CST

The Reality of Taking Call as a Certified Surgical Technologist The Reality of Taking Call as a Certified Surgical Technologist As a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), being on-call is often part of the job description. Whether you work in a large hospital, small community facility, or ambulatory surgery center, understanding call responsibilities can help you navigate this challenging aspect of our profession. Why CSTs Take Call Healthcare facilities maintain on-call schedules to ensure emergency surgical capabilities outside regular hours (Association of Surgical Technologists [AST], 2022). For CSTs, this means being ready to respond when trauma cases, emergency surgeries, or unexpected complications arise. Call Requirements Vary by Facility Type Large Hospital Systems Typically have specialized call teams by service line (orthopedics, neurosurgery, etc.) Call schedules are often set 3-6 months in a...

The Latest Advancements in Surgical Technology: Why CSTs Are More Vital Than Ever As surgical technology evolves at a rapid pace, Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) have become indispensable in bridging cutting-edge innovations with safe, efficient patient care. Below, we explore critical advancements reshaping the field and the expanding responsibilities of CSTs in each domain. 1.  Robotic-Assisted Surgery: CSTs as Technical Orchestrators CSTs are central to robotic surgery workflows, performing tasks that demand precision and technical expertise: Instrument Management : CSTs handle delicate robotic instruments, ensuring proper insertion, calibration, and exchange during procedures. For example, during da Vinci system operations, CSTs  verbally confirm instrument alignment  with surgeons before removal or insertion to prevent patient injury 1 4 . Troubleshooting : CSTs assist in resolving technical errors, leveraging system memory logs to diagnose issues mid-procedu...