Professional Responsibilities and Relations Pages 7-15 CHAPTER 1 Professional Responsibilities and Relations Pages 7-15

The Field of Surgical Technology Surgical Technologist Allied health professional who works closely with the surgeon delivering patient care A health care professional is anyone who has special training and education in a given field

The Field of Surgical Technology Surgical Technologist Works as a member of the surgical team to ensure that the operative procedure is conducted under optimal conditions

Becoming a Surgical Technologist (Click Here) to Play Movie on Certification

Becoming a Surgical Technologist (Click Here) to Play Movie on AST

Characteristics Needed Able to work quickly and accurately Able to apply attention to detail Able to prioritize Stable temperament Manual dexterity and stamina

Surgical Case Management Preoperative: Prior to initiation of the surgical procedure Intraoperative: While procedure is being performed Postoperative: When surgical procedure is terminated

Members of the Surgical Team Nonsterile team members Any member of the surgical team not donned in sterile gown and gloves Circulator Anesthesia

Members of the Surgical Team Sterile team members Any member of the surgical team donned in sterile gown and gloves Surgeon Assistant Surgical Technologist

Role of the Surgical Technologist Maintain the sterile field Other duties include but not limited to: Gathering, opening sterile supplies Organizing sterile supplies Passing instruments Anticipating the surgeon’s needs Second assisting the surgeon

Role of the Surgical Technologist Cares for surgical specimens Applies sterile surgical drapes Prepares and handles pharmaceuticals at the surgical field Applies sterile dressings

Career Development and Opportunities Surgical Technology Instructor Program Director Surgical Assistant Medical Sales Traveling Surgical Technologist Technical Writing Medical Missions

Critical Principles Surgical technologists should hold the certification appropriate to each role Surgical technologists should meet educational, competency, and legal requirements State law and hospital policy should be followed without exception

Professional Organization Association of Surgical Technologists Goals Promote formal education Continuing education Legislative efforts Ensure highest quality of patient care