed. Technological advances in treatment and care, and a continuing reorganisation and redirection of resources is happening (Driscoll and Teh 2001). I agree with Driscoll and Teh, and feel that is important for individual practitioners to develop professional knowledge, in order to cope with the demands and changes within today's perioperative environment.
In every nurses career many legal or ethical dilemmas are encountered. One dilemma facing the perioperative nurse today is surgical assisting. At the MercyAscot the perioperative nurse is expected to be able to perform the role of the instrument nurse, circulating nurse, and as the surgical assistant. I don't agree with this,