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What skills should I have for being a surgical technician?
I want to become a surgical technician in hopes of becoming the first surgical assistant along these lines. I'm about to enter into the surgical technology. I want to prepare myself for what's to come and make sure that I'm on the top of my game. I also would like to know what a surgical technician does from day to day in detail. Thank you!
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Susan’s Answer
That's a big question. Besides our normal duties, depending on where you work, you might be pulling cases, getting cases ready for the next day, processing instruments, helping to stock, clean rooms...
Our basic job is to assist the surgeon during surgery. But, as with all jobs, people get sick, kids and parents get sick, life happens.
You need to be flexible. I was on an open heart team and was pulled one day because they needed a spine scrub. The regular tech was having car trouble. He got there but I started the case. Just breathe, stay calm and be flexible. Go with the flow.
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Our basic job is to assist the surgeon during surgery. But, as with all jobs, people get sick, kids and parents get sick, life happens.
You need to be flexible. I was on an open heart team and was pulled one day because they needed a spine scrub. The regular tech was having car trouble. He got there but I started the case. Just breathe, stay calm and be flexible. Go with the flow.
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Giacomo’s Answer
You must know at least bio medical discipline and be specialized for example in orthopedic, neuro surgery, etc
You are responsable of pre, post, during operatory
You are responsable of pre, post, during operatory
James Constantine Frangos
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Blessing,
Skills Required for Being a Surgical Technician:
To excel as a surgical technician and eventually become a surgical assistant, there are several key skills you should possess. These skills will not only help you succeed in your role but also ensure that you provide the best possible care to patients in the operating room. Here are some essential skills for a surgical technician:
Attention to Detail: As a surgical technician, you will be responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring all necessary instruments are available for the surgery. Attention to detail is crucial to prevent errors and maintain patient safety.
Manual Dexterity: Surgical technicians must have excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle delicate instruments during procedures accurately.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential in the operating room. Surgical technicians need to communicate clearly with surgeons, nurses, and other members of the surgical team to ensure smooth coordination during procedures.
Critical Thinking: Quick thinking and problem-solving skills are vital in the fast-paced environment of the operating room. Surgical technicians must be able to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond promptly to unexpected situations.
Stamina: Working as a surgical technician can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet during surgeries. Good physical stamina is essential to withstand the demands of the job.
Teamwork: Collaboration is key in the operating room, where multiple healthcare professionals work together to provide optimal patient care. Surgical technicians must be team players who can work effectively with others under pressure.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in using medical equipment and technology specific to surgical procedures is crucial for a surgical technician. You will need to learn how to operate various instruments and assist surgeons during different types of surgeries.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Surgical Technician:
The role of a surgical technician involves various tasks before, during, and after surgeries. Here is an overview of what a surgical technician typically does on a day-to-day basis:
Preparation: Before surgery, surgical technicians prepare the operating room by ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are available and sterile. They may also assist with positioning the patient on the operating table.
Assistance During Surgery: During procedures, surgical technicians pass instruments to surgeons, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help maintain a sterile field in the operating room.
Sterilization: After surgery, surgical technicians clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, and the operating room to prepare for the next procedure.
Patient Care: Surgical technicians may also assist with transporting patients to and from the operating room, monitoring vital signs during surgery, and providing post-operative care as needed.
Documentation: Keeping accurate records of procedures, instrument counts, and patient information is another important aspect of a surgical technician’s role.
By developing these skills and understanding your day-to-day responsibilities as a surgical technician, you can position yourself for success in this critical healthcare role.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST): The AST is a professional organization that sets standards for education and practice in surgical technology. Their guidelines provide valuable insights into the skills required for aspiring surgical technicians.
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA): The NBSTSA offers certification exams for surgical technologists and assistants. Their resources outline the core competencies needed for individuals pursuing careers in surgical technology.
American College of Surgeons (ACS): The ACS is a leading authority on surgery-related practices and education. Their publications often cover topics related to surgical technology roles and responsibilities.
