Surgical techs, as the job title implies, assist with surgical procedures, but what exactly does that mean? What do they assist with? What are their duties? Let’s consider this role, beginning with how they are prepared for it.
Getting started
A surgical tech’s educational program will provide the solid foundation necessary for individuals to succeed in this job. Specifically, your program should consist of a mix of classroom instruction and clinical training. Classroom education normally includes classes on anatomy, biology, medical terminology, and pharmacology. There’s a clinical internship component, as well.
This foundation provides surgical techs with the training and foundation to assist with major surgeries, such as hysterectomy, joint replacement, bypass surgery, and C-sections, as well as minor surgeries and various types of procedures, including cardiac catheterizations, endoscopic procedures, and balloon angioplasty.
Looking deeper
Even within the wide variety of procedures, surgical techs may assist with, there are many variables. For example, when a surgical tech assists with a joint replacement surgery, the specifics may depend on the level of technology used at that particular facility. Some hospitals use computer-assisted navigation systems or robot-assisted navigation, and the surgical tech’s duties may vary based on the particular system in place.
A surgical tech’s duties will also depend partly on the facility and what types of procedures and surgeries are performed there. For example, a surgical tech who works in an outpatient facility will assist with outpatient surgeries and procedures only. If a hospital delivers babies, a surgical tech may work in the delivery room; in this capacity, a tech may assist with deliveries, including C-sections.
A few constants
Regardless of where a surgical tech is employed, there are a few things that remain constant. One of the most critical components of a surgical technologist’s responsibilities is to maintain a sterile environment before, during, and after surgery. By appropriately preparing operating rooms, surgical technologists help lower the rate of infection in patients.
Surgical techs have specific duties before, during, and after each surgery or procedure, whether it’s major or minor. These duties include preparing the instruments, scrubbing in, helping the surgical team scrub in, passing instruments and other necessary items, assisting during the procedure, and cleaning the operating room when the surgery or procedure is done.
Thinking of being a surgical tech?
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. If you become a surgical tech, we’ll be here to help you find your perfect assignment. Give us a call at 310.436.3650 when you’re ready; we would love to work with you!
