Surgical technologists are the unsung heroes of the operating room, renowned for their exceptional dexterity, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering preparedness. Acting as the surgeon’s crucial right hand, these professionals are responsible for providing the precise instruments needed during delicate procedures, all while maintaining a sterile field to ensure patient safety. The expertise and vigilance of surgical techs are indispensable to the safe and efficient functioning of any operating room.
At Nomad Health, we deeply appreciate the commitment and dedication of Travel Surgical Techs. We believe in equipping our clinicians with a robust support system, enabling them to confidently embrace new challenges and expand their skill sets as they travel. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits packages designed for traveling healthcare professionals, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, malpractice coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching after one year of service. Recognizing the unique demands of travel assignments, we also provide partial travel reimbursement, housing and utilities stipends, and even reimbursement for state license and certification fees.
Finding and applying for exciting travel surgical tech positions is seamless with the Nomad mobile app. Should you need any guidance along the way, our dedicated Nomad Navigators are readily available to assist you throughout your travel journey. While they are not recruiters, these clinician advocates are committed to providing support with application submissions, payroll inquiries, credentialing processes, and much more.
Alt text: Vibrant Times Square scene in New York City, showcasing the excitement and opportunity available for travel surgical techs.
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What Does a Travel Surgical Tech Do? – Job Description
The core role of a travel surgical tech centers around meticulous preparation of surgical equipment and providing essential assistance to surgeons and surgical first assists throughout the entire surgical process—before, during, and after each procedure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines several key tasks typically performed by surgical techs, including:
- Preparing operating rooms to meet the specific needs of each surgical procedure.
- Rigorously sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment, and ensuring an ample supply of sterile materials are available.
- Preparing patients for surgery, which includes tasks such as washing and disinfecting incision sites according to protocol.
- Directly assisting surgeons during operations by anticipating their needs and passing instruments and other sterile supplies with precision.
- Diligently counting all surgical supplies, such as instruments and sponges, both before and after procedures to prevent retained surgical items.
- Maintaining a consistently sterile environment within the operating room to minimize the risk of patient infection.
Beyond these core duties, travel surgical techs must be highly adaptable and quick learners. In each new assignment, you will encounter different surgical teams, hospital protocols, and equipment. Your ability to quickly integrate and become a valuable part of the team is paramount to your success as a traveling professional.
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Key Responsibilities of a Travel Surgical Tech
The responsibilities of a travel surgical tech are diverse and critical to the smooth functioning of any surgical team. These duties are generally categorized into pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and post-procedure phases.
Pre-procedure Responsibilities
Prior to the commencement of any surgery, travel surgical techs play a crucial role in setting the stage for a successful operation. This begins with meticulous preparation of the operating room. They are responsible for verifying that all surgical equipment is in optimal working order, troubleshooting any malfunctions, and ensuring the OR is properly arranged for the specific procedure. Additionally, they prepare necessary medications and sterile solutions in advance, ensuring they are readily available when needed.
Direct Patient Care
Beyond the technical aspects of OR preparation, travel surgical techs also provide essential direct patient care. This encompasses tasks such as safely transporting patients to the operating room suite, ensuring their comfort and privacy. They then assist in preparing patients for surgery by correctly positioning them on the operating table, meticulously draping them with sterile sheets to create a sterile field, and carefully disinfecting the planned incision sites to minimize infection risk. Travel surgical techs also play a vital role in assisting the surgical team members with donning sterile gowns and gloves, ensuring everyone maintains aseptic technique.
Intra-procedure Responsibilities
During the operation itself, the travel surgical tech is an indispensable member of the surgical team. Their primary intra-operative responsibility is to anticipate the surgeon’s needs and efficiently pass sterile instruments and supplies as requested, maintaining a smooth and rhythmic flow throughout the procedure. Furthermore, as noted by the BLS, surgical techs may be called upon to perform crucial tasks such as “hold retractors to provide optimal surgical site visibility, hold internal organs in place during delicate procedures, or set up and troubleshoot sophisticated robotic surgical equipment.” When tissue specimens or other samples are collected for laboratory analysis, travel surg techs are often responsible for properly handling and preserving these specimens, ensuring accurate diagnostic testing.
Communication and Collaboration
The operating room environment is often fast-paced and demanding, presenting numerous challenges that require teamwork and clear communication. Travel surgical techs must possess exceptional interpersonal skills to quickly build rapport and collaborate effectively with surgeons and nurses, often individuals they are meeting for the first time. This ability to integrate seamlessly into new teams is especially critical in high-pressure situations where clear, concise communication and professional demeanor are paramount for optimal patient outcomes.
Physical Stamina and Ergonomics
The role of a travel surgical tech is physically demanding. You may be required to stand, walk, and manipulate equipment for extended periods, sometimes up to 12 hours at a stretch. Therefore, maintaining excellent physical stamina and practicing proper ergonomic techniques are essential for a long and healthy career in this field. Understanding and implementing ergonomic principles helps prevent injuries and fatigue, ensuring you can perform your duties effectively and safely throughout your assignments.