God Bless You, RICHLY, James Constantine.
Skills Required for Being a Surgical Technician:
To excel as a surgical technician and eventually become a surgical assistant, there are several key skills you should possess. These skills will not only help you succeed in your role but also ensure that you provide the best possible care to patients in the operating room. Here are some essential skills for a surgical technician:
Attention to Detail: As a surgical technician, you will be responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring all necessary instruments are available for the surgery. Attention to detail is crucial to prevent errors and maintain patient safety.
Manual Dexterity: Surgical technicians must have excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle delicate instruments during procedures accurately.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential in the operating room. Surgical technicians need to communicate clearly with surgeons, nurses, and other members of the surgical team to ensure smooth coordination during procedures.
Critical Thinking: Quick thinking and problem-solving skills are vital in the fast-paced environment of the operating room. Surgical technicians must be able to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond promptly to unexpected situations.
Stamina: Working as a surgical technician can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet during surgeries. Good physical stamina is essential to withstand the demands of the job.
Teamwork: Collaboration is key in the operating room, where multiple healthcare professionals work together to provide optimal patient care. Surgical technicians must be team players who can work effectively with others under pressure.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in using medical equipment and technology specific to surgical procedures is crucial for a surgical technician. You will need to learn how to operate various instruments and assist surgeons during different types of surgeries.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Surgical Technician:
The role of a surgical technician involves various tasks before, during, and after surgeries. Here is an overview of what a surgical technician typically does on a day-to-day basis:
Preparation: Before surgery, surgical technicians prepare the operating room by ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are available and sterile. They may also assist with positioning the patient on the operating table.
Assistance During Surgery: During procedures, surgical technicians pass instruments to surgeons, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help maintain a sterile field in the operating room.
Sterilization: After surgery, surgical technicians clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, and the operating room to prepare for the next procedure.
Patient Care: Surgical technicians may also assist with transporting patients to and from the operating room, monitoring vital signs during surgery, and providing post-operative care as needed.
Documentation: Keeping accurate records of procedures, instrument counts, and patient information is another important aspect of a surgical technician’s role.
By developing these skills and understanding your day-to-day responsibilities as a surgical technician, you can position yourself for success in this critical healthcare role.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST): The AST is a professional organization that sets standards for education and practice in surgical technology. Their guidelines provide valuable insights into the skills required for aspiring surgical technicians.
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA): The NBSTSA offers certification exams for surgical technologists and assistants. Their resources outline the core competencies needed for individuals pursuing careers in surgical technology.
American College of Surgeons (ACS): The ACS is a leading authority on surgery-related practices and education. Their publications often cover topics related to surgical technology roles and responsibilities.
God Bless You, RICHLY, James Constantine.
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Blessing,
As a surgical technician you support the surgery team in the operating room but you don't treat patients directly.
You'll prepare the operating room, get instruments ready, make sure everything is sterile and in working order, get the patient from their room, hand instruments to the surgeon, maybe bandage the patient after the procedure, get the patient back to their room and clean up the operating room.
I suspect that you'll spend most of your day in the operating room, which means in scrubs.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your medical career!
KP
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-surgical-technologist
As a surgical technician you support the surgery team in the operating room but you don't treat patients directly.
You'll prepare the operating room, get instruments ready, make sure everything is sterile and in working order, get the patient from their room, hand instruments to the surgeon, maybe bandage the patient after the procedure, get the patient back to their room and clean up the operating room.
I suspect that you'll spend most of your day in the operating room, which means in scrubs.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your medical career!
KP
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Updated
Patrick’s Answer
To thrive in the surgical technology field, you need a mix of technical abilities, knowledge, and personal traits. There are several key skills you must master to excel as a surgical technician.
Firstly, mastering sterile techniques is of utmost importance. This entails understanding aseptic practices, correct gowning and gloving methods, and maintaining a sterile environment throughout surgical operations. Following infection control protocols is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent surgical site infections.
