Implementing a surgical first assistant role into that of a clinical nurse specialist at an orthopaedic specialist hospital

Abstract

Background: Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are experienced senior nurses with advanced clinical knowledge, communication and leadership skills and commonly take on extended roles to optimise care delivery within health and social care. Aim: To critically explore the experience of one clinical nurse specialist who undertook an enhanced qualification to become a surgical first assistant. Methods: A case-study approach based on Gibbs' reflective model is used to reflect on the experience, its benefits to patient care and the challenges and facilitators related to taking on advanced surgical roles. Findings: Long-term benefits can be achieved by investing in CNSs educated to hold the enhanced surgical first assistant qualification. Advanced roles enhance evidence-based service delivery, while also benefitting the clinical nurse specialist, the patient and the trust.