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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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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
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.
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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