As critical members of life-saving teams, surgical technologists are part of the sterile team in surgical operations under the supervision of a surgeon. Also called scrubs or operating-room technicians, surgical technologists work alongside surgeons, first assistants, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses in the operating room.
Before an operation, prior to scrubbing for surgery, a surgical technologist might help the team to assemble and adjust non-sterile equipment, ensuring it is working properly. Surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by scrubbing and then gowning and gloving to set up a sterile back table with surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, drapes, and solutions.
Once a patient is positioned and prepped, the surgical technologist will help the surgeon and surgical assistant don sterile gowns and gloves and then apply sterile surgical drapes to the patient.
During surgery, surgical technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants.
They may hold retractors and cut sutures. They are responsible for the counting of sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help apply dressings at the end of a procedure and care for specimens prior to taking them for laboratory analysis.
After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room, or intensive care unit, as well as clean and restock the operating room. Some other might work in the sterile processing department decontaminating instruments and equipment or re-assembling instrument sets and operating sterilizers. The operating room is a fast-paced environment. Individuals well suited for this program enjoy challenges, multi-tasking, and even a degree of stress in the work environment.
Success
Surgical technologists should have an excellent sense of responsibility, work quickly with attention to detail, deal well with emergencies and be able to prioritize tasks. They also need good manual dexterity and a high tolerance for blood, other bodily fluids and odors.
Technologists tolerate standing for long hours without food, drink or bathroom breaks. They also must be conscientious, orderly and emotionally stable to handle the demands of the operating-room environment. Technologists must be willing to study throughout their careers in order to keep up with medical advances.
Career
Employment opportunities include the following: certified surgical technologist; sterile processing manager; surgical technology instructor; sterile processing instructor.
