[mikethern]

Anyone can become a scrub tech. You don't have to be an LPN. Some operating rooms will even train people on the job to be a scrub tech.

Most scrub techs are very good at what they do.

[ewattsjt]

I agree that if you have the time, go ahead and go for RN. There are more career opportunities and the pay is better. It is a worth while investment. If you do go for LPN/LVN, a lot of schools offer a bridge to RN that usually takes right at a year (well, in Indiana it does).

If you do want to become a surgical tech; keep in mind that more and more facilities want CSTs which is a certification through the NBSTSA. There are at least 3 states have current laws mandating certification of surgical technologists and seven others in the process of legislation. Grandfathering for the CST title has already passed. So check it out before you jump into an OJT program for ST. The facility where I work mandates certification. There is no state law concerning this.

[Fiona59]

Just wanted to add that this question is about nursing in Alberta, Canada.

Up here only LPN's can be trained as an OR Tech. We have our own certifications up here and it's not on the job training.

[cystoqueen]

I am a RN in the OR and we do have LPN's who are scrub nurses. Let me tell you, they are they worth their wight in gold.

[Comanche_1]

Well now my question is what is the difference between a scrub nurse and being an OR tech?

[mikethern]

<<< Well now my question is what is the difference between a scrub nurse and being an OR tech? >>>

Pay rate.

[Marie_LPN, RN]

Originally Posted by Comanche_1

Well now my question is what is the difference between a scrub nurse and being an OR tech?

Where i work, the techs do not work with any medications. But that's a hospital policy.

[ewattsjt]

“Well now my question is what is the difference between a scrub nurse and being an OR tech?”

This is one that will vary from country to country, state to state and facility to facility.At the facility where I work; the difference is a hospital policy that states only "nurses" are allowed to dispense meds. The pay for a CST is slightly higher than a LPN or ST. The job descriptions are used synonymously. They are literally the same except you change CST, ST or LPN.

[Marie_LPN, RN]

Pay for an OR LPN is higher than a CST or ST in my area.

[Crux1024]

Originally Posted by Marie_LPN

Pay for an OR LPN is higher than a CST or ST in my area.

Thats interesing, at my place of employment. LPN's can work in the OR ONLY if they go to Tech school. No OJT here!! Also, they are not used at all for their nursing abilities, they only scrub and are paid the same as scrubs (although they can keep their LPN title). Actually, the starting Surg Tech pay is higher than LPN pay (for LPN's that practice elsewhere in the hospital).