Post-procedure Responsibilities
Once the surgical procedure is successfully completed, the responsibilities of a travel surg tech continue into the post-operative phase. This may include applying dressings to the surgical site to protect it from contamination and promote healing. They also assist in the safe transfer of the patient from the operating table back to a recovery bed, ensuring their comfort and stability. Travel surgical techs are often involved in transporting patients to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for continued monitoring and recovery. Finally, they play a key role in preparing the operating room for the next procedure, which includes restocking supplies, disposing of used materials, and initiating the cleaning and sterilization processes. For travel surgical techs, the ability to quickly adapt to new environments is crucial. You are expected to efficiently locate equipment and essential supplies with minimal orientation in each new facility.
Looking for specialized surgical tech roles? Browse CVOR travel jobs.
Types of Surgical Tech Travel Jobs
While many travel surgical techs are proficient generalists, opportunities also exist to specialize in specific surgical areas. These specialized surg tech travel jobs allow you to focus your skills and expertise in a particular field. Common specialties include, but are not limited to:
CVOR Surgical Tech (Cardiovascular Operating Room)
CVOR, or Cardiovascular Operating Room travel surgical techs, also known as cardiac surgical techs, specialize in procedures involving the heart and vascular system. These professionals work in operating rooms dedicated to cardiac surgeries, assisting in complex procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aneurysm repair, and heart transplants. The role of a CVOR surgical tech may encompass tasks such as preparing the OR with specialized sterile and non-sterile instruments required for cardiac procedures, anticipating and handing instruments to the surgeon during delicate steps, and diligently maintaining the sterile field throughout lengthy surgeries. They also assist with patient transport, positioning, and draping, ensuring patient safety and optimal surgical access. For travel CVOR surgical tech positions with Nomad Health, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and a minimum of 12-24 months of recent cardiac surgical tech experience are typically required to ensure competency in this specialized area. Shift schedules can vary depending on the facility’s needs, 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/Labor & Delivery)
OB, or Obstetric Operating Room surgical techs, also referred to as labor and delivery surgical techs, specialize in surgical procedures related to childbirth and maternal health. These surgical techs work in operating rooms within labor and delivery units, assisting during high-risk deliveries that necessitate surgical intervention, most commonly Cesarean sections (C-sections). An OB surgical tech job may involve tasks such as setting up specialized equipment for obstetric procedures, anticipating the surgeon’s needs during deliveries by providing sponges, sutures, and specialized instruments precisely when needed, and rigorously maintaining the sterile field to protect both mother and newborn. Nomad Health travel OB surgical tech positions generally require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and at least 12-24 months of recent OB surgical tech experience to ensure proficiency in this demanding and critical specialty.
Alt text: A nurturing scene in a hospital nursery, highlighting the rewarding aspect of OB surgical tech travel jobs in labor and delivery.
Ortho Surgical Tech (Orthopedics)
Orthopedic, or ortho, surgical techs specialize in surgeries related to the musculoskeletal system. These professionals work in operating rooms where patients undergo a wide range of orthopedic procedures, from common joint replacements to complex spine surgeries and intricate hand and wrist surgeries. Ortho surgical techs perform tasks such as preparing both sterile and non-sterile equipment specific to orthopedic procedures, proactively providing sponges, sutures, and specialized orthopedic instruments as requested by the surgical team, efficiently opening sterile packages during the procedure while maintaining sterility, and meticulously upholding the sterile field to prevent infection in orthopedic patients, who may be more vulnerable to infection, especially in implant surgeries. To qualify for travel ortho surgical tech positions with Nomad Health, candidates typically need Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and a minimum of 12-24 months of recent orthopedic surgical tech experience, reflecting the specialized knowledge required in this field.
First Assist Surgical Technologists
Travel surgical techs seeking to advance their careers may pursue surgical first assist roles. These positions require additional specialized training and certification. Generally, first assists possess more extensive surgical knowledge and skills compared to standard surgical techs. Many first assists begin their careers as surgical techs and then pursue specialized training within their facilities to progress into first assist roles. A key distinction in the role is that surgical first assists are qualified to perform more hands-on surgical interventions under the direct supervision of the surgeon, including wound closure using sutures or staples.
According to the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), surgical first assistant technologists provide critical assistance to “physicians in surgery and may perform specific significant surgical tasks under professional supervision.” These tasks can include, but are not limited to:
- Opening and closing surgical sites, ensuring proper tissue alignment and wound integrity.
- Providing optimal exposure of the surgical site through retraction and manipulation of tissues.
- Harvesting grafts of skin, bone, or other tissues for transplantation or reconstruction.
- Dissecting tissues to separate anatomical structures and facilitate surgical access.
- Removing tissues, such as diseased or damaged tissue, under the surgeon’s direction.
- Implanting medical devices, such as prosthetics or fixation devices, as part of the surgical procedure.
- Altering tissues, which may involve reshaping, repairing, or reconstructing anatomical structures.
- Applying and removing splints or casts to stabilize fractures or support healing.
- Placing indwelling urinary catheters, intravenous (IV) lines, and arterial lines for patient monitoring and management.
