Surgical Technologist Week

WHEREAS, the Association of Surgical Technologists was officially created as a nonprofit educational association in 1969 with the support of the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses, the American College of Surgeons and the American Hospital Association; and

WHEREAS, the Association’s foremost goal centers on ensuring that surgical technologists, through accredited surgical technology programs, certification and continuing education requirements, continue to administer the highest quality care to the surgical patient; and

WHEREAS, the surgical technology profession has grown to meet the continuing demand for well-educated, highly skilled, and versatile individuals to work with surgeons and other skilled professionals to deliver the highest possible level of patient care; and

WHEREAS, surgical technologists are integral members of the surgical team, working closely with the surgeon, and in alliance with the registered nurse, delivering direct patient care and ensuring patient safety before and during the operative procedure; and

WHEREAS, surgical technologists are entrusted with the lives and well-being of patients and provide a critical service during surgical procedures; and

WHEREAS, surgical technologists are responsible for the application of sterile and aseptic technique  in the operating room, ensuring that equipment functions properly and facilitating safe and effective conduct during invasive surgical procedures; and

WHEREAS, surgical technologists strive to prevent life-threatening surgical site infections and maximize patient safety; and

WHEREAS, Certified Surgical Technologists graduate from an accredited program and receive certification conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting based upon passage of the national examination; and

WHEREAS, the surgical technologist’s motto “Aeger Primo, The Patient First” reflects total commitment to patient safety and advocacy:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 21 through 27, 2014, as

Surgical Technologist Week

in the state of the Alabama, and urge citizens to acknowledge the important role of surgical technologists in the care and recovery of their patients.