Surgical technicians are the unsung heroes of the operating room, renowned for their precision, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering readiness. As the surgeon’s indispensable right hand, they are responsible for providing the necessary instruments for surgery and maintaining a sterile field, ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure. The expertise and vigilance of surgical techs are paramount to the safe and efficient functioning of any operating room.
At Nomad Health, we recognize the significance of a robust support system for surgical techs venturing into travel assignments. We offer comprehensive benefits designed specifically for our clinicians, empowering them to confidently embrace new career opportunities and expand their skill sets while exploring new locations. These benefits include robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, professional malpractice insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching after one year of service. Understanding the unique challenges of travel, we also provide partial travel reimbursement, a housing and utilities stipend, and reimbursement for state license and certification fees.
Finding and applying for Travel Surgical Tech jobs is streamlined and user-friendly with the Nomad mobile app. Should you require any assistance, our dedicated Nomad Navigators are available to support you throughout your Nomad travel journey. While not recruiters, these clinician advocates are committed to assisting you with various aspects, including application submissions, payroll inquiries, and credentialing processes.
Alt text: Bright and bustling Times Square in New York City, showcasing the vibrant energy and potential travel destinations for surgical techs.
Ready to embark on a rewarding travel surgical tech assignment?
Understanding the Travel Surgical Tech Role
A travel surgical tech plays a vital role in preparing surgical instruments and assisting surgeons and surgical first assistants throughout the surgical process – before, during, and after procedures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical responsibilities of surgical techs include:
- Preparing operating rooms for surgery, ensuring all equipment is ready and functional.
- Sterilizing surgical instruments and ensuring an adequate supply of sterile materials for each procedure.
- Preparing patients for surgery, which includes tasks like washing and disinfecting incision sites.
- Assisting surgeons during operations by passing instruments and other sterile supplies as needed.
- Performing counts of surgical instruments and supplies to prevent retained surgical items.
- Maintaining a meticulously sterile environment to minimize the risk of patient infections.
Explore High-Paying Travel Surg Tech Opportunities
Surgical Tech Jobs
Key Responsibilities of a Travel Surgical Tech
Pre-operative Duties
Prior to surgery, travel surgical techs are crucial in setting the stage for a successful procedure. This begins with rigorous checks to ensure all operating room equipment is functioning correctly. They also prepare medications and sterile solutions in advance, ensuring everything is readily available when needed.
Direct Patient Care Responsibilities
Beyond the technical aspects of OR management, travel surgical techs also engage in direct patient care. They are responsible for safely transporting patients to the operating room, preparing them for surgery by ensuring correct positioning, applying sterile drapes, and meticulously disinfecting incision sites to minimize infection risk. Surgical techs also assist the surgical team members with donning sterile gowns and gloves, maintaining the sterile field from the outset.
Intra-operative Duties
During surgery, the travel surgical tech is an active participant in the procedure. Their primary role is to efficiently pass sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeons and surgical first assistants, anticipating their needs and maintaining a smooth workflow. Furthermore, as the BLS notes, surgical techs might be required to “hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment,” depending on the complexity of the surgery. If tissue samples or specimens are collected, travel surg techs are responsible for handling them properly for laboratory analysis.
Communication and Collaboration in the OR
The operating room environment is often high-pressure and demanding, requiring seamless teamwork and communication. Travel surgical techs must possess exceptional interpersonal skills to quickly integrate and collaborate effectively with surgeons and nurses, even when working with new teams in unfamiliar settings. Clear and concise communication, combined with a consistently professional demeanor, is paramount for travel surgical techs, especially in critical situations.
Physical Stamina and Ergonomic Practices
The role of a travel surgical tech is physically demanding. They may spend extended periods, sometimes up to 12 hours, standing, walking, and manipulating equipment. Therefore, maintaining excellent physical stamina and adhering to proper ergonomic principles are essential for a long and healthy career as a travel surg tech, preventing injury and ensuring sustained performance.
