Has anyone popped y’all? I have heard drs hitting and cursing out STs. Sis and bro I’m 38 years old… give me the real… ?? Please I start sterile tech in the 19 and considering going lpn to rn because of the horror stories I’ve heard
I currently have my CDL (2yrs) and team drive with my husband. Before that I was an LPN. I needed a break after covid cause I was burnt out. My husband was a truck driver and mentioned about us driving so I said why not. Best decision I made. We've been to all 48 states. The end of this year I'm planning on going back to being an LPN. We have goals and trucking pays more so that's why I'm waiting till the end of this year. Anyway, I've been thinking of going back to school, but I don't know if I want to go on for my RN. I remember how much I wanted to do the surgical tech program before getting my LPN. Don't get me wrong, I love being an LPN but when I did my surgical rotation as a student nurse and got to see the surgical tech students doing their thing i couldn't help but be jelly 😂I got to see a leg amputation. It amazed me. I've been looking into it but it seems to require you to have an Associate degree in Massachusetts. I've been out of college since 2014 so I already know I would have to retake classes. It sucks that they don't have the certificate program anymore 😢😢 That was the last thing I wanted to do was go back to college. Like you, I hate math and chemistry. 😂
Hey girl hey! You have the best personality. Thank you for answering all of our questions in this positive way! I am 1000% motivated to join the surg tech team!!
Lol I watched your videos a couple years ago when I didn’t stand a chance .. I failed the teas exam percentage for nursing but passed high enough for surgical tech program had to come back to your videos 😅very helpful
I'm getting ready to start my surgical tech program in 2023 but what tips to you have b4 I start the program and 2 try and get ahead. FYI- it's a 12 month degree program. Lastly, as far as Anatomy, to I need to know the anatomy of the WHOLE body or like a quick review?? (Sorry, I hope this makes sense lol) Thanks for sharing, GOD BLESS and new subbie here ❤ FYI- luckily I already have my general ED prerequisites done and THANK YOU 4 THE MOTIVATION, YOURE SO RIGHT. YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT #PERIODT AND DON'T LET ANYONE FUMBLE MY BAG. IVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED RUDE/MEAN CO WORKERS IN THE HEALTHCARE FIELD (front/back office) AND JUST LEFT BUT NEVER AGAIN. ALSO, I FEEL U ABOUT BEING A NURSE LOL IDC HOW MUCH MONEY LOL. MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WANTED ME 2 BE A NURSE . BUT HOPEFULLY I CAN TRAVEL (29yo single female). Anyways, SORRY FOR THE EXTRA LONG RANT/COMMENT
I’ve seen videos where they say you do have to know the whole body especially when operating on that body part. And that some surgeons will quiz you (which is scaring me)! I start in two days so i really hope all my nerves are for nothing but idk 😕
Highly recommend Hoka sneakers for those that have their feet hurt my arches were falling within the first month I was working in the OR even with years of working on my feet never had issues with my arches before but when I got Hokas they helped aloot with arch support and helped alot with feet soreness *not sponsored*
On the waiting list for my local program. Have a family and was wondering how manageable the school would be, so this helps a lot. I would imagine the reason some hospitals are hard on students is the same reason instructors in boot camp are hard on the recruits. People's lives involved and you'd need to be able to handle the stress.
I know every program has different prerequisites, what specific ones did your program require. I agree you about nursing. I I worked as a CMA and was very good at it but didn’t like it very much, switched to phlebotomy and was so much happier. Now I’m considering the Surgical Tech program at my local CC. Thanks for the videos love your content!!!🙂
If you're in the medical field already I'm sure it's less pre reqs to do! ❤️ but it's different rules for each school cause sometimes they only let you transfer for ex 10 creds.
Keep the turn cards from the assistants and surgeons sterile gowns!! You can write notes on them during the case!! That way you don't have to remember everything at the end of the case.
Hello I love your videos ! I'm so exited I'm starting school in 2 weeks ! Thanks for all the advice 😁 I want to get your book guide.. where can I get it ?
Gosh your videos have been super helpful, I start Surgical Tech school TODAY lol I’m scared and nervous as heck but I will say that your videos have helped
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK i actually did all my pre reqs, i started the actual program today.....she put it all at ease for us so i feel better about it now, not as scared.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK she pretty much said that she is there to help and wants us to all graduate and that she will holding our hand the whole way, she really just made me feel so comfortable and im ready to roll. so my class is the first class to do the program in less than a year. They re-did the program and it is only offered as a degree now. they did away with the certificates.
HELLO I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!! I'm study sterile processing right now, because I had ankle surgery 3 month ago and I can't walk. I want to be a surgical tech. but I'm 54 years old. Do you think I can still do it for ST or I'm to old? please let me know, thank you.
