Practical Surgical Assisting Training

for Perioperative Nurses

Hands-on, small-group workshops in open and laparoscopic surgical assisting, delivered at your hospital—building the skills, clinical judgement and confidence nurses can apply immediately in theatre.

Surgicalassist delivers practical education designed specifically for perioperative nurses who assist during surgery.

Through small-group workshops, participants develop anatomy knowledge, surgical principles and practical assisting skills that can be applied immediately in the operating theatre.

WORKSHOP OPTIONS 

OPEN SURGICAL

ASSISTANT WORKSHOP

Develop core surgical assisting skills:

  • Tissue and instrument handling

  • Management of haemostasis and exposure

  • Responding to complications and emergencies in the operating room

  • Promotes critical thinking for intra-operative decision making

  • Anatomy workbooks + anatomical model

LAPAROSCOPIC SURGICAL

ASSISTANT WORKSHOP

Specialised training in laparoscopic techniques:

  • Safe use of telescopes and cameras

  • Port placement, tissue handling, and haemostasis

  • Managing complications, including conversion to laparotomy

  • Effective use of electrocautery

  • Surgical ergonomics to reduce risk and improve performance

WHY CHOOSE SURGICALASSIST?

✓ Develops practical assisting skills and clinical confidence

✓ Strengthens critical thinking during surgery

✓ Builds surgeon confidence, knowing staff are trained in the essential skills for surgical assistance.

✓ Increases surgical team efficiency, saving valuable time and resources.

✓ Boosts staff motivation and engagement with self-paced anatomy learning and hands-on skill development.

Training led by Claire Wiseman RNFSA

Claire Wiseman has more than 30 years’ experience in perioperative nursing and became New Zealand’s first qualified Perioperative Nurse Surgical Assistant (PNSA) in 2001, completing the RACS-approved Australian postgraduate programme before RNFSA education became available in New Zealand. Claire has delivered Surgical Assistant Workshops since 2010 and continues to work clinically across complex surgical specialties.