Chapter 1: Surgical Technology the Profession and the Professional


Overview

A Surgical Technologist is part of a larger health sector called Allied Health Professionals, these professionals contribute to the well being and health of the patient through technical expertise and patient care.

History 

The need for other types of surgical assistants rose in World War II. In World War I, surgery was not performed on the battlefield, but with the development of antibiotics, surgeons could now perform surgeries on those who were injured and a need for assistants to the surgeons were now needed. In the army they were referred to as ORT’s or operating room technicians. In 1967 there was a need for regulation in training these personnel, the AORN or Association of Operating Room Nurses published a training manual “Teaching the Operating Room Technician. In 1968 the board of directors of AORN created the AORT or Association of Operating Room Technicians, which led proper training at proprietary schools, or a for-profit private school. In 1973 the AORT became independent and changed its name to Association of Surgical Technologists AST. 

Surgical Technologist’s Role

A CST is a certified surgical technologist with varying roles depending on the surgical facility and individual surgical technologist’s specialization. The CST role includes: 

  • Scrub Role - sterile team member 

Includes hand and arm antisepsis, dons sterile gowns and gloves and actively participates in surgery. Assists in well defined tasks as needed for the specific procedure. This role can be also filled with RNs, LVNs, and LPNs. Protects the sterile field from contamination and communicates effectively with the surgeon to prevent errors to ensure the team and patients safety.

  • Assistant Circulator - non sterile team member 

An ST in the circulator role. Direct patient care, does not touch any sterile instruments or supplies. Obtains, delivers and prepares non sterile equipment. Opens sterile instruments in a way that prevents them from contamination. Positions the patient, assists the anesthesia care provider, and receives tissues and specimens for preparation for the pathologist. Diagnostic procedures, patient chart checks, makes preparations for next surgery on schedule, skin prep, and urinary catheterization. 

  • Second Assistant 

Tissue retraction, Uses suction and surgical sponges to maintain a dry surgical wound. Assists with homeostasis as directed by the surgeon. Assembles and attaches wound suction devices at close of surgery. Applies wound dressings at the close of surgery. Steadies and maintains the position of insertion tube during endoscopic surgery. Irrigates the surgical wound when required. 

  • Emergency Duty 

A ST that works at a hospital might be “on call” which means they need to be available outside of working hours.

  • Preparation of Surgical Instruments 

Cleaning, disinfecting, sterilization, assembly and storage of surgical instruments. 

  • Patient Care 

Direct patient care, including psychological support. Eliminate risk factors for the patient to keep them safe.

  • Leadership & Management 

Opportunities for experienced STs include team lead and management 

  • Preceptor 

STs may be asked to help teach students or recently graduated STs.

Certification 

An ST is usually trained in a 9-12 month program or a 2 year associate degree. The NBSTSA or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting provides the credentials for certification. Continuing Education Credits are required to maintain a certification as a ST. 

Required Skills 

  • Organizational Skills 

  • Manual Dexterity 

  • Problem Solving 

  • Time Management 

  • People Skills 

Affiliated Organizations

  • AST - Association of Surgical Technologists 

  • ARC/STSA - Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting 

  • ABHES -  Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

  • ASA - Association of Surgical Assistants 

  • CAAHEP - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

  • FFST - Foundation for Surgical Technology 

  • NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting 

  • JC - The Joint Commission

Careers for the Surgical Technologist 

  • Facility or Specialty 

  • First Assistant 

  • Medical Industry Representative 

  • Materials Processing Management 

  • Military 

Characteristics of a Professional 

  • Integrity 

  • Self Regulation 

  • Truthfulness 

  • Commitment 

  • Politeness

  • Tact & Discretion 

  • Attention to Personal Hygiene and Appearance 

  • Respect for rules, regulations, and laws

  • Perspective 

Professional Ethics for Health Care Workers 

  • Respect Human Individuality and Uniqueness 

  • Practice Your Profession with Empathy 

  • Practice Equal Rights 

  • Respect all confidences entrusted in you 

  • Respect the free will of a patient 

  • Do No Harm 

  • Surgical Conscience 

  • Impairment in the workplace

  • Refusal to perform an assigned task 

  • Refusal to work with a specific individual 

  • Ethical Dilemmas 

  • Professional Code of Ethics