Anyone go from surg tech into nursing?

Crux1024 · Sep 11, 2012

Hello! I was an ST for 7 years before I graduated nursing school. There isnt really a "movement". You wont be able to get advanced placement or anything like an LPN might do. You will still have to do all the clinicals (usually 2 years) just as a normal person would. Only thing is, youre very good at anatomy. You may have the gen eds out of the way (depending on the ST program you attend). Alot of places have a 2 year associate ST program, so if your ultimate goal is RN, you may be better off just going that way in the first place.

Let me know if you have any other questions. More than happy to help.

kiki617 · Sep 11, 2012

Thanks for responding!

Did you enjoy ST?

I'm pretty nervous about spending all the time and money (not that I have much of either) to go right into RN. I have finished all but the main ST courses and I have been accepted at a community college I can actually afford for ST and thought it might be a good intro into the health field and working by nurses. I already have a bachelors and was going to do an associate program for RN but could do a part time BSN program. They are very competitve here (Boston) so I feel it would be fine to keep applying while working as an ST.

Does that background in ST not help a bit when applying to RN jobs?

Thanks for your input!!!

Crux1024 · Sep 11, 2012

I feel like it helped me personally. I was very familiar with wounds and dressings. Familiar enough with surgery to try and explain to patients and coworkers exactly how things were done. I think it lent me credibility when applying to the ER: being familiar with a constantly changing high energy environment.

ST was an 11 month program for me (that program has since changed to a 2 year associates), and so worth it. I learned and experienced more than some people ever will, and I will never regret that. I resented the lack of growth from that job, and thats why I went back to school. ST is a decent salary and I was able to support my family with that income while in school. ST is never a bad choice, its just not a straight path to being an RN. But completely worth it.

How long is the program youre looking into?

kiki617 · Sep 11, 2012

Thats fantastic. That's what I'm looking for. I'm having a hard time commiting to going straight into nursing, I want something in between that isn't a cna.

THe program is a certificate 3 semesters then you sit for the exam to be certified. I have completed all the other courses over the past few years so I only have the surg tech I, II, III courses to do (w/ clinicals).

I like the idea of gaining experience and doing a part time program when I feel ready toward RN. Thanks so much for your advice!

jennaroo · Sep 11, 2012

I went to ST school when I was 18, then graduated and became a stay home mommy....(never actually got to use my education) 30 now hehe.......at a point in my life where my kids are old enough for me to return to school and pursue my dream of becoming a nurse!

sjbrk · Sep 12, 2012

Thanks for responding!
Did you enjoy ST?
I'm pretty nervous about spending all the time and money (not that I have much of either) to go right into RN. I have finished all but the main ST courses and I have been accepted at a community college I can actually afford for ST and thought it might be a good intro into the health field and working by nurses. I already have a bachelors and was going to do an associate program for RN but could do a part time BSN program. They are very competitve here (Boston) so I feel it would be fine to keep applying while working as an ST.
Does that background in ST not help a bit when applying to RN jobs?
Thanks for your input!!!

You already have a bachelors? What about looking into an accelerated bachelor to RN program? It seems like a waste of time to go to ST to go to RN. It is going to cost money no matter when you go to nursing school, why pay for an extra year of school?

Graduation2016 · Sep 12, 2012

I have been an OB Scrub Tech for 13 months. Just graduated summer 2011. I love the operating room. I do miss the main OR sometimes since all I do now are c-sections but my goal is to stay in L&D once I get my BSN. I only work part time nights and the program I'm attending is an accelerated bilingual one so my nursing classes should start next summer or at the latest the fall. I agree with the other poster, if you already have a BA why not just continue nursing? It all depends what you really want to do. As a scrub, you, the surgeon and the PA (f there's one) are the main focus of the procedure. The RN circulates. If your goal is to be in the action and get yours "hands dirty" go for the ST program. If you are positive you want to go into nursing do that. Good luck!

kiki617 · Sep 12, 2012

The accelerated programs in the area are very very very competitive and very very very expensive!! Aside from the actual program cost (one for instance is 60k, the MGH Institute) they are full time and I can't afford to not work and don;t have any help from family. There is one part-time program for ABSN that I could consider once I have some $. I have a bachelors but I keep getting laid off, so it hasnt been easy to make a switch when I can't save. I figured going ST would be a good middle area to work in healthcare and pursue nursing when ready. I am glad to hear you all have enjoyed the field, I just want to like my job!

Crux1024 · Sep 12, 2012

Take the steps you need to succeed. As I said before, ST to RN is doable. Youll be able to support your family on the income (in my area anyways), but its certainly not a straight path to get there. I understand about the expense of the accelerated programs. We had multiple students with Bachelors already in my ASN class. Its whats readily available.

Good luck with whatever you decide.