Surgical Technologists- Why They are Important 

When you think about surgery, you may picture a team of doctors and nurses working together to perform the procedure. However, there is one important member of the team who often goes unnoticed – the surgical technologist. These highly skilled professionals play a crucial role in the operating room, ensuring that surgeries run smoothly and safely. In this blog, we’ll explore the vital role of surgical technologists and why they are so important. 

What is a Surgical Technologist? 

A surgical technologist, also known as a surgical technician, is a healthcare professional who works alongside surgeons and other healthcare professionals in the operating room. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, ensuring that all equipment is sterilized and ready for use, and assisting the surgeon during the procedure. 

Surgical technologists must be detail-oriented and highly skilled to perform their job effectively. They must be able to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other members of the surgical team and be able to respond quickly and efficiently in high-pressure situations. 

The Importance of Sterile Technique 

One of the most important roles of a surgical technologist is to maintain a sterile environment in the operating room. This is crucial in order to prevent infections and other complications during and after surgery. Surgical technologists are responsible for ensuring that all equipment is sterilized and ready for use, and for maintaining sterile technique throughout the procedure. 

According to a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Proper sterile technique is essential in reducing the risk of SSIs, and surgical technologists play a vital role in ensuring that this technique is maintained throughout the procedure. 

Assisting the Surgeon 

Another important role of a surgical technologist is to assist the surgeon during the procedure. This includes passing instruments to the surgeon, holding retractors to keep the surgical site visible, and cutting sutures as needed. 

Surgical technologists must have a thorough understanding of surgical procedures and be able to anticipate the needs of the surgeon in order to perform their job effectively. They must also be able to respond quickly and efficiently to any changes in the procedure or unexpected complications. 

Patient Safety and Advocacy 

In addition to their technical skills, surgical technologists also play an important role in advocating for patient safety. This includes ensuring that all equipment is functioning properly and that the surgical team is following proper protocols throughout the procedure. 

Surgical technologists also play an important role in communicating with the patient before and after the procedure. They may help to explain the procedure to the patient and answer any questions they may have. After the procedure, they may assist in transferring the patient to the recovery room and ensuring that they are comfortable and stable. 

Bottom Line

In conclusion, surgical technologists are an essential part of the surgical team, playing a vital role in ensuring that surgeries run smoothly and safely. They are responsible for maintaining a sterile environment, assisting the surgeon during the procedure, and advocating for patient safety. Without surgical technologists, surgeries would be much more difficult and dangerous.  

Looking for a Surgical Technologist position? 

MLee Healthcare can help with your recruiting needs. Our state-of-the-art recruiting and staffing techniques, combined with decades of experience, enable us to provide a wealth of knowledge regarding healthcare professionals. At MLee Healthcare, we can help answer your questions and find your next great opportunity. As a nationally ranked travel nurse agency that adheres to the highest standards, we have your best experience in mind. Contact us now to learn more.