- Administering local anesthesia under the direct supervision of the surgeon to manage pain during and after the procedure.
The gold-standard certifications for first assistant surgical techs include the Certified Surgical First Assistant examination (CSFA-ERC) offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), the CSA (Certified Surgical Assistant) certification from the NCCSA, and the SA-C certification offered by the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA). For traveling first assist surgical tech positions at Nomad Health, a minimum of 12 months of recent relevant experience in a first assist role and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification are typically required.
Travel Surgical Tech Salary and Earning Potential
Travel surgical tech careers offer competitive salaries and strong earning potential. At Nomad Health, the average weekly salary for travel surgical tech jobs is approximately $2191, with a median hourly pay rate 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 surgical tech travel job salaries can fluctuate based on several factors. These include your overall years of experience as a surgical tech, any specialized training or certifications in subspecialties like CVOR or OB, and the geographic location and shift (day, evening, or night) of the assignment. Furthermore, achieving certification as a surgical first assist can significantly boost your earning potential due to the advanced skills and responsibilities associated with that role.
*Salary data subject to change. Based on the average weekly salary of Nomad surgical techs as of June 26, 2023.
Highest-Paying Surgical Tech Travel Jobs
For travel surgical techs seeking the highest possible compensation, Nomad Health offers opportunities with exceptional earning potential. The highest-paying traveling surgical tech jobs on our platform can reach up to $3640 per week, equating to an hourly rate of $74. This means that for a standard 13-week assignment, the gross salary could reach an impressive $47,320.* If maximizing your income is a priority in your job search, you can utilize Nomad’s mobile app to filter and customize your search based on factors such as salary range, desired location, preferred shift, and contract length, helping you pinpoint the most lucrative opportunities.
*Salary data subject to change. Based on the highest-paying weekly salary of Nomad surgical techs as of June 26, 2023.
How to Become a Travel Surgical Tech: Your Path to Success
Embarking on a career as a travel surgical tech involves a series of key steps focused on education, certification, and gaining practical experience. Here’s a roadmap to guide you on your path to a rewarding travel career:
Step 1: Graduate from an Accredited Program
The foundational step to becoming a travel surgical tech is completing a surgical technologist program accredited by a recognized body. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are reputable accrediting organizations for surgical technology programs. This field is unique in that a four-year university degree is typically not mandatory, potentially allowing for a quicker entry into the profession. Most surgical tech programs are offered by community colleges or vocational schools and require applicants to possess a high school diploma or a GED for enrollment.
Step 2: Obtain a Surgical Tech Certification with an Accredited Organization
Upon graduating from an accredited surgical tech program, it is highly recommended to pursue professional certification. Earning a certification, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), demonstrates your competency and commitment to professional standards. While the NBSTSA certification is widely considered the gold standard in the surgical technology field, the Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is another recognized option. While certification may not be a strict legal requirement in all locations, many employers strongly prefer or even require certification from one of these reputable institutions. Holding a professional certification enhances your job prospects and underscores your dedication to excellence in the surgical tech profession.
Step 3: Gain Relevant Work Experience
After completing your surgical tech program and obtaining certification, accumulating practical, hands-on experience is essential. It is generally recommended to gain at least 12 months of relevant surgical tech work experience in a clinical setting before pursuing travel assignments. When beginning your job search, it is always advisable to check with the state board of nursing or relevant regulatory body in the state where you intend to work to ensure you meet the most current professional requirements and licensing guidelines. For travel surgical tech positions, many healthcare facilities require a minimum of six to 12 months of recent surgical tech experience to ensure travelers can quickly adapt and function effectively in new environments. For specialized surgical tech subspecialties, facilities may require 12 to 24 months of recent experience in that specific area, reflecting the advanced skills and knowledge needed.
Step 4: Apply for Travel Surgical Tech Jobs
Once you have acquired the necessary experience in your chosen surgical tech specialty and met certification requirements, you are well-prepared to apply for exciting travel surgical tech jobs. Remember to re-verify the specific job requirements and any state-specific regulations with the relevant state board prior to applying for positions in a new location. Additionally, confirm that the facilities you are applying to accept your certifications, as acceptance policies can sometimes vary between institutions.
Ready to Start Your Travel Surgical Tech Adventure?
A career as a travel surgical tech offers an unparalleled blend of professional fulfillment and personal adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to hone your skills in diverse surgical settings, expand your professional network, and explore new locations across the country, all while earning excellent compensation and benefits. Nomad Health is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, providing benefits like:
- Competitive Pay: Earn top-tier salaries and enjoy financial stability.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Access medical, dental, and vision insurance, malpractice coverage, and a 401(k) with employer matching.
- Travel Support: Receive partial travel reimbursement and housing stipends to ease your transitions between assignments.
- Licensure & Certification Assistance: Get reimbursed for state license and certification costs, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Dedicated Nomad Navigators: Benefit from personalized support throughout your Nomad journey, from application to assignment completion.
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Travel Surgical Tech Healthcare Sources
- 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/.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Technologists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
