What's the Job Description for a Labor and Delivery Surgical Technologist?
Surgical technicians play an important role in labor and delivery. Of course, the job role of a labor and delivery (OBGYN) surgical technologist differs in many ways from the role of a surgical technologist working in other areas of the hospital like the ER or the ICU. OBGYN surgical techs need some specific training to provide care to people who are going into labor and to their newborn infants as well.
The role of the surgical technologist in the delivery room
A surgical technician working in labor and delivery will be responsible for providing assistance to an obstetrician during delivery. Some of the roles that the surgical tech will need to fill in this environment include keeping the delivery room clean and supplied with all the tools and medicines that may be necessary to get through a delivery.
A surgical technician may need to clean and sterilize instruments in preparation for delivery. The surgical technician may also need to transport an expectant parent who's going into labor into the delivery room. A surgical technician needs to be able to work quickly and make fast decisions because a delivery is generally a fast-paced and potentially stressful event.
The surgical technician might need to otherwise prepare an expectant parent for delivery by providing them with clothing, washing them, and shaving their pubic area. Otherwise, surgical technicians are generally responsible for keeping pregnant patients calm, answering their questions, and informing them about any procedures they can expect. They may also need to provide people in labor with IVs and other types of medications.
Everyday experiences of a surgical technologist
When working, surgical technicians will need to constantly be on their feet and moving around. As such, this job role requires an individual to be in good physical condition and capable of constant movement over the course of their work shift.
Working in labor and delivery, a surgical technician could need to work at any time of the day. People go into labor at night, so OBGYN surgical technicians may have to work a night shift, and they'll definitely have to work weekends.
The vast majority of labor and delivery surgical technician positions are in hospitals. But there are other types of care clinics which specialize in pregnancy and birth where a surgical technologist could find work.
Surgical Technologist Educational Requirements
In order to work as a surgical technician in labor and delivery, students need to pursue either a certification in surgical technology or an Associate degree in surgical technology. If you're interested in earning an Associates of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, and taking your first step into this exciting path, ECPI University could help you reach your goals. Contact an ECPI University admissions advisor today to discuss your future.
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