Hospitals are important places. Open 365 days a year, 24/7, they provide a place for healthcare services whenever needed. However, if you are an employee at a hospital, you are likely required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. You may also take call and be called into work when there are emergencies or staffing needs.

For many, this is par for the course and is expected with the role. Medical emergencies can happen in the middle of the week or the middle of the night on New Year’s Eve. Regardless of when an individual needs care, they can rely on hospitals to be open and ready to provide help.

Role of a Surgical Technician

Surgical technicians, or techs, play an essential role in healthcare. For example, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists assist the surgeon during procedures.

Examples of roles a surgical technologist may perform during a procedure include:

• Preparing an operating room for procedures
• Sterilizing equipment
• Ensuring the supplies for the procedure are ready
• Preparing patients for surgery
• Assisting the surgeon during procedures by passing supplies

Do Surgical Techs Only Work in Hospitals?

While 72% of surgical techs in the United States work in hospitals, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical techs are also employed outside hospitals. Beyond hospitals, 11% of surgical techs are employed in physician’s offices, and 11% are employed in outpatient care centers. The remaining 3% work in dental offices or administrative and other supportive roles.

While the work may vary depending on the place of employment, surgical techs remain a vital component of the healthcare team. For example, a physician’s office may perform most procedures under local anesthetic versus the general anesthesia used in many larger surgeries in hospitals.

However, regardless of the setting, providers must have sterile equipment to perform procedures and an assistant to help pass tools, among other responsibilities. These are both essential roles of surgical techs.

Why Consider a Non-Hospital Job

While hospitals are important places, patients also rely on being able to receive care at outpatient ambulatory surgery centers, their healthcare provider’s offices, and the dentist. Unlike hospitals, the facilities are often open during regular business hours and closed on weekends and holidays. So for those who like the role of a surgical technologist but want to work somewhere besides a hospital, they’re excellent alternatives.

And whether you’re looking for an inpatient or outpatient surgical technologist role, consider a contract staffing position. A contract position can be a great way to switch things up if you need a change of pace or try out a few different healthcare environments. View the open jobs through 365 Healthcare Staffing today to get started.