During surgery, they pass instruments and other sterile supplies to the surgeons and the surgeons' assistants. They hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count the sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments used during the operation. Surgical technicians help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis during the operation and help apply dressings. They may operate sterilizers, lights, suction machines, and assist with the operation of diagnostic equipment. After the operation, surgical technicians may help transfer patients to the recovery room and assist nurses in cleaning and stocking the operating room for the next operation.
Surgical technicians work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments.
They need stamina to be on their feet the whole time they are on duty and to pay close attention to detail during operations. Most surgery is performed during the day, but some work places, such as emergency surgical units, require 24-hour coverage. Employment Surgical technicians held about 36,000 jobs in 1990. In a few regions of the country, technicians known as private scrubs are employed directly by surgeons. Most, however, are employed by hospitals and other places that have operating room, delivery room, and emergency room facilities.