Surg.Tech VS Scrub Nurse

[nessajune21]

What can a scrub nurse do that a surgical tech. can't?

I understand that a surg. tech works under an RN, but as far as tasks performed during surgery- what skills is an RN allowed to perform that a surg. tech can't?

[Rezidentura]

A nurse who scrubs is doing the exact same things that a Scrub Technician does. Nurses don't generally take on expanded duties when they scrub compared to a tech.

[NabiRN, BSN, RN]

If the nurse is certified to be a nurse first assist (RNFA), she/he can do more. Of course, there are certified surgical technologists (CSTs) who are first assists as well. The difference in scope of practice is determined by the facility. AORN has clear written guidelines for RNFA's. Nurses can give local injections but I don't think CSTs can do so.

[Scrubby]

In Australia a scrub nurse can also scout as well. They are more multi skilled than a technician. A scrub nurse also doesn't have to work under supervision.

[Lonman]

nessajune21 stated, "I understand that a surg. tech works under an RN". WHAT? You're joking right?

Not sure where you get your information from, but the surgical tech does not "work under the RN".

This statement can be found at the AST website;

The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe

and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the

supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that

equipment functions appropriately, and that the operative procedure is conducted under

conditions that maximize patient safety.

I just wanted to clarify.

Lonman

[shodobe]

nessajune21 stated, "I understand that a surg. tech works under an RN". WHAT? You're joking right?

Not sure where you get your information from, but the surgical tech does not "work under the RN".

This statement can be found at the AST website;

The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe

and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the

supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that

equipment functions appropriately, and that the operative procedure is conducted under

conditions that maximize patient safety.

I just wanted to clarify.

Lonman

Nice quote. But to clarify it a bit more, as the charge nurse of the department the ST is my responsibilty as everyone else who is on my shift. I am the ulmtimate responsible person and the ST can quote all they want but in the end if I want to send you home, home you go. No questions.

[shodobe]

Also, if you look at every product, medicine or procedure it ALWAYS states something about only being used under the direction of a medical doctor. Do you really think they really care. No! I think you are reading way to much into the AST statement and believe me, no RN or Charge is going to let a tech go independent on them just because of a vague statement. As any in any work, you have workers and you have supervisors. The supervisors direct and tell the workers what they are supposed to be doing that day. The same goes in the OR, you have your charge and you have your CNAs, STs, orderlys, etc.... THey all work under the supervision of the charge and that charge is the responsible person when the s**t hits the fan, believe it. The MD really could care less in many ways and most of the time won't be there for you when that happens!

[NabiRN, BSN, RN]

["The MD really could care less in many ways and most of the time won't be there for you when that happens"]

That's a whole different discussion by itself.

[shodobe]

["The MD really could care less in many ways and most of the time won't be there for you when that happens"]

That's a whole different discussion by itself.

That's for sure!

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

The St certainly *does* work *under* the RN.... as does the ORA's, the transporters, etc. I wish it werent true, but it is. When I sign my name to a correct count, and it isnt, its not the ST thats gonna be responsible. Its going to be ME.

[ewattsjt]

This reply is only for the USA as laws and guidelines in other countries vary.

With the exception of a few states, during a wrong count the ST or CST is held just a liable as the RN.

While there are some states with law with regard to the practice of surgical technology; most have no law governing the practice of surgical technology. In those states when a suite if filed; everyone who was in the room is named and things are sorted out during depositions. Since there is no regulatory boards for surgical technology (most states do not even require program accreditation or certification), they are sometimes dropped but also sometimes fried as an example. Typically the tech is dropped because they do not have anything worth going after.

The RN has a license and is regulated by a board in every state. They have rules that must be followed and the AORN recommended standard of practice is what is used for acceptable duties if no law or facility policy states what is in question. Since the RN has a license (something of value to loose and typically more malpractice insurance because of it, they are a better target (like a surgeon is a better target than a RN).

If a ST or CST is named in a lawsuit for most states; it is not the end for them as they don’t have as much to loose. They can simply move and take up the practice again (may have to be in another state) because there isn’t much regulation across the country with this profession.

Getting back to my point--- They are named and are responsible but not typically sought after.

[back2thebooks]

WHAT? You're joking right?

Not sure where you get your information from, but the surgical tech does not "work under the RN".

This statement can be found at the AST website;

The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe

and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the

supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that

equipment functions appropriately, and that the operative procedure is conducted under

conditions that maximize patient safety.

I just wanted to clarify.

Lonman

When I was looking into becoming a CST as I went to nursing school, I was also told (and witnessed first-hand) the CSTs working under RN's supervision.