A Day in the Life of a Surgical Technologist
Learn About the Duties, Schedule, and Challenges of Working as a Surgical Technologist
Have you ever wondered what activities happen in an operating room (OR) during major surgical procedures, such as open-heart surgery or a cesarean section? Have you ever considered what it might be like to work in an OR?
If you answered yes to one or both of the above questions, then you’ve come to the right place.
The reality is that you don’t have to become a surgeon to join a surgical team in the OR. In fact, the role of a Surgical Tech revolves around activities in the operating room—before, during, and after surgical procedures. In this position, you’re a crucial part of the surgical team, preparing the OR for safe and efficient surgical procedures. But what else does the job entail?
In this article, we’ll explore various daily tasks and responsibilities that a Surgical Technologist performs throughout their workday.
To prepare yourself for a career as a Surgical Tech, you may want to read How to Become a Surgical Technologist. You can also check out other jobs that made our list of the 20 Best Entry-Level Medical Jobs.
Clocking in as a Surgical Technologist
Starting your workday as a Surgical Tech requires mental preparation, as the profession demands a consistent blend of physical endurance and mental alertness.
Upon clocking in, the initial task is to examine the surgical schedule and ensure the availability of every instrument that might be needed. Strict attention to detail is paramount, and your primary focus should be on maintaining a sterile environment.
Key practices when starting a shift in the OR involve taking the following steps:
- Change into Surgical Scrubs and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A surgical cap, shoe covers, and a mask should be worn the entire time you’re working in an operating room—to minimize exposure to hazards that could cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Scrub in: Scrubbing in refers to rigorously washing all parts of your hands and fingers for several minutes before entering the OR.
- Damp Dust the Room: Wiping down all surfaces in the operating room ensures that the number of microbes is decreased and that no dust has settled in the OR overnight.
- Check and Test Equipment: Based on the surgeries scheduled for the day, ensure you have all the equipment needed, such as lights, surgical packs, instrumentation, and trays.
Remember: You’re responsible for requesting items from partnering departments (i.e., sterile processing or vendors) if they’re missing.
Typical Surgical Technologist Schedule
Most Surgical Technologists in 2024 (71%) work full-time in hospitals, although some also work in outpatient care centers or doctors’ offices. These techs may work the day or night shift in a hospital (up to 12-hour shifts) or a regular 8-hour shift. Keep in mind that schedules can vary by facility, with typical arrangements being 3 12-hour shifts (36 hours) or 4 10-hour shifts (40hours).
As a Surgical Tech, you may assist surgeons during routine procedures such as an appendectomy or tonsillectomy. Alternatively, you might be involved in more critical surgeries—especially if you work in a specialized area such as trauma. There may even be instances where you assist with several surgeries simultaneously.
If you choose to specialize, then you’ll focus on a specific type of surgery in areas such as OB/GYN, orthopedics, urology, cardiothoracic, neurology, transplants, etc. Read our article on the 8 Best Specialties in Surgical Technology to learn more.
What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
Daily Duties and Responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist
As a Surgical Technologist, everything you do revolves around the operating room—before, during, and after surgery. The daily duties you’ll perform can be broken down into these three categories:
Pre-Operative Duties
As part of your pre-operative duties, you’ll collect, unpack, and organize surgical kits, which include the tools and supplies needed for each scheduled surgery. You’ll set up the back table, and Mayo stands with instruments and supplies—and ensure the preparation of any other surgical equipment required. You’ll also help prepare patients for surgery.
Core responsibilities include:
- Preparing operating rooms for surgery
- Sterilizing equipment and ensuring adequate supplies
- Readying patients for surgery, washing, and disinfecting incision sites
Intra-Operative Duties
Before surgery, you’ll report a start count (also known as an initial count or baseline count). This refers to the essential process of carefully tallying all surgical items, like sponges, sharps (needles, blades), and instruments—prior to the incision being made on the patient.
You’ll subsequently pass instruments to the surgeon during the procedure. Maintaining clear communication with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff is also your responsibility. Additionally, you may help perform simple procedures, such as aiding in the irrigation of an incision.
Core responsibilities include:
- Counting surgical instruments to ensure all are accounted for
- Passing instruments and other sterile supplies to the surgeon
- Directly assisting surgeons in performing tasks like suction of the incision site
- Preparing for unexpected complications and being prepared to respond accordingly
Post-Operative Duties
Post-surgery, you may be asked to load and cut sutures and apply bandages. After verifying counts, you’ll remove instruments and supplies (including any biohazardous waste) and then restock the OR. You may also help to safely transport the patient to a recovery bed as their post-operative care begins.
Core responsibilities include:
- Applying bandages and other dressings to the incision site
- Transferring patients to recovery rooms and beds
- Restocking the operating room supplies after a procedure
Clocking Out as a Surgical Technologist
As your shift concludes and another Surgical Tech is set to take over, it’s your responsibility to complete any outstanding tasks and ensure that the operating room is ready for the incoming shift.
If surgery is about to start, you may need to recount instruments with the next Surgical Tech. You’ll also want to confirm that any paperwork from your shift is signed and sent to the correct destinations such as pathology or the blood bank. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that all pertinent information related to schedules, patients, or supplies is passed on to the next tech.
Beyond the OR, you may participate in quality improvement initiatives.
The Challenges of Surgical Technology
The role of a Surgical Technologist comes with its own set of challenges.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the physical demands of the position—including standing on your feet for extended periods, relocating supplies, and lifting or transporting patients.
There’s also a significant amount of mental and emotional stress associated with the profession. You may face the risk of encountering various health hazards, such as being exposed to a highly infectious disease. Additionally, a surgical team could run into unforeseen complications during surgery. Moreover, you’ll often witness pain and suffering—and sometimes even death.
To alleviate stress, Surgical Techs must implement self-care measures, such as taking breaks, seeking support, and finding healthy ways to manage stress (e.g., deep breathing, regular exercise, etc.)
Start Your Journey as a Surgical Tech
Now that you’ve learned about a day in the life of a Surgical Tech, does it sound like a career you’d like to pursue?
If so, imagine yourself as a vital surgical team member—communicating and collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses during critical surgeries. If this sounds intriguing and presents a challenge, you’re willing to undertake, then you’ll be pleased to learn that you can complete a Surgical Technologist program in as little as two years! The accelerated program at Brookline College can be completed in as little as 90 weeks.
It’s evident that working as a Surgical Technologist is a demanding profession; however, great satisfaction arises from making a positive difference in the lives of patients—while also supporting your colleagues in various and significant ways.
Learn more about the Surgical Technology Program at Brookline College today.
