A surgical technician is a physician who primarily works in the operating room. A surgical technician usually works under the supervision of a surgeon or a registered nurse as a member of the surgical team. Surgical technologists, surgical assistants, and surgical techs are all terms used to describe these individuals. Their primary responsibility is to assist the surgeon during surgery, but they also perform a variety of other duties in the operating room both before and after the procedure.
Hospitals are the most common employer of surgical technicians, but jobs can also be found in doctors’ offices, clinics, and outpatient facilities. Private scrubs are a small group of technicians who work for surgeons who put together their own special teams to provide services like organ transplants. Others work as surgical technology teachers or consultants, and some combine their medical knowledge with other interests such as writing and photography.
Surgical technician jobs typically involve getting the operating room ready for a procedure, though specific duties vary depending on location and assignment. Technicians sterilize equipment and instruments prior to an operation and ensure that the equipment is in working order. Instruments, solutions, and sterile drapes may also be assembled for use during the operation.
Surgical technicians may also assist patients in preparing for surgery. Before the patient goes to the operating room, they shave, clean, and disinfect the incision area. They usually assist in getting the patient situated on the table, monitoring vital signs, and assisting the surgeon and nurses in putting on sterile surgical attire once they arrive in the operating room.
Surgical technicians assist the surgeon passing instruments and supplies during the procedure. Cutting stitches, holding retractors, and counting needles, sponges, and other supplies are examples of other surgical technician jobs. Technicians may also help with the preparation and disposal of biopsy specimens. Some may assist with the application of bandages to incisions and the preparation of medications.
Technicians frequently assist patients in getting to the recovery area after surgery. They clean up the operating room removing soiled instruments and supplies and caring for the equipment. They usually clean and restock the operating room with supplies.
Surgical technicians can advance their careers obtaining specialized training. Some surgeons choose to specialize in one type of surgery over another, such as cardiology, neurosurgery, or orthopedics. Some work in hospital administration, overseeing central supply needs. Others work for companies that deal with surgical technology-related concerns and needs, such as sterile supplies and surgical equipment.