Photo By Alpha Kamara | Hospital Corpsman Sean Zelonis, a surgical technologist at Walter Reed National...... read more read more
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By Alpha Kamara-Office of Command Communications
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC)’s surgical technologists job performance is crucial to positive patient outcomes and is one of many reasons why they’re honored during National Surgical Technologists Week. “A case cannot run without their [surgical technologists] skills and expertise, said Army Maj. Katie Flatt, main operating room (OR) service chief. “They’re a vital part of the operating room.”
When in the OR, surgical technologists must be knowledgeable on all the instrumentation, steps of the surgical case, and the surgeon’s personal preference.
Flatt also shared that the surgical technologists’ role involves being knowledgeable on the instruments used, steps to follow, and the process for decontamination, assembly and sterilization of all tools used during surgery. Their role also includes being responsible for instrument accountability and disposables during surgeries, a role Flatt says is very critical.
“Walter Reed Hospital is successful because of the surgical technologists that support the 20 operating rooms, the birth delivery and caesarian sections, the surgical clinics, and the sterile processing department,” said Flatt. She also added, “National Surgical Technologists Week” is a way for us to say thank you to the surgical technologists for their dedication and support to WRNMMC and our patients.
At WRNMMC, the hospital’s team of surgical technologists are comprised of active-duty service members, civilians, and contractors.
When it comes to what’s most vital to WRNMMC’s surgery rooms, U.S. Navy Lt. Kaitlyn Harmon, WRNMMC’s surgery unit nurse, said it is the surgical technologists’ teamwork and collective efforts.
According to Harmon, in the operation room, every staff is important irrespective of position, rank or status. “During surgery, every member of the team in important. Be you a doctor, nurse, anesthesia, civilian or military. We all work together to enhance patient safety and healing in a tense atmosphere where things can go wrong quickly,” said Harmon.
Harmon added that the role of WRNMMC’s surgery unit is invaluable because it is charged with the critical task of performing surgical operations on wounded active-duty service members from combat missions abroad as well as elective surgery patients, and other critical patients with major injuries or life-threatening diseases.
“When our marines and refugees were injured abroad in Afghanistan last year, they were flown to us for treatment. Our team nursed their injuries, cared for them, and made sure they recovered fully, Harmon said. “That’s what makes us the flagship of military medicine.”
As the nation observed surgical technologists during the period, Harmon said the essence is to celebrate the sacrifice and work demonstrated by surgical technologists who work in surgery units and continue to demonstrate courage and love for patients as a member of the surgical team daily.
“Our job is special. We cut into patients’ organs and mend wounds and infections. We replace joints and fix bones” said Harmon. “That kind of job is very delicate and therefore requires teamwork, calmness, stability, kindness, and confidence to deliver at a specific time and for that reason, we need to celebrate our surgical staff for their dedication.”
One part of the week-long recognition was a “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony. The ceremony, a hospital tradition normally practiced around the world during Nurses Week, honors those who use their hands in many ways to bring healing to patients.
Harmon shared that surgical experts use their hands daily on the nation’s warriors, veterans, and government officials who rely on the WRNMMC medical team for their care. Therefore, those hands along with all other team member’s hands need to be blessed with the healing spirit of the Lord to continue to perform wonders.
“Our staff knows working in the surgery unit comes with togetherness and dedication. [Our team] sees one patient at a time which demands teamwork and support for one another in the spirit of patient care and love for service to humanity,” Harmon added.
Earlier this year, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) recognized WRNMMC, the only DOD facility, as one of the first 25 hospitals verified through its inaugural Quality Verification Program (QVP). The ACS QVP provides a proven, standardized method for establishing, measuring, and improving a hospital’s quality infrastructure across all surgical departments, bringing together every member of the surgical team to improve outcomes and care for patients.
National Surgical Technologists Week is observed every year during the third week of September. The observance promotes the profession and educating others, while also recognizing the role surgical technologist’s contributions to healthcare teams around the world and positive outcomes of surgery patients.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2022 13:51 |
| Story ID: | 430513 |
| Location: | BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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