Surgical technologists assist in surgeries under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel. They are members of operating-room teams that include surgeons, anesthesiologists and circulating nurses. Before operations, surgical technologists help prepare operating rooms by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment and ensure it is working properly. Surgical technologists also prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to operating rooms, help position them on operating tables and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Surgical technologists also observe patients’ vital signs, check charts and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves. During surgery, they pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures and help count sponges, needles, supplies and instruments.
Surgical technologists help prepare, care for and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and assist in applying dressings. Some surgical technologists operate sterilizers, lights or suction machines and assist with diagnostic equipment. Surgical technologists may also help transfer patients to recovery rooms following surgery and clean and restock operating rooms.
