Surgical technologist career

Surgical technologist career

Surgical technologists are also known as surgical technicians, scrubs or operating room technicians. They aid in surgeries under the key eyes of registered nurses, surgeons or additional operational medical personnel. These technologists are members of surgery room groups, which usually comprise of anesthesiologists, nurses and surgeons (Fakhry, 2003)

Prior to a medical surgery, surgical technologists assist in preparing the surgery room by organizing surgical equipment and instruments, sterile solutions and drapes. They are usually in charge of assembling both sterilized and non-sterilized apparatus and make certain that the equipment is working appropriately.

Additionally, surgical technologists are the tasked with getting patients ready for surgery by disinfecting, shaving and thoroughly washing the incision spots. They also take the patients to the operating rooms and place them on the surgery tables, as well as help the surgical group with wearing sterilized gloves and gowns. Their other role is to check the patients’ critical signs and charts (Fakhry, 2003)

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Throughout the surgery, surgical technologists pass the necessary instruments such as needles, count sponges and other sterilized equipments to the surgeons and their assistants. Additionally, they aid in organizing and getting rid of specimens taken for lab scrutiny and help in dressing wounds. Surgical analysts also aid to relocate the patient to the recovery room after an operation and sanitize and refill the operating room with the necessary supplies (Caruthers & Price, 2001)

The profession of surgical technologists is always on the rise because of the rising number of surgeries taking place allover. Thus, the number of surgical operations is anticipated to grow as the population of those needing surgery grows. In addition, advancement in technology such as laser technology has introduced new procedures in the field of medicine, thus an increase in surgical operations (Fakhry, 2003)

Surgical technologists have always been employed by hospitals worldwide, though they are also been hired in doctors clinics and private surgical centers. Technologists progress by concentrating in certain areas of surgeries such as open-heart surgery and neurosurgery. They may be employed possibly as circulating technologists, the ‘unsterilized’ affiliates of the surgical personnel who aid in anesthesia, set up patients, find and open packages for ‘sterilized’ personnel to take out the contents during surgical procedures (Fakhry, 2003)

Through supplementary training, some surgical technologists proceed to become first assistants, who aid in sponging, suturing, retracting, finishing and treating wounds as well as cauterizing bleeders (Caruthers & Price, 2001). Some of them also administer supply sectors in medical facilities or run sterile supply services (Fakhry, 2003). According to (Caruthers & Price, 2001), mean annual salaries of surgical technologists range from $35,000 to $55,200 in the year 2009.

Surgical technologists receive their relevant training from programs found in community colleges, universities, military and hospitals. The coursework details classroom training and supervised medical experience (Fakhry, 2003). After completing training, they obtain professional certification from bodies such as, the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologists. Many employers like to hire technologists with good certification (Fakhry, 2003)

Surgical technologists are very important and they cannot be underestimated, for example, contamination in the operating room can have dire consequences like putting a patient’s life on danger. However, surgical technologist must be able to think quickly and be always calm to avoid unnecessary mistakes in the operating room.

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Career

A licensed vocational nurse is also known as a Licensed Practical Nurse. This nurse works under the strict direction of doctors and registered nurses. A LVN takes care of the injured, disabled and ill patients. A licensed vocational nurse is usually in charge of checking blood pressure, monitoring perfusions, giving injections, applying dressings, blood transfusions, and checking patients for any reactions because of prescribed medication (McDonald, 2003). A LVN nurse is also responsible for feeding patients, fluid intake, gathering samples for testing, and routine laboratory analysis. A LVN is also in charge of overseeing the nursing subordinates. However, the laws in different states differ with the job capabilities of a licensed vocational nurse. In some states, a licensed vocational nurse can start IVs and prescribe medication but in others, one cannot do this unless there is a registered nurse or doctor supervising (McDonald, 2003)

For one to become a LVN, one must complete an approved training program by the state and excel the licensing exam known as N-CLEXPN (Turner, 2007). The training program is offered at medical colleges, community colleges, technical schools and licensed vocational schools (Turner, 2007). The duration of the training is usually one year and is usually divided into two semesters; each semester has sixteen weeks, with around thirty hours a week for theory and clinical modules. It takes place at a lecture room setting and in medical institutions for clinical practice. The lecture room involves basic nursing and patient care from physiology and anatomy as well as first aid and administration of medication. The clinical practice evolves around practice in the hospital, but it can also be at another medical setting. After successful completion of the training program, one must excel in a special test. However, qualifications for one to become a LVN vary from state to state but the minimum requirement is a high school diploma or a GED (Turner, 2007)

Licensed Vocational Nurses in most cases work in medical organizations for example nursing homes, private physician clinics and offices, hospitals, surgical centers and long- term care institutions. Additionally, the most vital perquisite for LVN to start working is the active LVN license and confirmation of one-year experience. In addition to this, they provide fundamental services executed by registered nurses. According to (McDonald, 2003), a LVN is usually paid $15-$26 per hour and roughly $34,000-$47,000 annually, which little by little increases with experience in this field. This career requires a lot of commitment, accountability and lots of effort but the results are often financially rewarding, as well as superb job security. LVN can expect to be standing almost throughout as their job details a lot of this as well as superb bedside manner because they work with the patients on a personal level (McDonald, 2003).

Licensed Vocational Nurses’ positions are in most cases in high demand especially in hospitals and nursing homes. Most of these nurses are satisfied with their jobs and they usually go on to become registered nurses through LVN to RN (registered nurse) undergraduate programs (Turner, 2007)

COVER SHEET

Name: ………….

Address: ……….

…………………..

Date: ……………

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Ref: Application for the surgical technologist position

In reply to your classified ad about the surgical technologist position in your medical institution, I am attaching my resume for your thorough perusal. Please regard this letter as my official application for the above position.

I have just graduated from the New York Medical Centre with a degree in surgical technology. I passed with the First Class Honors and I subsequently held an internship position at the same institution for a period of six months where I gained some notable experience.

Throughout my training at the University, I won many awards ranging from educative to sports.

Please arrange for an interview to discuss my credentials in detail. I am open for an interview at any time.

Thank you in advance.

Yours sincerely,

Name: ………

REFERENCES

Caruthers, B and Price, P. (2001). Surgical technology for the surgical technologists: a positive approach. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.

Fakhry, S. (2003). The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care. Retrieved on March 18th 2010 from http://www.mayo.edu/mshs/surg-career.html.

McDonald, M. (2003). Review Guide for LPN/ LVN Pre-Entrance Exam. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Retrieved on March 18th 2010 from http://www.nurse-training-info.com/

Turner, S. (2007). The nursing Career Planning Guide. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.