AST Clinical Ladder

BROADER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS. BETTER RETENTION RATES FOR THEIR HOSPITAL EMPLOYERS. That’s the win/win reality of this clinical ladder. Experienced surgical technologists represent an exceptional value in today’s risk-averse, quality-seeking, outcome- driven health care environment. The same expertise that makes them an asset to hospital success, however, makes them strong candidates for medical sales and travel companies. By offering and supporting a Clinical Ladder specifically for surgical technologists, OR managers have an edge in keeping the best team members. And qualified technologists see just where this valuable career can take them. A clinical ladder serves as an incentive for surgical technologists to continually improve their knowledge, skills and competency. It allows them to become involved with decision-making activities and encourages holistic thinking, broadening their view of being an integral part of the process of surgical patient care. It gives new staff a clear picture of how to advance in the organization. The result is a highly skilled and knowledgeable surgical technologist with diverse skills, both surgical and nonsurgical. The surgery department and hospital benefit in a number of ways. Hospital departments are constantly asked to take on additional duties with the same amount of staff. Clinical ladders help the surgical technologist develop multiple skills. Since precepting, orienting new staff and providing inservice education is usually included as part of the criteria for reaching the top rung of the ladder, the department and the hospital benefit from a wider pool of qualified surgical technologists to fulfill these tasks. Clinical ladder programs help foster positive inter- departmental relations by giving the surgical technologists increased visibility in the hospital. They are seen as a key member of the hospital team that can serve as an important source of patient care information. 3 A S S O C I A T I O N O F S U R G I C A L T E C H N O L O G I S T S