Surgical technicians assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel.  They are often referred to as scrubs or operating room technicians also.  A surgical technician is primarily responsible for preparing the operating room by setting up the equipment and sterilizing tools that are necessary for the operation.  They are also responsible for making sure all equipment is working properly which may involve the assemble of some materials.  They also prepare the patient for surgery by washing, shaving and disinfecting areas for operation.  In some instances they may also transport patient, observe vital signs, check charts and assist the surgical team in dressing for the surgery.

In the process of surgery, the surgical technician is responsible for passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon.  Some of the tools that they are required to be familiar with are retractors, cut sutures, sponges, needles, supplies and other sterilized instruments. 

Surgical technicians may also be helpful in assisting with laboratory analysis.  In this process they properly care for and dispose of items that require lab work.  They are not qualified to perform any of the laboratory tests, but aid in recording data and preparing specimens for examination.

After the completion of an operation, a surgical technician may help to transport the patient back to the recovery room, assist in assuring comfort and then they are responsible for the cleaning, maintenance, and sterilization of the operating room, to prepare for the next surgery.

Surgical technicians work in environments that are clean, cool and sterile environments.  It is crucial to respect these environments so that the safety and well being of the patient is not compromised.  There may be times when a surgical technician is exposed to disease, unpleasant sights, odors and smells.  It is important for technicians to practice safety measures to maintain their own health and they must also be able to stomach situations that may not always be pleasant.

During the course of a surgery, it may be necessary for a surgical technician to have to stand for long periods of time.  It may also be necessary to be alert throughout a procedure.  At times surgical technicians may be awake for long periods of time, so it is crucial to establish techniques that make it possible to handle this sort of working environment.  The majority of technicians work a 40-hour workweek, so the chance of being sleep deprived is low.  Those who work on call may suffer a bit being tired but are normally acclimated quickly because of the adrenaline rush associated with this profession.