The sterile technique aims to prevent infection by eliminating microorganisms. Strict adherence to sterile principles is required in the operating room (OR), as even a single bacterium can cause sepsis (Rowley and Clare). Sterilization destroys all microbes through high-level disinfection or sterilization methods like steam autoclaving. Sterile supplies must be stored in a sterile pack to maintain sterility until opened via an aseptic technique, which minimizes microbial transmission. Nonsterile supplies contain microbes but present low risk if used properly, avoiding injury sites or mucous membranes (Rowley and Clare). As a surgical technologist, I will meticulously follow sterile protocol to protect vulnerable surgical patients.
The aseptic technique maintains a microbe-free zone and sterile field during surgery to prevent wound contamination (Purssell et al.). I will be fully trained in proper aseptic practice, including hand hygiene, protected attire, and careful handling of instruments and supplies. While nonsterile areas outside the sterile field can contain microbes, transitioning aseptically between zones prevents transmission. Surgical conscience requires vigilance even in less critical procedures, as lax practices could breed overconfidence (Purssell et al.). As patient safety is paramount, I will respect aseptic standards stringently for all cases to avoid introducing pathogens that may seem harmless but could endanger immunosuppressed individuals.
Surgically clean supplies and equipment have undergone cleaning with detergent but lack sterilization. These items present a microbial threat if exposed to tissues but may be used externally on intact skin with low infectious risk, unlike the sterile field (Rowley and Clare). My surgical conscience will prevent improper exposure of these items to jeopardize a case. While deadlines and high volumes may pressure efficiency over meticulous cleaning, my priority remains to protect patients from adverse events through appropriate handling per best practices. With experience and continuing education, my judgment on appropriate and inappropriate uses of various cleanliness levels will sharpen to consistently avoid misuse compromising aseptic standards (Rowley and Clare).
Implicit in surgical conscience is a commitment to candour, accountability and justice. If ever faced with safety concerns or errors, my duty is timely disclosure to the surgical team for appropriate intervention, even if mistakes incur penalties (Rowley and Clare). A cover-up helps no one, least of all the patient. I will champion an incident-reporting culture where team members feel supported in bringing issues to light without fear of retaliation. An ethical surgical technologist takes collective responsibility for continual improvement, not blame. With an open learning environment reinforced by my example, the entire OR can advance patient outcomes through courage and compassion over defensiveness. A surgical conscience also implies advocacy – speaking up if I witness harmful cost-cutting or disrespect diminish care standards.
As an ambassador of hope to those under duress, a surgical technologist must flawlessly fulfil both technical and pastoral duties (Purssell et al.). My demeanour, communication and interactions aim to reassure, respect dignity and embrace diverse beliefs. Patients rightfully expect professionals to project expertise, reliability and compassion. My conscience affirms serving all demographics with empathy, free from bias or prejudice that could undermine the therapeutic environment (Purssell et al.). This principle similarly governs relationships with coworkers, extending goodwill across roles. With surgical conscience guiding crisp technique and a kind spirit, I strive to restore health for those trusting their well-being to my conscientious care.
Works Cited
Purssell, Edward, et al. “Aseptic Versus Clean Technique During Wound Management? Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.” International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Informa UK Limited, July 2023, pp. 1–12. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2023.2229758.
Rowley, Stephen, and Simon Clare. “Standardizing the Critical Clinical Competency of Aseptic, Sterile, and Clean Techniques With a Single International Standard: Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®).” Journal of the Association for Vascular Access, vol. 24, no. 4, Association for Vascular Access, Dec. 2019, pp. 12–17. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.2309/j.java.2019.004.003.
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