I agree! I'm 50 as well, getting ready for clinicals next month. Retention is a little harder for me, but I'm working hard at it. You're only too old when you're dead!
this is a great video, thank you for making it! just wanted to ask, how did you handle or get used to the smell of feces or plume when you were in clinicals?
I suction it with a yankauer and stay away from it as much as possible. It smells like burnt hair. Overtime, you can develop respiratory issues unfortunately.
I breathed in that smoke for years! We were told it was harmless! Due to my crappy sinuses, I lost my ability to smell years ago. It really came in handy at work!
How exactly does this work. I’m looking into getting in the program but I keep getting different answers. So when you get a case does it tell you exactly what surgical equipment you’ll need? Or is it expected of you to know off the top of your head which surgical equipment is needed? Also just to be clear after you graduate the program you receive your 1 year experience from the clinicals right?
Yikes, needle sticks are scary if it's dirty!! Wouldn't you have to scrub out of a surgery even with a clean needle stick, since you would no longer have intact sterile gloves etc? I used to work in the ED and physicians would leave dirty suture needles on the trays, not even in a needle driver, like WTF. The hospital finally told them dispose of your sharps or there will be consequences, and it worked most of the time!
Yes, you'd have to scrub out and get blood work. Someone will come and relieve you since it's a health matter to the employee. And yes, there's been times where they leave a needle in a needle driver and we get a whole lecture in the morning about it.
It can happen at night though when there's only the call crew, no one to relieve you. You just throw off the needle driver and the needle. You remove the dirty gloves, use an alcohol spray on your hands and put on new gloves. You can completely regown and glove, scrub again. The nursing supervisor will get the paperwork needed for yours and the pt's blood draws. There's many hospitals in the US that only utilize a call crew after hours.
I’ve been thinking about joining a surgical tech program. There are 2 schools in my area offering it. One is a certification program and the other is for an associates degree. Which one do you think I should pursue??
I have colitis and that's why I don't enroll in this degree because I know you have to be in the OR for long period of times with out going to the restroom
Ok. I use a stand up desk at my current job as a call center employee. I think the standing will be fine. I hope that I will be hired as a new grad at the age of 64. Any reason why this will be a problem?
Hi I want to become a surgical tech but I’m a bit worried and I have some questions if anyone can answer them in the comments 1. How many years of college do you have to do to become a surgical tech? 2. Can you become a surgical tech with a GED diploma? 3. What is the pay of a like beginning surgical tech that has just got started? 4. How much do they pay in New York City for beginning surgical techs? (Cause I know every state is different) 5. Is it true surgical techs have to work 12 hour shifts? 6. Lastly what is your experience and thoughts on the job and what do you recommend?
Hey Ashley! I've gone over some of these questions in my other videos so go check those out first and then you can come back let me know what else you'd like to know ❤️
Hey I live in Florida, the Orlando area to be exact and I’m really considering becoming a ST. What program did you attend or do you have any recommendations for schooling in Florida✌🏽
I would suggest a community college program over a private school or a technical school. They tend to be more cheaper and supportive, with supplies and clinicals.
To anyone you who can answer... How does someone get used to what they see in the OR? Like gore and what they do to the patients during the surgeries... I'm trying to get into school and one of the prerequisites is to stand in and observe a case... Mine wasn't a bad case but it was my first time and I was light headed and feeling pretty sick from what I saw. Does it get better or easier the more you're exposed to it? To be honest the experience put some doubts in my head. I'm definitely interested but worry that maybe it wouldn't be right for me.
You got sick and lightheaded from watching an active surgery? Just stop right now and don't pursue this career further. 100% of the people in this career want to see the inside of the human body. That's literally what keeps me from falling asleep during cases. This is similar to asking a car mechanic how long it took them to get used to getting oil on their hands....that's all literally part of the fun...and it's the job. Also you used the word "gore" to describe the human body lol...I'm not trying to sound rude but if seeing anatomy in person doesn't EXITE you, then this just isn't for you. Gore is violence and harm....what you saw was some anatomy!!!! If you weren't exited about the anatomy but still want to work in Healthcare and perhaps even move to the OR as a scrub when you do become comfortable, you could try working in sterile processing. You'll take the same curriculum and exam that surg techs take but you'll work strictly with the instrumentation. Look into a career in that. It's the same career, same certification, you'd just look after the instrumentation and not go into the OR. Best of luck 🤞
I don't know, if you truly want to persue surg tech exposure will definitely help and can sometimes take time. I'm currently a surg tech, but I remember witnessing my 1st surgery(which wasn't even in person it was on video in my A&P class lol) and I was DEFINITELY nauseous and light headed. I ended up going into sterile processing 1st and got exposure over time through my work and eventually reached the point were I was like yes this is for me. I'm still a relatively new tech but I've heard from coworkers that certain surgery's will make them nauseous/lightheaded. Something about the body part being worked on may remind you of the human underneath the blue drapes. Some people cant do hands or feet, some its eyes or the face. For me it is eyes, but if you specialize you can avoid what you don't like and over time you grow used to those too. Don't give up if this is what you want! Think about your approach to overcome any obstacles (even the mental ones) I believe in you. You got this, best of luck.
