Being a surgical tech is a demanding job that requires a lot of focus and attention to detail. Every day presents new challenges, and it can be difficult to stay organized and efficient. However, there are many life hacks that can make the job easier and more manageable. In this article, we'll share some of our favorite surgical tech life hacks to help you stay on top of your game.
1. Use a Surgical Cap Organizer
One of the most frustrating parts of being a surgical tech is keeping track of all your surgical caps. They can easily get lost or mixed up, which can be a headache when you're trying to find the right size and color for a procedure. To make things easier, invest in a surgical cap organizer. These organizers come in various sizes and designs, and they allow you to store your caps in an organized and easy-to-find manner.
2. Use a Surgical Towel Clip
During a surgical procedure, towels are used to keep the patient's skin clean and dry. However, these towels can easily slip or fall off, which can be a distraction for the surgical team. To keep your towels in place, use a surgical towel clip. These clips are designed to hold the towel securely in place, so you can focus on the task at hand.
3. Keep Your Tools Organized with a Magnetic Tool Holder
As a surgical tech, you know the importance of keeping your tools organized and within reach. However, it can be difficult to do so when you have so many different instruments to keep track of. To make things easier, invest in a magnetic tool holder. These holders can be mounted on the wall or on a cart, and they allow you to keep your tools organized and within reach at all times.
4. Use a Surgical Mask Strap
Surgical masks are an essential part of any surgical procedure, but they can be uncomfortable and distracting to wear for long periods. To make things easier, use a surgical mask strap. These straps allow you to secure the mask behind your head, which can make it more comfortable to wear and less likely to slip or fall off during a procedure.
5. Use a Surgical Tool Sterilization Pouch
Keeping your surgical tools sterile is essential for preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. However, it can be difficult to keep track of which tools have been sterilized and which ones still need to be cleaned. To make things easier, use a surgical tool sterilization pouch. These pouches have color-changing indicators that show when the tools have been properly sterilized, so you can be confident that you're using clean and safe instruments.
6. Use a Surgical Instrument Identification Tape
Different surgical procedures require different instruments, and it can be challenging to keep track of which instruments are needed for each procedure. To make things easier, use a surgical instrument identification tape. These tapes are color-coded and labeled with the name of the instrument, so you can easily identify which tools you need for each procedure.
7. Use a Surgical Suture Organizer
Sutures are an essential part of any surgical procedure, but they can be difficult to keep organized and within reach. To make things easier, use a surgical suture organizer. These organizers come in various sizes and designs, and they allow you to store your sutures in an organized and easy-to-find manner.
8. Use a Surgical Glove Dispenser
Surgical gloves are essential for preventing the spread of infections, but they can be difficult to keep organized and within reach. To make things easier, use a surgical glove dispenser. These dispensers can be mounted on the wall or on a cart, and they allow you to keep your gloves organized and within reach at all times.
9. Use a Surgical Scrub Timer
Proper hand hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of infections in a surgical setting. However, it can be challenging to ensure that you're scrubbing your hands for the recommended amount of time. To make things easier, use a surgical scrub timer. These timers are designed to help you keep track of how long you've been scrubbing your hands, so you can be confident that you're following proper hand hygiene protocols.
10. Use a Surgical Headlight
During a surgical procedure, it's essential to have good lighting to see what you're doing. However, overhead lights can cast shadows and make it difficult to see certain areas of the surgical site. To make things easier, use a surgical headlight. These headlights provide bright, focused light right where you need it, so you can see what you're doing with ease.
11. Use a Surgical Shoe Cover Dispenser
Surgical shoe covers are essential for preventing the spread of infections, but they can be difficult to put on and take off. To make things easier, use a surgical shoe cover dispenser. These dispensers allow you to quickly and easily put on and take off your shoe covers, so you can focus on the task at hand.
12. Use a Surgical Marker Holder
Surgical markers are often used to mark the surgical site or to indicate where incisions should be made. However, these markers can easily get lost or misplaced. To make things easier, use a surgical marker holder. These holders allow you to keep your markers organized and within reach at all times.
13. Use a Surgical Instrument Cleaning Brush
Cleaning surgical instruments can be a tedious and time-consuming task. However, it's essential for preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. To make things easier, use a surgical instrument cleaning brush. These brushes are designed to clean hard-to-reach areas of your instruments, so you can be confident that they're properly sterilized and ready for use.
14. Use a Surgical Instrument Tray
During a surgical procedure, it's essential to keep your instruments organized and within reach. To make things easier, use a surgical instrument tray. These trays come in various sizes and designs, and they allow you to keep your instruments organized and within reach at all times.
15. Use a Surgical Instrument Identification System
Different surgical procedures require different instruments, and it can be challenging to keep track of which instruments are needed for each procedure. To make things easier, use a surgical instrument identification system. These systems use barcodes or RFID technology to track which instruments are used during each procedure, so you can be confident that you're using the right tools at the right time.
16. Use a Surgical Instrument Tracking System
Surgical instruments are expensive and essential for patient care, but they can easily get lost or misplaced. To ensure that your instruments are always accounted for, use a surgical instrument tracking system. These systems use barcodes or RFID technology to track the location of each instrument, so you can quickly and easily find what you need when you need it.
17. Use a Surgical Gown Holder
Surgical gowns are essential for preventing the spread of infections, but they can be difficult to keep organized and within reach. To make things easier, use a surgical gown holder. These holders can be mounted on the wall or on a cart, and they allow you to keep your gowns organized and within reach at all times.
18. Use a Surgical Tray Cover
During a surgical procedure, it's essential to keep your instruments and supplies clean and sterile. To prevent contamination, use a surgical tray cover. These covers are designed to keep your trays clean and sterile, so you can focus on the task at hand without worrying about infection control.
19. Use a Surgical Footrest
During a surgical procedure, it's essential to maintain good posture and avoid fatigue. However, standing for long periods can be tiring and uncomfortable. To make things easier, use a surgical footrest. These footrests provide support and comfort for your feet, so you can focus on the task at hand without worrying about discomfort or fatigue.
20. Use a Surgical Waste Container
Surgical procedures generate a lot of waste, including sharps, gauze, and other materials. To ensure that this waste is disposed of properly and safely, use a surgical waste container. These containers are designed to hold and dispose of medical waste, so you can focus on the task at hand without worrying about infection control or environmental regulations.