For the last 9 years I have been a Product specialist for two major orthopedic manufactures. As a product specialist I gained expert knowledge of all joint replacements implants, their proper use and limitations as well as which products have the best outcomes and which grew out of marketing hype. I have become acquainted with the top surgeons in the fields of Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement Surgeries as well as the most current and effective approaches with these types of surgeries. I am in the operating room on a daily basis representing the manufacturer as an expert on the implants and the proper and most effective ways to use the instruments.
For 12 years I was a Certified Surgical Technologist and Certified First Assist. The following is a generic overview of what I did as a technologist and what it takes to become a technologist. I personally received my training in the U.S. Navy.
A surgical technologist performs a variety of duties to assist surgeons, nurses and other surgical personnel in the course of surgical operations. A surgical technologist's duties include preparing surgical equipment and instruments, preparing the patient for surgery and transporting the patient to the operating room. Many surgical technologists also assist physicians and nurses with the sterile gowns and gloves.
During surgery, a surgical technologist assists the operating personnel by passing surgical instruments to them and keeping count of supplies, such as sponges, needles and other instruments. They may also cut sutures, apply dressings and operate some of the diagnostic equipment. After surgery, a technologist will likely restock the operating room and sterilize it. Some technologists also help transport the patient out of the operating room.
Universities, hospitals and community and junior colleges, as well as military and vocational schools, train students for a position as a surgical technologist. Generally, these programs last nine to 24 months and involve both classroom study and clinical experience. Students study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, professional ethics and medical terminology, among other topics. Other topics that are covered in a surgical technologist training program include sterilizing techniques, patient safety and infection control and prevention.
Surgical technologists should have good dexterity and be quick with responses. It is also important for a surgical technologist to be orderly and emotionally stable, as some situations are critical. They must also be able to stand for long periods of time without complications and should not be bothered by the sights and smells of medical procedures.
Two organizations in the U.S. certify surgical technologists. By graduating from an accredited program and passing a national exam, administered by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist, a technologist can use the Certified Surgical Technologist designation. The National Center for Competency Testing also certifies surgical technologists who have on-the-job training, as well as those who have graduated from an accredited school. If the surgical technologist passes the required exam, he or she may use the Tech in Surgery-Certified designation.
Most surgical technologists work in hospitals and have a 40-hour work week, which may include nights, weekends and holidays. Some work for physicians and dentists who perform outpatient surgery.
I decided to write this blog as a counter to some of the false and misleading information I've seen on the web. I hope that the information found on this blog is seen as a useful tool to help those looking for more information concerning Joint Replacement Surgery.
The information provided on this blog is in no way intended to substitute the advise of a Medical Doctor or Orthopedic Surgeon. This blog does not provide medical diagnosis or prognosis of any illnesses or injuries.
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