Post-operative Duties
Following the completion of a surgery, the responsibilities of a travel surg tech extend to post-operative care and preparation for the next procedure. This may include applying dressings to the surgical site to protect it from infection and aid healing, and carefully transferring the patient back to the bed for transport to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). They also play a key role in restocking the operating room with supplies and preparing it for subsequent surgeries. For travel surgical techs, adaptability and quick learning are crucial, as they are expected to rapidly familiarize themselves with new environments, locate equipment, and identify essential supplies with minimal orientation in each new assignment.
Explore Travel CVOR Surgical Tech Positions
Specializations within Travel Surgical Tech Jobs
While many travel surgical techs are generalists, there are opportunities to specialize in specific surgical areas. These specialized travel surg tech roles can offer unique challenges and career growth. Common specializations include: Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR), Obstetrics (OB) and Labor and Delivery (L/D), and Orthopedics. Surgical techs can also advance their careers by obtaining a surgical first assist certification. With the exception of surgical first assist positions, most specializations primarily require on-the-job training and experience rather than additional certifications. Let’s delve into the details of each specialization.
CVOR Surgical Tech (Cardiovascular Operating Room)
CVOR surgical techs, also known as cardiac surgical techs, specialize in the highly complex environment of operating rooms dedicated to heart surgery. They assist in a wide range of intricate procedures, from coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and aneurysm repairs to life-saving heart transplants. The CVOR surgical tech’s responsibilities encompass preparing the OR with both sterile and non-sterile instruments specific to cardiac procedures, anticipating the surgeon’s needs and handing instruments during the operation, and meticulously maintaining the sterile field to prevent infection in these vulnerable patients. They also assist with patient transport, positioning, and draping, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the procedure. Nomad Health requires travel CVOR surgical techs to hold Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and possess at least 12-24 months of recent cardiac surgical tech experience to be eligible for assignments. Shift schedules can vary depending on the facility, potentially including three 12-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts, or five 8-hour shifts, and may be day, mid, or night shifts.
OB Surgical Tech (Obstetrics Operating Room)
OB surgical techs, or labor and delivery surgical techs, are integral members of operating room teams focused on maternal care. They work in settings where expectant mothers undergo high-risk deliveries requiring surgical interventions, most commonly Cesarean sections (C-sections). The OB surgical tech’s role involves preparing specialized equipment for obstetric surgeries, proactively anticipating the needs of surgeons by providing necessary sponges, sutures, and instruments upon request, and maintaining a consistently sterile field to protect both mother and child. For travel OB surgical tech positions with Nomad Health, candidates must possess Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and have a minimum of 12-24 months of recent OB surgical tech experience to qualify for a position.
Alt text: A calming and nurturing image representing Obstetrics and Labor & Delivery, suggesting the caring environment where OB surgical techs work.
Ortho Surgical Tech (Orthopedic Operating Room)
Orthopedic surgical techs specialize in operating rooms where patients undergo surgery for a broad spectrum of orthopedic conditions. These can range from common joint replacement surgeries and complex spine surgeries to delicate hand and wrist procedures. The responsibilities of an ortho surgical tech include preparing both sterile and non-sterile equipment tailored to orthopedic surgeries, efficiently providing surgeons with sponges, sutures, and instruments as needed, opening sterile packages during procedures while maintaining sterility, and rigorously upholding the sterile field throughout the operation. To qualify for travel ortho surgical tech positions through Nomad Health, candidates are required to have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and at least 12-24 months of recent orthopedic surgical tech experience.
First Assist Surgical Technologists
Travel surgical techs seeking to advance their skills and take on more responsibility can pursue a career as a surgical first assist. This role requires obtaining a surgical first assist certification. First assists undergo more extensive training compared to standard surgical techs, often starting as surgical techs and then progressing into first assist roles within their healthcare facilities. A key distinction is that surgical first assists are qualified to perform more hands-on interventions during surgery, such as closing surgical sites with sutures.
According to the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), surgical first assistant technologists assist “physicians in surgery and may perform specific significant surgical tasks under professional supervision.” These tasks can include, but are not limited to:
- Closing and opening surgical sites, ensuring proper wound closure and exposure.
- Providing exposure of the surgical site for optimal visualization.
- Harvesting grafts for various surgical procedures.
- Dissecting tissue with precision and care.
- Removing tissue as directed by the surgeon.
- Implanting medical devices as required.
