Surgical technicians work in operating rooms, assisting surgeons and nurses. They prepare the operating room, sterilize equipment, help prepare patients, pass instruments during surgery, and transport patients to recovery. They can specialize in specific types of surgery or work in management positions.
A surgical technician is a medical professional who works primarily in the operating room. As a member of the surgical team, a surgical technician usually works under the direction of a surgeon or nurse. Other names for these professionals include surgical technologists, surgical assistants, and surgical technicians. Their primary duty is to assist the surgeon during an operation, but they typically perform a number of other tasks in the operating room before and after surgery.
The biggest provider of jobs for surgical technicians are hospitals, although offices, clinics and outpatient clinics also offer employment opportunities. A small number of technicians, called private physicians, work for surgeons who assemble their own special teams to provide services such as organ transplants. Others work as professors or consultants in the field of surgical technology, and some combine their medical knowledge with work in other professions, such as writing and photography.
While specific tasks vary by location and task, surgical technician jobs generally involve preparing the operating room for a procedure. Before an operation, technicians sterilize equipment and instruments and ensure that the equipment works properly. They can also assemble sterile instruments, solutions and drapes for use during the operation.
Surgical technicians can also help prepare patients for surgery. They shave, clean, and disinfect the incision area before the patient goes into the operating room. Once in the operating room, they usually help place the patient on the table, monitor vital signs, and help the surgeon and nurses change into sterile surgical gowns.
During a surgical procedure, surgical technicians assist the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies. Other surgical technician jobs can include cutting stitches, retracting retainers, and helping with counting needles, sponges, and other supplies. Technicians can also help with the preparation and disposal of collected specimens for biopsy. Some can help apply dressings to the incisions and help prepare medications.
After surgery, technicians usually help transport the patient to the recovery area. They remove dirty instruments and supplies from the operating room and take care of the equipment. They normally clean the OR and stock it with supplies.
People with surgical technician jobs can move forward with training in specialized areas. Some choose to specialize in a specific type of surgery, such as cardiology, neurosurgery, or orthopedics. Some work in management positions in hospitals, overseeing central supply needs. Others work for companies that address concerns and needs related to surgical technology, such as those that provide sterile supplies and surgical equipment.
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