What's the difference between a surgical nurse and surg. tech?

Nursing Students General Students

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:confused: a couple of us not yet student nurses were talking about it. I mean, what's the difference job-wise and pay? Thanks! Heather:D

Wow, what great info! I'm sooooooo glad I asked! I also want to know what it means to be a circulator in the OR.:confused: I may be wrong, but I think that's what Gator explained. It sounds totally interesting, as you get to do quite a varied job.

Although I've got to wonder, if you stand in one place for hours at a time :eek: ? Heather

When I worked as a volunteer in surgery, the RNs didn't really do much of anything during the surgery. They helped support the mother while the anesthesiologist administered the anesthesia. Then they were pretty much just standing around watching like me. The surgical tech can also continue their training to become a first assist and then have more responsibilities with the surgery. Of course, an RN can also be trained to a first assist as well. I am applying to both programs because the RN programs are very tough to get into. They both have an average of 300 qualified applicants with only 30 spots. One of the schools is also only ran by a lottery system. I am already in the surgical tech program so if I don't get in one of the RN programs, at least I won't have to delay my education by reapplying every semester. As for the pay for surgical techs, here in CA they make a minimum of $16 per hour and most places pay more. One place in Fresno starts at $20 an hour right out of school. As for the standing in place for hours, that is why surgical techs don't skimp on shoes. It's definately important to get the best that you can afford and they are tax deductible too since they relate to the job.

:confused: a couple of us not yet student nurses were talking about it. I mean, what's the difference job-wise and pay? Thanks! Heather:D

As a CST (Certified Surgical Tech.) let me clarify a little bit more. Most nurses in the O.R. today do not scrub for cases. They circulate the case and the tech. scrubs for the case. Most nurses today are not taught how to scrub (as they were many years ago). Scrub techs fill that position in most hospitals (and yes, it is at a lower wage). Depending on the area of the country pay can range from $11.00/hr. to upwards of $25.00/hr. for certain specialized individuals. Most ST programs are for approximately 1 year (although there are 2 year associates degree programs out there).

:confused: a couple of us not yet student nurses were talking about it. I mean, what's the difference job-wise and pay? Thanks! Heather:D
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