Demonstrate procedures of a surgical technologist from start to finish in a perioperative setting.

Demonstration should reflect the ability to scrub with minimal help and assist throughout the perioperative setting, to include

• establishing and maintaining the sterile field
• transporting and moving the patient as needed
• ensuring the availability of necessary instruments and supplies
• ensuring the availability and maintenance of necessary equipment
• anticipating the needs of the surgical team
• passing instruments as needed
• counting supplies and equipment
• assuring correct needle and sponge counts with the surgeon and circulator
• performing clean-up and sterilization functions after the operation
• communicating effectively with the surgical team and other medical professionals
• communicating effectively with patients and their families
• following facility-specific protocol
• adhering to all safety rules and regulations
• adhering to ethical standards (e.g., surgical conscience, time-outs).

Process/Skill Questions:

• How is the surgical technologist’s role pivotal in the operating room?
• What skills does the surgical technologist need to simultaneously keep track of equipment, instruments, supplies (particularly needles and sponges), surgical team needs and movements, and the integrity of the sterile field throughout the perioperative process?
• Why does a surgical technologist need to have a strong understanding of human anatomy? Of surgical procedures?