Surgical techs are indispensable members of the operating room team, renowned for their precision, meticulous nature, and readiness. Serving as the surgeon’s crucial right hand, they ensure the availability of all necessary instruments and maintain a sterile environment, prioritizing patient safety and well-being. The efficiency and safety of any operating room are heavily reliant on the expertise and dedication of surgical techs.
At Nomad Health, we recognize the significance of a robust support system for surgical techs venturing into travel assignments. We provide comprehensive benefits designed to empower our clinicians, enabling them to confidently embrace new challenges and expand their skill sets while exploring new locations. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, malpractice coverage, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching after one year of service. Understanding the complexities of travel, we also offer partial travel reimbursement, housing and utilities stipends, and reimbursement for state licenses and certifications.
Finding and applying for travel surgical tech positions is streamlined and user-friendly with the Nomad mobile app. For any assistance needed throughout your travel journey, Nomad Navigators are readily available. These dedicated clinician advocates offer support with various aspects, including application submissions, payroll inquiries, and credentialing processes, although they are not recruiters.
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Understanding the Role of a Travel Surgical Tech
A travel surgical tech’s role is multifaceted, encompassing the preparation of surgical instruments and active assistance to surgeons and first assists throughout the surgical process—before, during, and after each procedure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines typical responsibilities, which include:
- Preparing operating rooms for surgical procedures.
- Sterilizing surgical equipment and ensuring adequate supplies are available.
- Preparing patients for surgery, including washing and disinfecting incision sites.
- Assisting surgeons during operations by providing instruments and sterile supplies.
- Counting surgical supplies, such as instruments and sponges, to prevent retained foreign objects.
- Maintaining a sterile field to minimize the risk of patient infection.
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Surgical Tech Jobs
Key Responsibilities of Travel Surgical Techs
Pre-operative Duties
Before surgery commences, travel surgical techs are crucial in setting up the operating room. This involves verifying the functionality of all equipment and preparing necessary medications and sterile solutions in advance.
Direct Patient Care Responsibilities
Travel surgical techs also deliver direct patient care, including tasks like transporting patients to the OR, correctly positioning them for surgery, applying sterile drapes, and disinfecting incision sites. They also assist surgical team members with donning sterile gowns and gloves.
Intra-operative Duties
During surgery, a traveling surgical tech’s primary role is to efficiently pass sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgical first assistants as needed. Furthermore, as noted by the BLS, surgical techs may be required to “hold retractors, manipulate internal organs to provide better surgical site access, or operate robotic surgical equipment.” They are also responsible for handling tissue specimens collected during surgery, ensuring they are properly managed for laboratory analysis.
Essential Communication and Collaboration Skills
Operating rooms are often high-pressure environments demanding seamless teamwork. Travel surgical techs must possess exceptional interpersonal skills to quickly integrate and collaborate effectively with surgeons and nurses, often individuals they are meeting for the first time, especially during critical moments. Clear and professional communication is therefore paramount for success in this travel role.
Physical Stamina and Ergonomic Practices
The physical demands of a travel surgical tech career are considerable, often requiring prolonged periods—up to 12 hours—of standing, walking, and equipment handling. Maintaining excellent physical stamina and practicing proper ergonomics are crucial for a sustainable and healthy career in this field.
Post-operative Duties
Following the completion of surgery, travel surgical techs undertake tasks such as applying dressings to the incision site and safely transferring patients back to beds. They may also be involved in transporting patients to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and restocking operating rooms to prepare for subsequent procedures. Adaptability and quick learning are key for travel surgical techs, as they must rapidly become familiar with new equipment and supply locations with minimal orientation in each new assignment.
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Specializations in Surgical Tech Travel Jobs
While many travel surgical techs are generalists, specialization within specific surgical areas is common. These specialized roles offer opportunities to deepen expertise and potentially increase earning potential. Common surgical tech travel job 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. Except for the surgical first assist role, specialization typically involves on-the-job training rather than additional certifications. Here’s a closer look at these specialties:
CVOR Surgical Tech
CVOR surgical techs, also known as cardiac surgical techs, specialize in operating rooms focused on heart surgeries. These procedures can range from coronary artery bypass grafting and aneurysm repairs to complex heart transplants. A CVOR surgical tech’s responsibilities include setting up the OR with both sterile and non-sterile instruments, providing surgeons with instruments during surgery, and maintaining both instruments and the sterile field throughout the procedure. They also assist with patient transport, positioning, and draping. Nomad Health requires travel CVOR surgical techs to have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and a minimum of 12-24 months of recent cardiac surgical tech experience for job eligibility. Shifts can vary, including three 12-hour, four 10-hour, or five 8-hour shifts, and may be day, mid, or night shifts depending on the facility’s needs.
