Surgical Technology: The Profession and the Professional
Historical Origins of the Surgical Technology Profession
Surgical technology is recognized as an allied health profession with a distinct historical trajectory.
Period Before World War II (WWII): * The Registered Nurse (RN) traditionally filled the role of the surgical assistant. * The primary duty of nursing personnel in the operating room was focused on instrument preparation. * Nurses were also responsible for assisting with the administration of ether (anesthesia).
Period After World War II (WWII): * There was a significant increase in the clinical demand for Operating Room (OR) personnel. * A severe nursing shortage occurred during this post-war expansion. * As a solution, corpsmen were trained specifically to assist in surgical interventions.
The Era of the Korean War: * The nursing shortage continued to persist throughout this conflict. * Professional roles shifted such that corpsmen often circulated while nurses performed the scrub role. * The Association of Operating Room Technicians (AORT) was developed during this period. * Formalized training programs for the profession began to be established during this time.
Evolution of the Surgical Technology Profession and Leadership
In , the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) founded the Association of Operating Room Technicians (AORT).
Key developmental agencies involved in the profession's growth included: * The Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST). * The Joint Review Committee on Education.
In , the first professional certifying examination was officially administered.
In , the AORT transitioned into its modern identity as the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). * During this transition, the title for practitioners changed from "certified technician" to "certified surgical technologist" (CST).
Roles and Primary Responsibilities of the Surgical Technologist
Scrub Role (Surgical Technologist Scrub Role - STSR): * The STSR is a member of the sterile team and functions as a scrubbed, gowned, and gloved participant in surgery. * This role delivers direct surgical care. * Core tasks include the establishment and preparation of the sterile field. * The STSR prepares and passes instruments, supplies, medications, and equipment during the surgical procedure. * The STSR is responsible for the protection and active maintenance of the sterile field.
Circulator or Assistant Circulator Role: * This position is defined as a "nonsterile" team member. * The surgical technologist (ST) shares some, but not all, responsibilities of the Registered Nurse (RN), and these responsibilities vary based on individual state regulations. * Specific tasks may include: * Delivering and preparing nonsterile equipment. * Distributing and opening sterile supplies to members of the sterile team. * Assisting with the transfer and positioning of the patient. * Performing urinary catheterization. * Performing the surgical skin preparation.
Second Assistant Responsibilities: * Specific tasks often performed include tissue retraction. * Performing suctioning to maintain visibility. * Maintaining hemostasis. * Assembling and placing wound suction devices at the closure of the procedure. * Applying final wound dressings.
Other Perioperative Responsibilities: * Performing emergency duty as required. * Detailed preparation of surgical instruments and specialized equipment. * Engagement in direct patient care. * Taking on leadership and management roles within the facility. * Serving as a Preceptor (teacher/mentor) for new staff or students.
Professional Organizations and Accrediting Agencies
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST): * This organization provides the professional Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and the Code of Conduct.
ARC/STSA (Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting): * This council recommends the accreditation of surgical technology educational programs.
CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs): * This agency is responsible for officially granting program accreditation.
ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools): * This body is a nonprofit accrediting group recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting): * This is the official certifying body for the vocation of surgical technology.
Education, Certification, and Continuing Studies
Educational Pathways: * Short certificate programs typically last between and months. * Two-year (-year) college degree programs are also available.
Professional Certification: * Certification is obtained through the NBSTSA. * To sit for the exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Continuing Education (CE): * CE credits must be consistently earned to maintain professional certification status. * All CE credit activities and regulatory information are documented on the official AST website.
Professional Behavior, Characteristics, and Career Opportunities
The Concept of a Professional: * Professionals exhibit specific behaviors that others recognize and respect. * Becoming a professional is a standardized process that all health care providers undergo.
Characteristics of a Professional: * Integrity and Truthfulness. * Self-regulation and Perspective. * Commitment and Politeness. * Tact and discretion. * Strict attention to personal hygiene and physical appearance. * Respect for rules, regulations, and legislative laws.
Career Opportunities for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): * Facility-based technologist. * Military service practitioner. * Specialty surgical practices. * Certified Surgical Technologist–Certified First Assistant (CST-CFA). * Educator and clinical instructor. * Medical industry representative. * Materials processing management.
Ethics in Surgical Practice and Employment Preparation
Professional Ethics for Health Care Workers: * Respecting human individuality and the uniqueness of every patient. * Practicing the profession with empathy. * Practicing and upholding equal rights for all individuals. * Respecting all confidences entrusted to the practitioner by the patient. * Respecting the free will of the patient. * Adhering to the principle of "Do no harm." * The cultivation and maintenance of a Surgical Conscience.
Ethical Challenges and Workplace Dilemmas: * Impairment in the workplace: Healthcare professionals have a legal and ethical responsibility to report suspected impairment of a coworker or to seek treatment themselves. * Refusal to perform assigned tasks or refusal to work with specific individuals. * Ethical Dilemma Definition: A personal conflict arising from the need to make a decision based on choices that are not completely acceptable.
Preparation for Employment: * Steps for success include preparing a professional resume, researching prospective employers, and listing professional references. * Practitioners should practice applying for jobs and prepare extensively for the interview process.
Questions & Discussion
This section serves as a prompt for interaction and clarification regarding Lesson (The Surgical Technologist) and Lesson (Becoming a Surgical Technologist).