Blog
The Role and Responsibilities of a Traveling Surgical Tech

The Role and Responsibilities of a Traveling Surgical Tech

By
Health Carousel Travel Nursing
Share this post

Surgical Tech Travel Jobs

In the intricate world of surgical procedures, the role of a surgical technologist, also known as a surgical tech or operating room tech, is indispensable. These skilled healthcare professionals form an integral part of the surgical team, collaborating closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses to establish and maintain safe and sterile operating room environments. Their meticulous responsibilities span from preparing surgical instruments and equipment to passing tools to surgeons in a sterile manner during procedures, showcasing a commitment to minimizing contamination risks.

As a leading staffing agency, Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health specializes in placing highly qualified surgical technologists and other allied health professionals into rewarding travel assignments at top healthcare facilities across the country.

What Do Surgical Techs Do?

A surgical technologist, also called a surgical tech or operating room tech, is a skilled healthcare professional who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses to ensure safe and sterile operating room environments. The primary responsibilities of surgical techs involve:

Preparing operating rooms before procedures by:

  • Laying out surgical instruments like scalpels, clamps, retractors
  • Arranging equipment like electrosurgical units, suction, irrigation
  • Preparing sterile drapes
  • Checking supplies needed for the type of surgery
  • Ensuring all surfaces are disinfected and sterile

During surgeries:

  • Passing necessary sterile instruments and equipment directly to surgeons
  • Holding retractors and cutting sutures
  • Assisting with equipment adjustments like lights, tables, microscopes,
  • Anticipating the needs of surgeons due to anatomy knowledge
  • Monitoring inventory and restocking supplies when needed

After procedures:

  • Accounting for all instruments, supplies, and specimens
  • Breaking down and disinfecting sterile setups
  • Transporting specimens to pathology
  • Preparing an operating room for the next case

Because surgical assistants are so essential, this can be a lucrative, fulfilling career for healthcare professionals. If you're curious about surgical tech jobs and opportunities, look to Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health.

{{cta-color-with-image}}

Salary and Growth Projection

Surgical technologists earn a mean salary of around $55,000 per year in permanent positions. However, travel surgical techs have the potential to earn much higher incomes.

Traveling surgical techs typically make upwards of $97,000 annually, with top earners exceeding $100,000. With stipends, overtime, and bonuses, six-figure salaries are common among travel techs.

Total compensation packages often range from $2,000 - $2,100 per week when factoring in base pay, housing allowances, completion bonuses, overtime, and benefits.

There will likely be many opportunities for career advancement and pay increases based on skills, experience, and assignments.

Find Surgical Tech Jobs with Health Carousel Travel Nursing & Allied Health

As a top travel nursing and allied health agency, Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health can connect skilled surgical technologists like you with rewarding travel opportunities across the country. As a traveler nominated top 10 agency, we understand the needs of traveling techs.

Our supportive recruiters will help you find surgical tech travel jobs that match your skills, experience, and career goals. We staff top hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers enabling you to expand your knowledge.

Our vast network allows you to explore exciting destinations while receiving excellent pay and benefits.

At Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, we handle the hassle so you can focus on your patients. Our team assists with credentialing, travel logistics, and housing to create a smooth travel experience. We negotiate competitive compensation packages that include attractive stipends. Health Carousel's support and guidance can provide the rewarding travel experience you seek.

Our employees rave about our outstanding service and career opportunities. As one of the nation's most-awarded staffing agencies, we empower surgical technologists to reach their full potential while making a difference. Join our traveler community to enjoy career growth, and new adventures!

If you have been considering improving your career outlook, contact Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health today to learn how you can become a traveling surgical technologist or view our surgical technologist jobs in On Demand, our powerful web app. We want to help you grow your dreams while helping communities across the country—we look forward to working with you to make that happen!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a surgical tech job stressful?

Surgical technologists work in high-stakes environments and have serious responsibilities, which can be stressful for some. However, with proper training and experience, this can be a fulfilling career that challenges you to be your best.

What is a surgical RN called?

A registered nurse who works in the operating room assisting with surgical procedures is specifically called an Operating Room Nurse (OR nurse).

OR nurses require specialized training and certification beyond traditional RN licensure. They gain expertise in surgical procedures, equipment, and safety protocols. Their nursing skills combined with surgical knowledge make OR nurses a vital part of the operating team.

How do I know if surgical tech is right for me?

If you're considering a career in surgical tech, research the role, requirements, and responsibilities to see if they align with your goals. In addition, consider talking to surgical techs who can share more about their experiences with surgical operation, so you can get a better idea of the role and what it entails.

GET STARTED IN

Land your dream job faster when you travel with us. Get started with top local and national travel nurse jobs in On Demand.

mobile phone mockup

GET STARTED IN

Land your dream job faster when you travel with us. Get started with top local and national travel nurse jobs in On Demand.

mobile phone mockup

GET STARTED IN

Land your dream job faster when you travel with us. Get started with top local and national travel nurse jobs in On Demand.

GET STARTED IN

Land your dream job faster when you travel with us. Get started with top local and national travel nurse jobs in On Demand.

Share this post

View Top Jobs in

Search, apply and be the first in line for your dream job today.

View Top Jobs in

Search, apply and be the first in line for your dream job today.

Apply to Top Jobs in

Search, apply and be the first in line for your dream job today.

mobile phone mockup

Get Started in

Search, apply and be the first in line for your dream job today.

Take Control of Your Career with

Search, apply and be the first in line for your dream job today.