P.S. It might help if you try watching some videos of surgery(there are plenty on RU-vid) or if you are determined to work in the OR try sterile processing or case technician 1st. You will get a slower exposure to the cases and build up your tolerance.
Hmmm.... yeah it gets pretty gory and bloody and this is probably not the best field for you. I can't do dentistry bec I gag when I see saliva so I knew that wasn't for me like ever.
I didn't have problems the doctor's. They were great but those insecure teachers at the school and some of the preceptor in clinical. I understand how you felt. I was walking on eggshells. One ignorant lady cursed at me for not writing my name on the board because she couldn't find anything elseI
It's ok to feel clueless. You won't know things until after 6 to 1 year of on the job training. If you quit now because it's uncomfortable then you're not gonna make the training.
I feel you . I am in my first rotation and I feel clueless a lot. Everyone keeps telling me that’s how it is when u first start clinicals and I know it will take time to get it but I hate the wait .. and in my school u have to have a certain amount of first scrubs to pass and go to the 2nd rotation. it’s been a month and I have one or two. I have been in school 2 years now and don’t want to have wasted my time. I just hope I catch on soon. There is just soooo much to learn. The people at my hospital have been doing this job for 10-15 yrs so they are excellent at what they do .. I don’t know how I will ever remember all the steps and instruments used in each specific surgery.
@@rositamariela3825 I don't ever claim I know everything even with this amount of knowledge because technology always advances. We're getting younger surgeons that are being trained with newer and better techniques. There always things to learn so don't beat yourself up and pressure yourself that there is a lot to learn because in reality, you're not gonna learn everything. It's all a routine. It takes patience.
@@rositamariela3825 Plus you'll constantly learn new things. There will always be a new ortho implant system. There will always be a new machine, new technology, etc. You'll get a new surgeon and they'll use different implant systems than what you're used too. That's how we get medical advances!
Hey! I’m currently in ST program at Concorde Career Institute in Orlando Florida. I start the ST portion of the program in November. Is it possible to start in Cardiovascular as a first job? I really want to be a part of open heart surgery.
Yes I would love more videos like this. How many students did you have in your ST program . Do you have a website you buy your scrub caps from ? I’m interested in purchasing your ST guide eventually you created as well.
Etsy has some cute ones too! You may have better luck there if you're looking for a local college logo. Amazon has them too. Plus there's many uniform sites.
Shoes are very dependent on the person, some people are most comfortable with sneakers and other like the danskos etc. Personally I wear sneakers, that is the most comfortable for me, especially sketchers with gel. Anyway, my point is that everyone has to figure out what the best shoes are for your feet, because It does vary!
I dont wear anything but steel toe. They're easy to clean, comfy for me, and they protect my toes. We deal with blood and nasty stuff in the OR and I wanna be able to clean them easily. You can't easily clean rubber shoes. They have meshes in them but if that makes you comfy, that's cool too.
I left my shoes at work. I never put them in my vehicle and definitely never in my washing machine! I bought new shoes at least every 6 months. If you work full-time, you'll wear any support out of the shoe within 6 months. You can deduct 1 pair of shoes per year. The compression knee highs will feel better and are tax deductible too!
Don’t get me wrong Scrub tech is awesome but they are not paid well if you work permanent somewhere and not travel with it. Work a specialty like Cardiovascular Technology or Electrophysiology Technology and you are able to scrub in and do more with an awesome starting pay and more pay as a traveler of course. I am currently a certified sterile processing tech traveler and would love to settle down in my state with great pay so I am moving on to becoming a Cardiovascular Technologist that will start with $36-$40/hr base pay!
Good for you! Some people just want to see where this leads and good thing that there's options. Can't discourage people like that. There's always ways to level up but you're not gonna get there if you don't start.
True but nowadays with inflation it’s all about money and making $18-$25/ hour as a new graduate Surgical Tech is just a regular job nowadays and we need more than that. Ppl are so afraid to talk about pay but o trust and believe I’m not so I’m spreading awareness on pay and inflation. Everything depends on where you live of course but the money value is all the same. So once again I advise ppl to look into Radiologic Technology aka the imaging department and a specialty in the OR and not just go general because the pay is not beating inflation. Yeah that.
@@dpaper7962 inflation affects everybody's job. But one things for sure, if you don't start now, you'll never go anywhere. There's techs that pays low and and there's those who've had it and traveled and made more. It's all in the spectrum. I started very low and I'm glad I'm not there anymore.
