Each year, National Surgical Technologist Week is an opportunity to promote the profession and educate the community about the vital role that surgical technologists play in the O.R. 

Roles of the Surgical Technologist

The following description of the surgical technologist has been approved by the American College of Surgeons and the Association of Surgical Technologists:

Scrub Surgical Technologist - The scrub surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. Duties are as follows:

1. Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure

2. Scrubs, gowns, and gloves

3. Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for procedure

4. Performs appropriate counts with circulator prior to the operation and before incision is closed

5. Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants

6. Helps in draping sterile field

7. Passes instruments, etc., to surgeon during procedure

8. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedures

9. Prepares sterile dressings

10. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization

11. Assists other members of team with terminal cleaning of room

12. Assists in prepping room for the next patient

Circulating Surgical Technologist - The surgical technologist assisting in circulating obtains additional instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary while the surgical procedure is in progress. He/she monitors conditions in the operating room and constantly assesses the needs of the patient and surgical team. Duties are as follows:

1. Obtains appropriate sterile and unsterile items needed for procedure

2. Opens sterile supplies

3. Checks patient’s chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings patient to assigned operating room

4. Transfers patient to operating room table

5. Assesses comfort and safety measures and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient

6. Assists anesthesia personnel

7. Positions patient, using appropriate equipment

8. Applies electrosurgical grounding pads, tourniquets, monitors, etc., before procedure begins

9. Prepares the patient’s skin prior to draping by surgical team 10.10. Performs appropriate counts with 10. Perform appropriate counts with scrub person prior to the operation and before incision is closed

11. Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure

12. Keeps accurate records throughout the procedure

13. Properly cares for specimens

14. Secures dressings after incision closure

15. Helps transport patient to recovery room

16. Assists in cleaning of room and preparing for next patient

Second Assisting Technologist - The second assisting surgical technologist assists the surgeon and/or first assistant during the operative procedure by carrying out technical tasks other than cutting, clamping, and suturing of tissue. This role is distinct from that of the first assistant and may, in some circumstances, be performed at the same time as the scrub role. Duties include but are not exclusive to the following:

1. Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon

2. Sponges or suctions operative site

3. Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders

4. Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon

5. Connects drains to suction apparatus

6. Applies dressings to closed wound

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_technologist#Role_of_the_Surgical_Technologist

Surgical technologists are able to advance their careers outside the operating room in several ways. They can continue their education and become certified as surgical assistants, or they can contribute to the field of medicine in other roles. Here’s what some AST members are currently employed as:

• O.R. managers
• Central supply
• Sterile processing
• Sales representatives for medical manufacturers
• Educators