- Altering tissues to achieve desired surgical outcomes.
- Applying and removing splints and casts for orthopedic procedures.
- Placing indwelling urinary catheters, IV lines, and arterial lines for patient monitoring and care.
- Administering local anesthesia under the surgeon’s direction.
The recognized gold-standard certifications for first assist surgical techs include the Certified Surgical First Assistant examination (CSFA-ERC) offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the NCCSA’s CSA (Certified Surgical Assistant), and the SA-C certification from the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA). Nomad Health’s travel first assist surgical tech positions typically require at least 12 months of recent relevant experience and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Travel Surgical Tech Salary Expectations
At Nomad Health, the average weekly salary for travel surgical tech jobs is approximately $2191, with a median hourly pay of $57. This translates to a potential gross salary of up to $28,483* for a standard 13-week assignment.
It’s important to note that travel surgical tech salaries can fluctuate based on several factors. These include the individual’s years of experience, specialized training in subspecialties like CVOR or OB, and the geographical location and shift (day, mid, night) of the assignment. Furthermore, certification and experience as a surgical first assist can significantly increase earning potential.
*Salary data is subject to change and is based on the average weekly salary of Nomad surgical techs as of June 26, 2023.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential: Highest-Paying Surgical Tech Travel Jobs
Nomad Health offers high-paying travel surgical tech positions, with the highest paying roles reaching up to $3640 per week and $74 per hour. For a standard 13-week assignment, this could result in a gross salary of up to $47,320.* If maximizing income is a priority in your job search, Nomad’s mobile app allows you to filter and customize your search based on factors such as salary, location preferences, desired shift, and contract length, helping you find the most lucrative opportunities.
*Salary data is subject to change and is based on the highest weekly salary of Nomad surgical techs as of June 26, 2023.
Steps to Launch Your Career as a Travel Surgical Tech
Step 1: Graduate from an Accredited Surgical Technologist Program
The first crucial step towards becoming a travel surgical tech is completing a surgical technologist program accredited by recognized bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Unlike some healthcare professions, a four-year university degree is not typically required for surgical techs, potentially allowing for a quicker entry into the field. Most accredited programs require a high school diploma or GED for enrollment and are often offered by community colleges or vocational schools.
Step 2: Obtain Surgical Tech Certification from a Reputable Organization
Upon graduating from an accredited surgical tech program, obtaining professional certification is highly recommended. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is widely considered the gold standard in the industry. Another recognized certification option is the Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). While certification may not be strictly mandatory in all locations, many employers strongly prefer or require it. Holding a certification demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence and can significantly enhance your job prospects in the competitive healthcare market.
Step 3: Acquire Relevant Work Experience in Surgical Technology
After completing your surgical tech program and obtaining certification, it’s essential to gain practical experience. A minimum of 12 months of relevant surgical tech experience is generally recommended to build a strong foundation and skillset. When starting your job search, it’s advisable to consult the state board of nursing or relevant regulatory body in your intended work location for the most current professional requirements and licensing information. For travel positions, many healthcare facilities require surgical techs to have a minimum of six to 12 months of recent surgical tech experience to ensure they are prepared for the demands of travel assignments. For specialized roles within surgical tech subspecialties, facilities often require 12 to 24 months of recent, specific experience in that subspecialty.
Step 4: Apply for Travel Surgical Tech Jobs and Start Your Adventure
Once you meet the experience requirements for your chosen surgical tech specialty, you are ready to begin applying for travel jobs. Always verify the most up-to-date job requirements with each individual state’s board of nursing or relevant regulatory body, as requirements can vary geographically. Similarly, confirm that the facilities you are applying to accept your specific certifications, as acceptance criteria may differ between institutions. With your qualifications in place, you can confidently embark on your exciting and rewarding career journey as a travel surgical tech!
Essential Healthcare Sources for Travel Surgical Techs
- National Center for Competency Testing. “Tech in Surgery – Certified (NCCT).” Retrieved from https://www.ncctinc.com/certifications/tech-in-surgery-certified.
- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Retrieved from https://www.nbstsa.org/.
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Retrieved from https://www.abhes.org/.
- American Board of Surgical Assistants. Retrieved from https://absa.net/.
