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Mark your calendars for September 15, because it's time to honor those unsung heroes of the operating room during National Surgical Technologists Week! Ever since surgical technologists became an essential part of healthcare teams in World War I, they've been working tirelessly in the background to ensure that surgeries go as planned. They're the pivot the surgical team revolves around, performing a wide range of critical duties in the operating room from prepping the room and arranging equipment, to assisting surgeons during the procedure and ensuring all safety protocols are followed. This week, we celebrate their skills, dedication, and the critical role they play in providing safe patient care. Remember, their expertise is our life's guarantee! So, let's celebrate and honor these valuable professionals.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1914</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Surgical Technologists Emergence</div><div class='timeline-text'>During World War I, the need for medical personnel in battlefield situations led to the emergence of surgical technologists (then called "operating room technicians").</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World War II Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>World War II greatly expanded the role and importance of surgical technologists as medical advancements and complex procedures increased.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formal Education and Certification</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) was created to provide formal education and certification for surgical technologists.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1974</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Certified Surgical Technologists</div><div class='timeline-text'>AST established the National Certified Surgical Technologist examination, further legitimizing the profession.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Surgical Technologists Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Surgical Technologists Week was celebrated, promoting recognition and appreciation for the profession.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Send thank you notes</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take the time to write personal, handwritten thank you notes to the surgical technologists you know. These notes can express your appreciation for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that surgeries are safe and successful.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host an appreciation lunch</h3><p class='facts-text'>Organize an appreciation lunch or a potluck party for the surgical tech team at your local hospital or clinic. This is a fun and delicious way to show your gratitude for their priceless contributions to healthcare.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Share stories on social media</h3><p class='facts-text'>Shine a light on the work of surgical technologists by sharing stories about them on social media. Share real-life stories about how they have impacted lives or interesting facts about their profession. Use the hashtag #SurgicalTechnologistsWeek to connect with others sharing similar stories.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to surgical technology education</h3><p class='facts-text'>Consider making a donation to a school or program that educates surgical technologists. Your financial support can help future technologists pay for their training, ensuring the future of this vital profession.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sponsor a professional development workshop</h3><p class='facts-text'>Surgical technologists are always looking to improve their skills and learn about the latest best practices. Sponsoring a professional development workshop or a seminar is an excellent way to support their continuing education.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Acknowledgment of Crucial Contributions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Surgical Technologists Week gives us the chance to acknowledge the often-unsung heroes of the surgical team. Their hard work and dedication behind-the-scenes ensure the safety and success of surgical procedures. This day enables us to show our appreciation towards them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Educational Support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This observance encourages support for education in surgical technology. By highlighting this profession, we can inspire donations and sponsorships towards educational institutions training future surgical technologists, ensuring the upkeep and betterment of this critical medical field.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Inspires Continued Professional Development</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Surgical Technologists Week is a perfect time to support the ongoing professional development of those in the field. Sponsoring workshops and seminars are wonderful ways of encouraging surgical technologists to stay up-to-date and enhance their expertise, thereby, contributing more towards patient care and safety.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Surgical Technologists Undergo Intense Training</h3><p class='facts-content'>Becoming a surgical technologist requires dedication and discipline. They must complete a specialized training program that typically lasts from 9 to 24 months, covering a wide range of topics including anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and surgical procedures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Surgical Technologists Play Crucial Roles in Minimizing Infections</h3><p class='facts-content'>Surgical technologists play an essential role in preventing infections. They are responsible for maintaining the sterile field in the operating room, ensuring that all tools are sterilized, and following rigorous protocols to minimize the risk of infection.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>They Keep Surgeries Organized</h3><p class='facts-content'>Surgical technologists help keep surgeries running smoothly by organizing the equipment, instruments, and supplies needed for each procedure. Their ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon contributes greatly to the efficiency of surgical operations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Stress Management is Key in their Profession</h3><p class='facts-content'>In their line of work, surgical technologists regularly deal with high-stress situations. Their ability to stay calm under pressure is a testament to their professional strength and resilience.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Surgical Technologists Contribute to Post-Surgical Patient Care</h3><p class='facts-content'>Their role does not end with the surgery. They often assist in moving patients, apply bandages, and provide care instruction after surgery helping in patient recovery.</p></div></div>
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