Surgical Technologist Job Description

Surgical technology is a rapidly expanding field with a projected job growth consistently higher than that of all other professions. If you’re a recent graduate looking for a career path or an experienced health care professional seeking a new niche in the medical field, pursuing a surgical technologist job is a smart choice for your future. But what does a surgical tech do? The short answer is that surgical techs, or scrubs as they are known in popular culture, assist surgeons in all aspects of the operating room procedures. For every one surgeon, there are 5 surgical techs behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly. Surgical techs enjoy high salaries and unusual flexibility in their choice of residence. Learning the duties and on-the-job responsibilities of a surgical technologist is the first step in determining whether this career path is the right one for you.

What Does A Surgical Technologist Do?

A surgical technologist is an invaluable member of the operating room. Along with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists, surgical techs are part of the team that makes successful surgeries both safe and efficient. The day-to-day duties of a surgical technologist include assisting in all aspects of surgery, from sterilizing the operating room to administering patient care post-procedure.

Before surgery, the surgical technologist is responsible for preparing both the surgical room and the patient for surgery. Surgical techs set up the operating room by sterilizing and laying out the necessary surgical instruments, hanging clean curtains and sheets, and prepping solutions for the surgeon. They also assemble any of the equipment that will be used during surgery, check for any malfunctions, and make any needed adjustments. The surgical tech will similarly prepare the patient by washing, shaving, and sterilizing the site of the surgery. They will move the patient to the operating room and position them correctly operating table.

During surgery, the duties of a surgical tech become more focused on the operation at hand. Surgical technologists hand instruments and other supplies to the surgeon, as well as helping the surgeon into fresh gowns and gloves. They may be asked to assist the surgeon in suturing wounds, applying dressing, handling tissue, or cutting stitches. Any specimens taken from the patient for later study will be cared for by the surgical technologist. While the surgeon is preoccupied, the surgical technologist is responsible for keeping an eye on the patients’ vital signs and other charts.

After the operation is complete, the surgical technologist transports the patient to recovery and cleans the operating room. Depending upon the type of training and specialization of the surgical technologist, they may also be responsible for the duties of the surgical first assistant or circulator. As a first assistant, the surgical technologist will aid the surgeon in controlling blood flow and protecting the patient from exposure. A circulating surgical tech is responsible for interviewing the patient before the operation, answering the surgeon’s questions about the patient during surgery, assisting the anesthesiologist and creating a written account of the procedure.

Personal Character

Though some of the duties a surgical technologist seem mundane, successful candidates possess both an iron stomach and a cool head. Working alongside the surgeon will expose you to some unpleasant situations and surgical technologists cannot be either squeamish or distracted. Any lapse in duties may expose the patient to harmful germs or result in other consequences that could jeopardize the health of every in the operating room. If you want to pursue a career as a surgical technologist, be sure that you are able to stay focused under pressure and watch an incision without shuddering. You may want to observe a surgical technologist at work to get a better idea about the duties and responsibilities of the job.

Working Environment and Expectations

Most surgical technologists take positions in hospitals, though it is possible to work in a private office as well. Surgical technologists tend to work in operating rooms, which are kept both clean and cold at all times. Like nurses, surgical techs must stand for many hours while surgery is in process. They must have the ability to be alert through an operation, some of which can last an entire day. Though the environment may be clean, surgery is often unpleasant and surgical techs are run the risk of being exposed to communicable diseases.

As with all surgery-related jobs, surgical technologists should expect to be on-call on nights, weekends, and holidays in addition to a regularly scheduled 40 hour work week.