Surgical Tech (CST)

Surgical Technician

The Surgical Technician prepares the operating room by sterilizing and setting up the necessary equipment for the procedure. Responsible for assembling all equipment and ensuring it functions properly. The Surgical Technician handles instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. The Surgical Technician has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.

Day to day

• Selects and checks case carts and preference cards for correct instrument pan(s), packs, sterile supplies, and additional items needed for the case to facilitate timely procedure start times and complete case set ups.
• Anticipates the need for special equipment and supplies before the procedure and requests it from the circulating nurse.
• Checks that instruments and equipment are in safe working order.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies during the procedure, while preparing for additional instrumentation, equipment, and supply needs throughout the procedure.
• Handles medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions as dispensed to the sterile field by a Registered Nurse for surgeon use.
• Identifies, selects, and performs correct decontamination, cleaning, and sterilization method for equipment and instrumentation for various surgical procedures. At the end of cases, cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.