Best-Kept-Secret Career: Surgical Technologist

HELP!

I'm being forced to do a school assignment, and I'm afraid that this particular article does not have the information I need - how much a Surgical Technologist makes. She said that all the information would be provided on this website.

Elena @ Nov 10, 2009 21:45:13 PM

answer for BLKkght!

I'm not currently certified as I was trained in the Army, and although it does limit where you can work it doesn't prevent it! Also you cant be automatically certified in most cases. You need to get a certain number of hours in cases under your belt first. Medical Assistants if I'm not mistaken work mainly in clinics and perform small tasks directly for providers right? You would need a little additional training, but med assistant+surgical tech ain't such a bad get-up! especially if you get a job in an outpatient center. I wouldn't say that they are trying to combine, but I can see how that might start being the standard. definitely two completely different jobs though if you work in a hospital setting. You would be assigned to the operating room/surgical staff as a tech, and if you were hired as a med assistant then you would have to be a clinic staff...so I am not sure how that'd work...

Mallory of NC @ Nov 04, 2009 19:25:06 PM

Im a surgical tech

It really is an awesome job, and you have a lot of opportunities. Because I've worked with Docs, PAs, RNs and certified techs not to mention radiology techs and many surgical equipment reps, pharmacy techs and ward personnel it has opened a ton of doors in those areas of healthcare for me as well. For example, now that I have worked as a surgical tech for two years I am interested in becoming certified then working toward being an RNFA (registered nurse first assist) which would basically be doing the same job I do now, only as an RN making more money! I truly love love love my job, the people I work with and the cases I am involved in and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get their foot in the door of healthcare but don't quite know what they like yet. you must be able to multi-task, be flexible, patient and like fast paced work. Also make sure you have a strong stomach. you see all body parts and all bodily fluids!

Mallory of NC @ Nov 04, 2009 19:17:08 PM

DON'T FORGET...

In addition to aseptic mastery, I, being a surgical tech, have also found myself utilizing other skills such as management as well. Once the surgical procedure is done, you are usually responsible for the supervision of the room being cleaned, equipment such as cautery(electrosurgical blade used for blood stasis), lights and motorized bed/table being maintenanced properly. and the room and/or other areas being properly stocked and functional. This requires and aquired sense of networking with corresponding departments. With all these duties you will still find yourself a lot less stressed than other occupations around you. Overall it is a great job to have and you always have a story to tell at dinner! :p

Albert Simmons of MD @ Oct 30, 2009 20:35:31 PM

Surgical Tech

This field sounds great, but i am hearing that out patient centers and hospitals are trying to combine this field with medical assistants. How true is all of that?

I also understand that there are schools out there that is teaching surgery tech, but dont have the correct certification for a graduating student to get hired in this field.

BLKkght of IN @ Oct 30, 2009 19:08:32 PM

not "a bit more than that"

I am a surgical tech...we ARE masters of aseptic technique....and not much else. Please don't overstate our qualifications and say that we 'master anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and micro'. Anyone who knows anything about surgery or the medical field knows darn well that's false, hahahaha! I'm tired of people complaining of our job. I love my job. The people I work with get along great! NO, the pay is not AMAZING, but hey, I never went to college, and I'm making a lot more than a McDonald's store manager...that, and I get to be a part of the most awesome experience in the world. Not everyone gets to see and take part in such life-altering care on a daily basis. Now, PLEASE.....stop complaining. :)

Jamey of IL @ Oct 27, 2009 00:17:11 AM

Stay at Mama

Thank you all for your comments, I am currently a stay at home mom. Although I love it, I know it wont last forever. I have always wanted to be in the medical field, but did not know exactly where. This field sounds exciting and stable.

Anna of MO @ Oct 15, 2009 10:12:04 AM

The Cast of Characters

I've been a surg. tech. for a few years.

Most of what you read on these blogs is true. Each location and O.R. Staff personalities are totally differant. It's like that box of chocolates. You never know "who you'll be working with".

Especially when it comes to the surgeons. I suggest to a new scrub....keep silent and only speak when spoken to. It would benefit you to do this until they warm up to you. Don't let them think they have you figured out and try to size you up...keep them wondering about you. I have also noticed that when you don't join in with the OR discussion and keep a focus on the surgery they tend to respect you more. Don't let yourself get caught up in the B*llSH*T conversation. Once they learn certain things about someone they tend to poke fun and/or use that as your weakness to B*tch about anything and everything pertaining to the surgery.

What I'm saying is...Don't reveal too much about yourself. Keep it professional, BUT always be polite and friendly.

What I have written may not always be the case, but in more instances than not...it's been true and the theory tested by me in the OR.

Hollie of TX @ Oct 11, 2009 16:34:25 PM