The Vital Role of Nurse Surgical Assistants: Insights from Recent Research

As a Perioperative Nurse Surgical Assistant (PNSA), I’ve seen firsthand how our role adds value to the surgical team. Recent research by Hains, Rowell, and Strand (2021) in the International Journal of Nursing Practice provides evidence to support what many of us already know: nurse surgical assistants are safe, effective, and bring real benefits to the operating theatre.

The study examined 956 surgical cases, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs and primary unilateral total hip arthroplasties at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital. It compared the outcomes of cases where PNSAs were used with those assisted by Medical Surgical Assistants (MSAs).

The findings were clear:

• There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups.

• Length of stay, complications, and recovery times were all comparable.

• Even with more hip surgeries in the nurse group and more emergencies in the medical group, the overall results were consistent.

For me, this confirms what I’ve witnessed in practice: nurses can assist effectively and safely in surgery, delivering outcomes on par with medical colleagues.

Why This Matters to Surgeons and the System

For surgeons, working with a PNSA offers several advantages:

1. Reliability and Flexibility – We provide consistent coverage, helping surgical lists run smoothly and reducing the risk of cancellations or delays.

2. Collaboration and Anticipation – We bring a strong perioperative perspective, often anticipating needs and enhancing surgical efficiency.

On a system-wide level, recognising and integrating PNSAs more broadly can help ease workforce shortages and build long-term sustainability in surgical care.

The evidence is now clear: PNSAs achieve patient outcomes equivalent to medical surgical assistants. What’s missing is proper recognition, both in terms of remuneration and policy. Without this, it will be difficult to sustain the role and fully unlock its potential.

I encourage my surgical colleagues and healthcare leaders to support the ongoing recognition of PNSAs. Whether that’s through advocacy for fair remuneration, inclusion in workforce planning, or engaging with research and policy discussions, your voice makes a difference.

Together, we can build a more efficient, equitable, and resilient healthcare system, where nurse surgical assistants are recognised as essential members of the surgical team.