A Day in the Life of a Surgical Technician

Have you ever seen footage of a surgery and wondered who all those people in the operating room were? Well, as a surgical technologist, I'm one of them. Even though the surgeon has an important duty, the truth is that surgical technologists and surgical assistants are also critical to the surgery's success. We prepare equipment and supplies, ensure the operating room is ready for each procedure, and assist with various tasks at the surgeon's request. 

What Does a Surg Tech Do Exactly?

In the morning, I began by counting every tool, sponge, and needle needed for a hip surgery. You wouldn't believe how many different types of tools there were: Tissue forceps, Bonney forceps, Adson forceps, and many more. Fortunately, I learned them all quickly in my Medical Terminology and Systems course. Once the surgeon arrived, I helped him don his sterile gown, mask, and gloves. Now, we were ready to start.

Whenever the surgeon asked for a tool, I was ready with it. Our mutual trust and coordination allowed the procedure to continue quickly and smoothly. Comfortable with my progress, the surgeon asked me to assist with suctioning the patient's blood and suturing the wound. Although I used to be intimidated at the thought of suturing wounds on my own, it became my favorite aspect of the job. It reminds me of when I used to sew my doll's clothes as a child. The difference is that I now have the privilege of helping a real person—someone's aunt, neighbor, or friend—make a recovery. I concluded by counting all the tools again, and the surgery was complete. It was a huge success!

My job is never mundane. Each day brings a new patient and unique challenges to the table. Although this career requires me to be comfortable with critically ill patients, bodily fluids, and irregular work hours, the reward of seeing a patient heal makes the difficulties worth it. Whether I'm applying bandages, transferring patients, or holding a retractor, I know that my work improves countless lives.

If you desire a career that allows you to make a difference, look no further. Call 888.859.8225 or submit our Request Information form today to learn more about Stautzenberger College's surgical technologist program. Every day is a new chance to save a life

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