Surgical Technologists

Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.

Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.

Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.

Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.

Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.

Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.

Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.

Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.

Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.

Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.

Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.

Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.

Order surgical supplies.

Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.

Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.

Maintain files and records of surgical procedures.

Schedule surgical procedures for patients.

Transport patients to and from the operating room.