What Do Surgical Technologists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Surgical Technologists

Surgical Technologists assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Salary
$51510
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



Job Description

Job Description

Surgical Technologists assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon’s assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. They also maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.

Other tasks include:

  • Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
  • Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
  • Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
  • Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
  • Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
  • Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.

We asked Surgical Technologists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

77%

How meaningful is this job

83%


77% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 83% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Surgical Technologists maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures. They hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.

A typical day for a Surgical Technologist will also include:

  • Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
  • Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
  • Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
  • Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.

We asked some Surgical Technologists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 56% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 87% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 67% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 47% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 15% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 82% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Surgical Technologists also order surgical supplies. They may also maintain files and records of surgical procedures.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Surgical Technologists Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis. They might also Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.

In addition, they Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.

To some Surgical Technologists, it is also their responsibility to Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Surgical Technologist, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do Surgical Technologists work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
88%


Once a year
9%


Do Surgical Technologists work outdoors?

Never
99%


Once a year
1%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Builders and The Helpers

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Surgical Technologists

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Related to Surgical Technologists Job Description

Surgical Technologists job description, what do Surgical Technologists do, typical day for Surgical Technologists, what is it like to work as a Surgical Technologist, how many hours do Surgical Technologists work, day to day work of a Surgical Technologist

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
http://www.ast.org/
http://www.nbstsa.org/
https://www.ncctinc.com/


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