Who Are Surgical Technologists and What Do They Do?

 

Introduction

Surgical technologists (also known as operating room technicians) work with and support surgeons, nurses and other health care professionals during a surgical procedure. The role of a surgical technologist is critical in maintaining a sterile and sterile environment.

Table of Contents

Scope of practice

Surgical technologists collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses in the operating room. Their responsibilities can be divided into three categories: before the surgery (preoperative), during the surgery (intraoperative), and after the surgery (postoperative).

Before Surgery

Surgical technologists focus on pre-procedure sterilization and preparation, which includes:

• Disinfecting the surgical instruments and operating room
• Assisting with preparing the patient for surgery
• Collecting, counting, and organizing the surgical equipment and tools required during the procedure
• Getting patients ready for the operation.

During Surgery

Surgical technologists also carry out a wide range of critical duties during the operation:

• Ensuring the operating room remains free from contamination.
• Handing surgical instruments to the surgeon and their assistant.
• And assisting in the process of pulling back tissues from the patient undergoing surgery.

After surgery

After the operation, surgical technologists help complete the operation and are responsible for

• The total number of tools and instruments used during the surgery
• including the application of dressings to surgical sites and the disposal of needles and gauze, must be counted.
• Additionally, it is essential to maintain the sterile environment of the operating room until the patient is brought to the recovery room.

Work environment

Surgical technologists operate in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physicians' offices. They spend a significant portion of their workday in the operating room, preparing for, assisting with, and cleaning up after surgeries. It can be quite warm working under surgical lights while wearing sterile surgical gowns and gloves.

Duty time

During surgical procedures, surgical technologists must remain alert and stand for extended periods of time. They may also be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.

Specializations

Many surgical technologists work in general surgery or between various specialties, while others choose to specialize in a specific surgical area. There are several specialized surgical fields that are more prevalent, such as:

• ·         Cardiology
• ·         Neurosurgery
• ·         Organ transplantation
• ·         Orthopedic 
• ·         Pediatric surgery
• ·         Plastic surgery

Becoming a surgical technologist

To become a surgical technologist, one must possess a meticulous nature. The role of a surgical technologist is crucial in maintaining a sterile and orderly environment in the operating room.

• They are responsible for ensuring that all necessary instruments are available during surgery and accounted for after the procedure is completed.
• In this position, meticulous attention to detail is crucial for success, and any mistakes could have severe consequences.
• Surgical technologists must thrive in high-pressure situations and possess excellent communication abilities.

1.Higher education requirements

Surgical technologists can obtain their higher education training from various institutions such as

• community colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, or the military.

To become a surgical technologist, one must complete a certificate program that provides specialized education and training. The duration of these programs can range from 12 months for a certificate to two years for an associate degree combined with specialized training.

Common admission requirements consist of a high school diploma and completion of prerequisite courses including anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and microbiology.

2.Certification process

Many employers highly recommend and prefer that their employees have certification. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the most widely recognized certification, known as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential.

Career opportunities and outlook

Salary

The median annual salary for surgical technologists is estimated to be around $48,530.

Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for surgical technologists is expected to grow at a steady rate. This is attributed to the progress in medical technology and an increase in the number of surgeries being performed to treat various health conditions and injuries.

Some surgical technologists gain more experience and education to become first surgical assistants or registered nurses. Others progress by specializing in a specific area of surgery. Still, others work in central supply departments in hospitals or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services, and surgical equipment firms.