Another vital skill for surgical technicians is attention to detail. In the operating room, even minor mistakes can lead to serious consequences. It's crucial to carefully follow instructions, accurately record data, and predict the surgical team's needs for smooth and efficient surgeries.
Effective communication skills are also critical for success. Surgical technicians work closely with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare team members. Clear and efficient communication is key for coordinating patient care, sharing important information during surgeries, and resolving any problems that may occur.
Being technically proficient with surgical instruments and equipment is a fundamental part of the job. Surgical technicians must be adept at handling and passing instruments to surgeons, operating and troubleshooting various surgical devices and equipment. Knowledge of different surgical procedures and anatomical structures is also important to predict the surgical team's needs and assist effectively during surgeries.
Besides technical skills, adaptability and the ability to stay calm under pressure are valuable traits for surgical technicians. The operating room can be a hectic and unpredictable place, with surgeries ranging from routine procedures to life-saving interventions. Staying focused, composed, and adaptable to changing situations is crucial for delivering top-quality patient care.
As for a surgical technician's daily responsibilities, they usually start before the surgery. This might involve preparing the operating room, ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are ready and sterilized, and assisting with patient positioning and preparation.
During surgery, surgical technicians play a vital role in supporting the surgical team. This might involve passing instruments to the surgeon, holding retractors for optimal exposure of the surgical site, suturing incisions, and assisting with wound closure. They are also tasked with maintaining the sterile field, monitoring the patient's vital signs, and documenting relevant information throughout the procedure.
After surgery, surgical technicians assist with cleaning and sterilizing the operating room, as well as restocking supplies for future procedures. They might also help with transporting patients to and from the operating room and providing post-operative care as needed.
In conclusion, to become a skilled surgical technician, you need a blend of technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. By refining these skills and gaining hands-on experience in surgical settings, aspiring surgical technicians can set themselves up for success in their careers and pursue advancement opportunities, like becoming a surgical assistant.
Firstly, mastering sterile techniques is of utmost importance. This entails understanding aseptic practices, correct gowning and gloving methods, and maintaining a sterile environment throughout surgical operations. Following infection control protocols is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent surgical site infections.
Another vital skill for surgical technicians is attention to detail. In the operating room, even minor mistakes can lead to serious consequences. It's crucial to carefully follow instructions, accurately record data, and predict the surgical team's needs for smooth and efficient surgeries.
Effective communication skills are also critical for success. Surgical technicians work closely with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare team members. Clear and efficient communication is key for coordinating patient care, sharing important information during surgeries, and resolving any problems that may occur.
Being technically proficient with surgical instruments and equipment is a fundamental part of the job. Surgical technicians must be adept at handling and passing instruments to surgeons, operating and troubleshooting various surgical devices and equipment. Knowledge of different surgical procedures and anatomical structures is also important to predict the surgical team's needs and assist effectively during surgeries.
Besides technical skills, adaptability and the ability to stay calm under pressure are valuable traits for surgical technicians. The operating room can be a hectic and unpredictable place, with surgeries ranging from routine procedures to life-saving interventions. Staying focused, composed, and adaptable to changing situations is crucial for delivering top-quality patient care.
As for a surgical technician's daily responsibilities, they usually start before the surgery. This might involve preparing the operating room, ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are ready and sterilized, and assisting with patient positioning and preparation.
During surgery, surgical technicians play a vital role in supporting the surgical team. This might involve passing instruments to the surgeon, holding retractors for optimal exposure of the surgical site, suturing incisions, and assisting with wound closure. They are also tasked with maintaining the sterile field, monitoring the patient's vital signs, and documenting relevant information throughout the procedure.
After surgery, surgical technicians assist with cleaning and sterilizing the operating room, as well as restocking supplies for future procedures. They might also help with transporting patients to and from the operating room and providing post-operative care as needed.
In conclusion, to become a skilled surgical technician, you need a blend of technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. By refining these skills and gaining hands-on experience in surgical settings, aspiring surgical technicians can set themselves up for success in their careers and pursue advancement opportunities, like becoming a surgical assistant.