Anyone work with Surgical Techs?

Published

I'm thinking about a career as a surgical tech. I know it is not the same thing as nursing, but I do know that they occassionaly work together. I'm just wondering if anyone works with surgical techs and what do you think of their job? Was anyone here ever a surgical tech before becoming a nurse? If you work with surgical techs, do they seem happy in their job?

The pay is not nearly as good as what a nurse makes, but it seems so exciting. I'm just trying to find out as much info as I can before I start school.

Thanks!

Stacy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR.

Stacy

I worked as a surgical tech while I finished up my nursing degree. Once I finished, I was able to stay in the OR, and the experience was great! I am able to both scrub and circulate, which ultimately lends itself to more learning experiences.

Yes, the pay is less for a tech than a nurse, but I work with several people in this capacity. There are always opportunities for growth (depending on what institution you work at) and some might even help down the road to pay for nursing classes.

The OR is an exciting place, and I would recommend this to anyone interested. At least look into this option to see if it is the right place for you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a surgical tech. Look for some of my posts on the subject.

Yup I LOVE being a tech!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I work with them on my OB unit. LOVE THEM and they seem to like what they do, albeit stressful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgical Services.

I work with them on a daily basis being as I am a new OR Nurse. I love what I do but you have to be really strong and determined to get through the orientation process. It is really difficult due to that fact that as nurse you are not really taught this in school.

As for becoming a tech, Congratulations! You will have a wonderful time and it is very exciting. Good Luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

Hey!! i am an CST, I start nursing school in the fall. Let me say, I honestly love my job!! I love being that "involved" with patients, and its a very different enviornment, I really feel like I can make a difference when Im in the OR. Bad part, less pay and less recogniton/appreciation, as the patients rarely remember their OR experience! There are quite a few ST's turned nurses and they make the best circulators for a room as they can follow and know exactly what is going on (that also comes with experienced nurses) Good Luck and maybe check out www.ast.org

:monkeydance:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In my last job at the hospital, I worked post-op ambulatory surgery, and loved it. The surgical techs were thru our dept. frequently, and I enjoyed working with them - they were ready to help with whatever they could, time permitting. They would even occasionally wheel patients out to their cars if they weren't busy, and we were swamped!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion