Scrubs, operating or surgical room technicians, surgery techs, surgical technologist, surgical techs, whatever terminology a person may use, all these words refer to surgical technicians.
Contrary to popular belief, the success of a surgery does not only lie in the hands of the surgeon.
The competence and diligence of surgical technicians also play a huge role in determining the outcome of the procedure.
Surgical technicians are essential and important members of the surgical or operating room team, which is generally composed of circulating nurses, surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Their primary function is to lend much-needed assistance to surgeons during surgery in the operating room.
During the surgery, they help pass instruments and supplies, count needles and sponges, hold retractors, and cut sutures.
Before the start of an operation, these members already step into the picture.
They prepare the room where the operation is about to take place.
They set up sterile drapes, sterile solutions as well as the equipment and instruments that will be utilized for the procedure.
Aside from this, they assemble non-sterile and sterile equipment, adjust, and check the various machinery to ensure that all are working properly.
These individuals interact with patients, as they are responsible for getting them ready for the surgery.
They see to it that the patients undergo shaving and washing and they also disinfect the incision sites.
They transport or bring a sick person to the room, aid in positioning them while on the table and then cover them with the use of surgical drapes.
In addition, they check charts and observe vital signs.
After an overview of the tasks performed, it goes without saying that a person who aspires to be one must have keen attention even to very small details.
He or she must also be fit enough to stand for long periods of time while staying alert during the procedure.
Also, an iron stomach is required because he or she will be exposed to unsightly materials and odors and unpleasant sights.
A quick mind, a cool head, good vision and hearing and manual dexterity are just some of the other attributes that an aspirant must possess.
Although the path to becoming a surgical technician is not easy, the good news is that the education required to be one is available in a lot of channels.
Training can be obtained at junior and community colleges, hospitals and universities.
A person can get a diploma by undergoing a program that usually takes about five quarters to conclude.
There are also two-year associate courses for an individual to earn a degree.
People with this job lead a very rewarding and fulfilling career.
Employment opportunities for these positions have surged in popularity in the recent years.
Most hospitals employ them for delivery and operating rooms.
Although the salary is affected by a lot of variable such as the type of employer and geographical location, it is accepted that the figure can allow an individual to lead a decent lifestyle.
Like any other career, this number is also influenced by a person's education, skill, training and level of experience.