Have you ever been curious about the team of people in an operating room? What do they do? And why are there so many? Whether you’re scheduled for surgery, exploring a career in surgery, or just looking to brush up your trivia knowledge, this blog has your answers!
Here’s a description of the several team members working together with your surgeon to ensure your successful surgical procedure.
Anesthesiologist
A medical doctor who specializes in anesthesia care, pain management, and critical care medicine. The Anesthesiologist evaluates and supervises patient care from admission to discharge to keep their patient comfortable and safe. Before surgery, the Anesthesiologist reviews their patient’s health history, test results, and medications to decide the best plan of care for anesthesia. Anesthesiologists administer medications to manage pain and keep you unaware during your surgical procedure. Anesthesia types include:
- General Anesthesia (putting you to sleep)
- Regional Anesthesia (numbing the surgical area)
- Sedation (relaxing you)
After surgery, Anesthesiologists supervise patient care and monitor recovery. Anesthesiologists are often involved in the decision on how to manage pain during your recovery at home.
Anesthesiologists are licensed by the State of Michigan and certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA).
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
An advanced practice registered nurse who plans and administers anesthesia. Before surgery, the CRNA completes an assessment and develops a patient-specific plan for anesthesia, pain management, and recovery. During surgery, the CRNA administers general anesthesia, sedation, and pain management medications. CRNAs manage monitoring in the operating room to ensure a patient’s comfort and safety for the duration of the surgical procedure. Here at UnaSource Surgery Center, an anesthesiologist supervises the CRNAs; however, they are qualified to work independently in a variety of settings.
CRNAs are licensed by the State of Michigan and certified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
Physician Assistant (PA)
An advanced practice provider who assumes a variety of roles from admission to discharge. Before surgery, the PA may see the patient in the surgeon’s clinic, obtain the patient’s history and physical, perform a presurgical assessment, order diagnostic testing, and provide education related to the surgical procedure. In the operating room, the PA assists with positioning the patient to provide optimal exposure of the surgical site. The PA also assists the surgeon in completing the surgical procedure safely and efficiently. They verify the surgical field is clear, assist in controlling bleeding, handling tissues, and often complete suturing and dressing the surgical wound. After surgery, the PA may coordinate discharge planning, see the patient in the surgeon’s clinic, and address complications or concerns. The PA performs under the direct supervision of the surgeon.
Physician Assistants are licensed by the State of Michigan and certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
A certified clinician providing critical support to the operating room staff and the surgeon. CSFAs ensure all instruments and equipment needed for the case are sterilized and arranged according to the surgeon’s preferences. During surgery CSFAs directly support the surgeon. They manage a variety of essential surgical tasks to allow the surgeon to focus on the most important aspects of the surgery and conduct a safe surgical intervention. The CSFA works under the direction and supervision of the surgeon.
Surgical First Assists are certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Circulating Nurse
A licensed registered nurse who manages the non-sterile portion of the operating room. They ensure that the proper supplies, equipment, and medications are available for use. Circulating nurses are patient advocates who coordinate with the surgical team throughout the surgical procedure. They promote patient safety and well-being of the patient and surgical team throughout the procedure.
Circulating Nurses are licensed by the State of Michigan.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
A certified clinician providing technical support to the surgeon, registered nurse, and anesthesiologist in the operating room. Surgical technologists are responsible for preparing surgical equipment prior to the procedure. CSTs create and maintain the sterile surgical field. They pass sterile instruments, implants, and medications to the surgeon, PA, or CSFA in a safe and sterile fashion. Additionally, surgical technologists ensure members of the surgical team adhere to sterile technique to prevent surgical site infections. They also assist the circulating nurse with breaking down the operating room and setting up for the next surgical case.
Surgical Technologists are certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Radiology Technician
A certified technician providing imaging support during the surgical procedure. Radiology technologists are responsible for maintaining and operating imaging equipment such as x-ray machines and CT scanners. They support the surgeon by obtaining high-quality imaging during complex surgical procedures. These images provide a real-time view of the patient’s anatomy to allow the surgeon to make informed decisions during the surgical procedure.
Radiology Technicians are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Sterile Processing Technician (SPT)
A certified professional who plays an integral role in patient safety by cleaning, sterilizing, and assembling surgical instruments. SPTs ensure all equipment is maintained and functioning properly. They ensure strict adherence to sterilization processes and keep meticulous records documenting these processes.
Sterile Processing Technicians are certified by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) and can receive multiple certifications depending on their desired specialty.
Operating Room Technician
OR Technicians are trained to provide support to the OR team, ensuring that surgical procedures run smoothly and efficiently. They gather and organize all the sterile supplies needed to complete surgical procedures, and ensure that the operating rooms are clean, organized, and ready for the next case.