Four Phases of Surgical Technologist Jobs

The surgical technologist is the first person to enter the OR before surgery. During this preoperative phase the surgical technologist adheres closely to the following routine:

• Carefully dons his or her operating room attire, including scrubs
• Begins to prepare and sterilize the room
• Gathers all of the equipment and surgical tools that the surgery requires
• Sterilizes, counts and carefully arranges them

The most important part of this preoperative phase is creating and maintaining the OR's sterile environment. Sterile fields can be compromised in a variety of ways, the most common of which is by introducing moisture. To prevent this, the surgical technologist is responsible for arranging dry drapes around the operating table and keeping all surfaces in a sterile condition.

During the intraoperative phase of the surgery, surgical technologists are still responsible for maintaining the sterility of the OR, but they also effectively become a "third hand" to the surgeon and surgeon's assistant during the procedure and perform the following tasks:

• Help prepare medications and administer them to the patient
• Assist in retracting tissues from the patient
• Passes the surgical tools to the surgeon and surgical assistant during the operation

At any time during an operation, if a tool is missing or contaminated, the delay or resulting infection could cost a patient his or her life. That is why surgical technologists must be diligent and thorough at all times.

As the operation concludes, surgical techs are responsible for the following:

• Counting all of the tools and instruments used during surgery to ensure that nothing is left behind in a patient. The smallest sponge can cause irreparable damage if left in the body, and can even lead to death.
   
• Suture the incision and apply disinfected dressings to the area.
   
• Dispose of items such as needles and gauze, and continue to maintain the OR's sterile environment until the patient is sent to the recovery ward.

While surgical techs aren't expected to work miracles, they must be able to think quickly on their feet in emergency situations. During a recent hospital blackout and emergency generator failure, one quick-thinking surgical tech, with the help of the patient's family member, rounded up enough cell phones to illuminate the OR while surgeons completed an emergency appendectomy.

If you're ready to start you career, getting your education is the first step. Browse our directory of surgical technologist schools, request information about programs that interest you, and get started today.