When people think of operating rooms, they may think of doctors, nurses, equipment, and bright lights. However, many people are unaware that surgical techs are very important members of any operating room team. They have specific and essential duties before, during, and after surgery. Let’s begin with what they do before surgery.
Duties before surgery
With any surgical procedure, as with any hospital stay, it’s important to reduce the risk of infection as much as possible. By appropriately preparing operating rooms, surgical technologists help lower the rate of infection in patients. This is one of the most critical components of a surgical technologist’s responsibilities.
Before surgery, the surgical tech also prepares and organizes supplies and equipment for the surgery and places it in the operating room according to the surgeon’s preferences (including whether the surgeon is right-handed or left-handed). The surgical tech also places sterile drapes around the patient.
By any other name
Although the main duties associated with this position may be very similar from one facility to another, the titles may vary. Surgical techs go by many titles – operating room technician, scrub tech, surgical assistant – but no matter what you call them, they all play an integral role in the operating room. In addition, the minor duties may vary from one position to another.
No matter what the exact title is or which duties are included in the job description, it’s clear that surgical techs are an important part of the surgical team. As a result, certain qualities are very important in this position: surgical technologists should possess a stable temperament, manual dexterity, physical stamina, and the ability to integrate and prioritize a variety of activities.
Cooperation and collaboration
In the operating room, every person has individual duties, but they all work as part of a team. A surgical tech does many of the preparations alone, though, so it’s important for anyone in this field to be equally comfortable working independently and with others. For example, before surgery, the surgical tech will touch base with other staff who will assist but then work alone to make some of the preparations.
Like the others in the room, a surgical tech is a necessary member of this team. That’s good news on the job front. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 30 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Surgical techs are important before, during, and after surgery
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. We know how important surgical techs are before, during, and after surgery, so call us at 310.436.3650 when you’re ready for your next assignment. We would love to work with you!