"When I became a member of the operating
room team as a surgical technologist,
I entered into one of the most exciting careers
in the medical fields."
Lee Rhodes, CST
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These are just some of the benefits of becoming
a Surgical Technician:
- working with surgeons, anesthesiologists
and circulating nurses
- fastest growing field of employment*
- rewarding and fulfilling
- good pay
- versatility
- potential for advancement
- job security
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BECOMING
A SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST*
Job Description |
Working Conditions
| Surgical Technology
Job Opportunities
Job
Description
Surgical technologists, also called
scrubs and surgical or operating
room technicians, assist in surgical operations
under the supervision of surgeons, registered
nurses, or other surgical personnel.
A surgical technologist is a member of operating
room teams, which most commonly include surgeons,
anesthesiologists, and circulating
nurses. Before an operation, a surgical
technologist helps prepare the operating
room by setting up surgical instruments and
equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions.
They assemble both sterile and nonsterile equipment,
as well as adjust and check it to ensure it is working
properly. Technologists also get patients ready
for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting
incision sites. They transport patients to the operating
room, help position them on the operating table,
and cover them with sterile surgical “drapes.” Technologists
also observe patients’ vital signs, check charts,
and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile
gowns and gloves.
During surgery, technologists pass instruments and
other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants.
They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help
count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Surgical
techs help prepare, care for, and dispose
of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help
apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights,
or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic
equipment.
After an operation, surgical technologists
may help transfer patients to the recovery room
and clean and restock the operating room.
Working
Conditions - Surgical technologists
work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments.
They must stand for long periods and remain alert
during operations. At times they may be exposed
to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights,
odors, and materials.
Most surgical technologist work a regular 40-hour
week, although they may be on call or work nights,
weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
Surgical Technology Job Opportunities
Careers
in surgical technology are expected
to grow faster than the average for all occupations
through the year 2012 as the volume of surgery
increases. The number of surgical procedures is
expected to rise as the population grows and ages.
As members of the baby boom generation approach
retirement age, the over-50 population, who generally
require more surgical procedures, will
account for a larger portion of the general population.
Technological advances, such as fiber optics and
laser technology, will also permit new surgical
procedures to be performed.
Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer
of surgical technologists, although
much faster employment growth is expected in offices
of physicians and in outpatient care centers, including
ambulatory surgical centers.
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*source:
U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics
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