Does anyone know about the OR tech. position.

[PopeJane3rd]

Can someone who works alongside surgical techs. and first assistants tell me what that kind of work is like?

[twentytenRN]

OR techs, aka Scrub Techs or Surgical Techs are responsible for the opening and setup of all sterile supplies to be used during a procedure. They then "scrub in" and dress in sterile gown and gloves and assist the surgeons first hand during the procedure. Assisting consists passing instruments, sutures and supplies, holding retractors, cutting suture or even helping to close the incision. The scrub tech is required to anticipate the needs of the surgeon(s) during the procedure and have a solid understanding of anatomy and the procedures being performed. The techs must account for all instruments, sutures, sponges, etc during the procedure are must count the supplies before, during and after the case with the circulating nurse. Outside of the OR the techs sometimes are responsible for ordering and stocking supplies or transferring patients. Some facilities have the techs clean and sterilize the instruments after the cases have ended for the day. They are not involved in nursing care and do not administer medications, although they may prepare certain medications on the sterile field. PM me if you have specific questions.

[Fiona59]

The OR Tech position in Canada is a post grad specialty for LPNs. Same course as RNs take minus one superivsory module. Scrub and circulate. No ordering of supplies.