Surgical Technologists — Tasks

Task statements

• Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
• Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
• Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
• Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
• Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
• Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
• Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
• Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
• 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.
• Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
• Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, or glucose, for use during operations.
• Schedule surgical procedures for patients.
• Order surgical supplies.
• Maintain files and records of surgical procedures.
• Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.
• Transport patients to and from the operating room.