OB Surgical Tech
OB surgical techs, or obstetric operating room surgical techs, specialize in labor and delivery settings. They support surgical interventions during childbirth, particularly in high-risk deliveries requiring C-sections. An OB surgical tech job involves preparing the OR for procedures, anticipating surgeons’ needs for items like sponges and sutures, and diligently maintaining the sterile field. Nomad Health’s requirements for travel OB surgical tech jobs include Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and 12-24 months of recent experience in OB surgical tech travel assignments.
Ortho Surgical Tech
Orthopedic surgical techs, or ortho surgical techs, work in operating rooms where patients undergo surgery for orthopedic conditions, such as joint replacements, spine surgeries, and hand or wrist procedures. Their tasks include preparing sterile and non-sterile equipment, providing necessary instruments and supplies during surgery, opening sterile packs, and maintaining a sterile environment. For Nomad Health travel ortho surgical tech positions, candidates must have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and 12-24 months of recent orthopedic surgical tech experience.
First Assist Surgical Technologists
Travel surgical techs aiming for first assist roles must acquire surgical first assist certification, which signifies more advanced training compared to general surgical techs. Many first assists begin as surgical techs and progress through specialized training within their healthcare facilities. A key distinction is that first assists are qualified to perform more direct, hands-on procedures with patients, such as surgical site closure using sutures.
According to the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), surgical first assistants support “physicians in surgery and may execute specific surgical tasks under direct supervision.” These tasks may include:
- Surgical site opening and closing
- Surgical site exposure
- Graft harvesting
- Tissue dissection and removal
- Device implantation
- Tissue alteration
- Application and removal of casts/splints
- Insertion of urinary catheters, IV lines, and arterial lines
- Administration of local anesthesia
The leading certifications for first assist surgical techs are 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 from the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA). Nomad Health’s travel first assist surgical tech positions require at least 12 months of recent relevant experience and BLS certification.
Earning Potential: Travel Surgical Tech Salary Insights
At Nomad Health, the average weekly Travel Surgical Tech Salary is approximately $2,191, with a median hourly rate of $57 for traveling surgical techs. This compensation can translate to a gross travel surgical tech salary of up to $28,483* for a standard 13-week assignment.
Several factors can influence travel surgical tech salary rates, including years of experience, specialized training in sub-specialties, and the geographic location and shift (day, mid, or night) of the assignment. Certification and experience as a surgical first assist can also 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 Income: Highest-Paying Surgical Tech Travel Jobs
The highest-paying travel surgical tech positions at Nomad Health offer weekly salaries reaching $3,640 and hourly rates up to $74. For a 13-week assignment at this rate, the potential gross salary can be as high as $47,320*. To find the highest-paying surgical tech travel jobs, utilize the Nomad mobile app to filter options based on salary, location preferences, shift availability, and contract length.
*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: Complete an Accredited Surgical Technologist Program
The first step in becoming a travel surgical tech is graduating from a surgical technologist program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Unlike many healthcare professions, a university degree is not mandatory, allowing for quicker entry into the field. Most programs, typically offered at community colleges or vocational schools, require a high school diploma or GED for enrollment.
Step 2: Obtain Surgical Tech Certification from a Reputable Organization
After graduating from an accredited program, it is highly recommended to secure a professional certification, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). While NBSTSA certification is widely recognized as the industry benchmark, the Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is another respected option. Although certification is not always mandatory, many employers favor certified candidates, as it demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and enhances job prospects.
Step 3: Acquire Relevant Work Experience
Following certification, gaining at least 12 months of practical surgical tech experience is advisable. When job searching, it’s important to consult the state board in your intended work location for the most current professional requirements. For travel positions, many facilities require surgical techs to have a minimum of six to 12 months of recent surgical tech experience to qualify. For specialized roles, 12 to 24 months of recent experience may be necessary.
Step 4: Apply for Travel Surgical Tech Positions
Once you meet the experience requirements for your chosen specialty, you are ready to apply for travel surgical tech jobs. Always verify the specific requirements with each state’s board and confirm that the facilities you are applying to accept your certifications, as these can vary.
Essential Healthcare Resources 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/.
