title: Development of the cardiac surgeon assistant.
abstract: In 1989, a pilot scheme to evaluate the role of a non-medically qualified assistant working in cardiac surgery was commenced. The appointee was a registered nurse and, 3 years on, the scheme is now in its final stages of evaluation. Approval has been given for other hospitals to adopt such schemes. This article examines the implications that this decision might have for the nursing profession in the future.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holmes
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D009872:Operating Room Technicians / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D000078329:Workforce