Yeah well I’m still spreading awareness on don’t accept a low ball paying career that you can make working in a warehouse. Just my opinion. Some ppl thank me for my opinion and some ppl took it with a grain of salt but lm here to let ppl know that’s there’s higher paying Tech jobs out their that pays very well as a new graduate and you can only go up from their and beat the inflation.
hey, I'm in Cali and what I have noticed is that now most programs are transitioning to an associates degree program for surgical tech. My current program is like $33k, another one I looked into was $40k. They both take about 18months. Hope this helps.
I live in houston tx and the programs here are all associate degrees. However it's only 3 semesters long. Community colleges are about 8k and a private school is $38k.
there's nothing more annoying when youtube creators catfish videos in their caption. I've noticed that with Q&A videos you always mention salary or money and whenever the question pops up, you never answer it. it's always "you can look it up online" or "it's all different". yes you do not owe anyone an answer on how much you make, but it's really annoying that you always mention about it as if you're going to give an actual answer, but give the same answer all the time. if you don't feel comfortable about money transparency then please don't bring it up, especially when there are people who would like to know for their own benefit
Liana, I cannot tell you and give you hope that you're gonna make the same as me when I started 7 yrs ago vs what I make now because when you actually apply, it might be higher or lower. This is due to ever changing change in healthcare staffing. The pandemic surely changed a lot of things with pay and more than ever, travel techs are needed across US. If I tell you I started at 15$, you'll not consider this degree because of that was yearrrssss ago but if I tell you, you have a potential to make 4x that in travel especially today, you'd consider it. Giving YOU a heads up of possible income IS transparency. Lastly, Cali techs don't make the same as Colorado, as Florida, as N. Carolina techs. But travel techs? It's HIGH across the board.
There's usually plenty of OT if you want it. Where I worked, anything over 8 hrs in a day was OT. Plus we got paid a few bucks per hour just by being on call. She's definitely right there's a regional difference in pay. Union dues or no unions. Cost of living.
My thing is I have a son and the on call worries me because what if they call and I’m with my son. I’m a single mom and only sometimes is he with his dad.
Yeah you'd have to make arrangements. U only have 30 mins to get there and set up and everything. That's why when you're looking for employment make sure you're 30 mins below.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK is the on call only on your days off. Like let’s say I work Monday thru Thursday on a set schedule, the on call would only be on my days off right? Cause that’s seems like I could make arrangements
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK cause that I’m call part is really the only thing making me hesitant but if the on call is only on days off I could make sure he’s always with his dad on those days
@@nijyradanr some facilities 1 call a week is sufficient but some, like mine, who are low staff, we've been picking up 1 weekday and weekends. It's tough but u can also give it up to your co workers who wants it.
My hospital where I am about to start has trouble getting surgical techs for the L and D floor on the night shift, so I will be getting to learn to scrub into c-sections, I am super excited and nervous. Thanks for the video tech geek!
Im deciding whether I should go to school for to be a surgical tech or go to school to be a dental hygienist which would you choose mind you I like the duties of a dental hygienist but I like the getup you get to wear if you're a surgical tech I even have my own surgical gown and gloves and hat and shoe covers and masks I do surgery on fruit with my girlfriend
I loved the OR! Spine was my specialty, but other days of the week, I was in all different surgical fields. Personally, I wouldn't want to do the same thing every day. Everyone is different though! I bet you'll make better money in a hospital setting vs what an individual dentist will pay.
I was a dental assistant and I didn't like it. Patients were always afraid and I felt like if I did the wrong move it'll hurt them (x rays to be exact). I feel like ST is somewhat similar, since we are assisting doctors by preparing trays and such the only difference is during surgery the Patients are asleep. In dental they're not and they tend to move around a lot. Idk if I make sense. I know in dental hygiene the hours are better and they do make good money.
It’s the same thing(job). The word is interchangeable. Technician just either got on the job training and worked up to it. The technologist got formal training through a degree or certification program.
is there any program in specific to take OB surgical technologist ? or does going for (AS surgical technologist) apply for it as well ? because that is what i am currently enrolled in as and i’m not sure if it’s correct
@@ambitiousbeauty1013 We're all different shoe-wise. Don't buy cheap shoes. I liked Merrill shoes. Compression knee highs helped too. Some people like inserts too. You won't be standing completely still. Even assisting, you would be moving some. Now I did ruin my back, but I had a few lifting accidents at work. The trays are heavy. With a spine case, you can have up to 15 35lb trays. You may have 1 day with quick cases and the next day, you could have an 8 hour case!
You’re great, very articulate and intelligent, but please, please stop using the word “literally” inappropriately. You use the word in every third sentence. And I mean that in the most literal sense. You must have used the word at least 400 times in this video.