A travel surgical technologist plays a pivotal role in the operating room—like we mentioned earlier, you’ll be filling critical gaps in hospital staffing, sometimes on short notice. To that end, cultivating a few key skills can help you succeed:
- Stamina – As a travel surgical tech in a busy unit, you may be scrubbing into multiple surgeries a day. Be prepared to walk and stand for hours at a time while maintaining focus.
- Attention to detail – Thoroughness and accuracy are vital in the operating room, so be sure to check that your work meets operating room standards and sterilization protocols.
- Adaptability – Because you’ll work in new environments with new teams every few weeks, adaptability is essential to excelling in your role. Practice flexibility and apply feedback quickly.
- Communication – Clear and professional communication is crucial as you collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and other hospital staff you may not have worked with before. You might interact with patients and families too, so be prepared to share vital care information or offer comfort.
If you’re considering a career as a traveling surgical technologist, start by honing these skills in your home hospital while you gain experience. You can even request to assist in more complicated procedures over time. Ultimately, the more cases you do as a staff member, the more ready you’ll be to transition into a travel role.
Requirements for Becoming a Travel Surgical Technologist
Apart from expanding your skillset, you’ll need to ensure you meet the requirements to become a traveling surgical tech before you apply. What are the requirements to be a surgical technologist?
Below, we walk you through the must-haves in terms of your experience and credentials.
Staff and On-Call Experience
Typically, at least one year of staff experience is required to become a travel surgical tech. In your first year as staff, you’ll work as an entry-level surgical technologist, acquiring all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to thrive in your field.
On-call experience will likely be required too, so be ready to respond to urgent or non-urgent hospital needs outside your normal hours.
Obtain Certification
In addition to completing an accredited surgical technology program, you might need to apply to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (or CST). Most traveling positions require it, and certification shows you’ve completed the necessary education and training to excel in the operating room.
How to become a certified surgical technologist? You can apply to become a CST through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Before you do, ensure you have all the necessary documents on hand, like your graduation certificate and transcripts.
References or Recommendations
If you’re considering transitioning to a travel role, have a few references from your charge nurse. Recommendations provide a first-hand account of your interpersonal skills and the quality of work you provide in the operating room. This can help you stand out to future hiring managers.