National Surgical Technologist Week - Saying Thank You!
Surgical Techs are essential members of the patient care team. Find out why these dedicated professionals deserve more than a week of honor!
For seven days every September, the nation honors the contributions that surgical technologists make to healthcare teams across the country; this year, it's September 17th to 23rd. While their profession may be less well-known than many other healthcare roles, the services they provide are vital to the positive outcomes of thousands of surgery patients each day. Here’s why these dedicated professionals have earned a week in which they are honored.
Why is a Surgical Tech's Job So Important?
In addition to performing peripheral – and critical – support tasks, surgical technologists often engage in direct work with patients and physicians during a procedure. They help the surgeon and other team members put on their aseptic gowns and gloves and prepare the incision site. The surgeon may call upon the OR tech to hold tissue out of the way with retractors or to perform suctioning to improve visibility in the working
area. Afterwards, the surgical technologist is often the one to transport the patient to the recovery room.
A word from a few of our traveling Surg Techs:
A good recruiter is kind of like having a family member you haven’t really met. They’re a person you can always reach out to ... our contacts at American Traveler are straight shooters. I like that.” - Mike M., CST
“I made Mike start traveling. Our kids were grown and we’d spent years at the same hospital. It was time to get out there and see the world.” - Jennifer M., CST
"Changing careers in my late thirties was scary but the best thing I could've done. Becoming a surgical technologist has given me the opportunity to work with amazing, like minded individuals who want to do their best to put the patient first. I go to work every day knowing that I will make someone's life better by doing my job well. Surgical techs work so hard to make sure that every detail is planned out and that every surgery will go off without a hitch! I appreciate all the hard working, dedicated, talented professionals that keep the OR in tip top shape so we can give our patients A-number 1 care every surgery every day! Aeger Primo! Happy Surgical Technologist week!" - Jackie M., Surgical Tech
"I remember when I was a teenager watching surgeries on the Discovery Channel and thinking how amazing it was, and now I get to do that every day! The patient may not see or remember us, but we have such a vital role in their surgical experience. Our satisfaction comes from knowing we're doing all we can to make each patient's surgery safe and smooth. I love the trust the surgical team has in each other, figuring out solutions to difficult and often stressful situations, the variety of specialties I'm able to do, and the opportunity to continually challenge myself and learn new advances in technology. It's a unique role we have as a Surgical Tech and I'm so grateful and proud to be one!" - Amy L., Surgical Tech
"I've had the best experience with American Traveler. My recruiter made himself available from beginning to end. There was never an issue that he didn't fix. Always returned phone calls, texts, and emails in a timely manner! He always went above and beyond what was expected of him, and that is why he is an awesome recruiter! I also had the pleasure of working with some wonderful people on my current Williamsburg, VA assignment!" - Tamara C., Surgical Tech
National Surgical Technologists Week is a great time to consider a career in this crucial allied healthcare field. Without the vital knowledge and precise actions of the surgical technologist, today’s surgery teams would not be able to carry out their increasingly sophisticated jobs. Professionals already working in this field may find the prospect of becoming a
traveling surgical tech appealing as they can provide their high-level skills in a diversity of locations.
There are lots of ways to recognize the hard work of your surgical tech colleagues. From a simple, "Thank you, you're awesome!" ... to a selection of items available at (mostly online) vendors. And if you are an operating room tech, this is a great week to wear your professional pride in the form of t-shirt, badge holder, or other surgical tech swag. Thank you, techs, for everything you do. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Last Modified On: Sep 18, 2024
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