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Have you ever seen footage of surgeries

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and wondered who all those people

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in the operating room were?

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Surgical technologists and surgical assistants

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ensure the operating room is ready

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for each procedure, and work under

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the direction of surgeons

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to assist with surgical procedures.

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Surgical technologists and assistants know

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the terminology and tools needed

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for many different types of surgeries.

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They prepare the equipment and supplies,

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and assist the surgical team to scrub

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and put on gloves, masks, and sterile gowns.

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During the operation, they make

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sure surgeons have the instruments

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they request at a moment’s notice.

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They may hold retractors, cut sutures,

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and apply or assist with applying bandages,

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then transfer patients to recovery.

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They are also responsible for counting

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sponges, needles and other instruments

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before and after the operation.

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In addition to technologist tasks,

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surgical assistants may operate

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suction equipment or suture a wound.

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Surgical technologists and assistants

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work in hospitals and

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outpatient surgery centers.

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Their work environment requires

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a comfort level with blood,

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body fluids, and critically ill patients.

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They sometimes work overnight shifts,

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or are on call for emergencies.

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Surgical technologists need a

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certificate or associate’s degree

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in surgical technology.

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Surgical assistants typically have

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experience as a surgical technologist

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or have completed a formal

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education program in surgical assisting.

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Surgical technologists’ work spans

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from the mundane and routine

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to urgent and critical,

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all with the focus on

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saving lives and aiding healing.