Don't know whether to become RN or Surgical Tech

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 15, 2012

I would double check the information you have that surgical technologists make as much as nurses- my hospital's pay scale has STs max out at about the same rate nurses start. The opinion that nursing classes are hard is subjective- what other people find difficult you may find easy. Also, STs don't have as much flexibility as nurses do- they're limited pretty much to surgery or endoscopy while nurses can go into any number of specialties.

My advice would be to talk to both types of schools- find out admissions requirements, tuition/loans, etc. Also educate yourself on the role of both professions. Keep in mind that as an ST, there is pretty much no chance to sit down when working. A nurse may at least have the chance to sit down and chart periodically throughout the day, so keep in mind your own physical abilities. I'm a relatively young OR nurse who scrubs occasionally, and those are the days I leave aching- my legs from standing for so long and my arms from holding retractors. I would also find people employed as STs- find out what the job outlook is, compensation (salary and benefits), and try to shadow a day or two before you make any decisions.

squatmunkie_RN · Nov 15, 2012

60 years old? Pfft...At 60 this RN plans to be retired laying on a beach somewhere. Do you want to work until you die? Or are too old to enjoy the benefits of being retired?

D2Bpeds · Nov 16, 2012

Yea, I'm 60 and proud of it. I was a single Mother and didn't have the money or time to go to school. When my Daughter graduated college I decided it was time to make more money that I was at various jobs. Because I worked for myself for so long I don't have any social security of retirement benefits to fall back on. You try living on $200 a month...That's all I would get so no, I don't want to work until I die but I need to have a good job for at least 10 years. Be glad you aren't in the same situation...

D2Bpeds · Nov 16, 2012

Thank you for the input I'll try asking my Anatomy prof?

beeker · Nov 16, 2012

How is the new grad rn market in your area? I mention this because in my class the older graduates had a much harder time getting their first job in an already difficult market. Do you have any healthcare experience? How hard is it to get a surgical tech job? Have you looked into radiology? Will you be able to stand on your feet for long periods? Lift people? Work nights for 12 hour shifts? I became a nurse in my 30 s and my body hates me now. I'm achy and sore all the time. Working nights is killing me. But as a new nurse you gotta do what you gotta do. No way would I be able to get through it any older an I am now and I was in good shape when I started. I can't say I can honestly recommend nursing to anyone. It has aged me a lot very quickly.

beeker · Nov 16, 2012

What kind of work experience do you have?

DoGoodThenGo · Nov 17, 2012

Yes, nursing programs are *very* difficult, however one girl's idea of academically challenging is a cake walk to another. There are those who came out of high school and or first time around in college with barely a "B" or even "C" average that were straight A nursing students. Some the other way around.

Surgical techs do not make as much as RNs that one knows. Average starting salary for a ST is $39.000 (see: Surgical Technologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), whereas here in NYC new grad RNs start at the mid to low $70K/year.

Most of your time as a ST will be spent running, fetching, setting up, and assisting the physicans and nurses with very little of the "caring for people" aspect many state as their prime reason for wishing to become a nurse. All that running about means you will be on your feet a good part of your shift. Don't know your stamina level and more importantly how your legs are, but plan on making friends with a good pair or two of support hose. *LOL*

Unlike the nursing staff on the floors STs will have more exposure to physicans and leave us say not all surgeons have taken crash courses in congeniality. Like the delicate hot house flowers some are they tend to have meltdowns and it tis often the nursing/support staff that bears the brunt.

If your duties include scrubbing, then a strong bladder is also a requirement.

OTOH has a RN even starting out in one's mid-sixties or so (it will take you at least three to four years to complete a program), there are positions out there that aren't so physically demanding as bedside nursing. You will have to gain some experience perhaps for some but off the top of my head being a "school nurse" comes to mind.

AlaBro2010 · Nov 17, 2012

If you had to choose between RN or surgical tech. Definitely go for RN. A friend of mine was a surgical tech at a VERY nice hospital and now he's on his way to becoming an RN. Although, I mentioned to him I would've stayed where he was at, he has many (of his own personal) reasons for pursuing his nursing degree. I am not all about the money.. I love the skills nurses use on a daily basis so that wouldn't have mattered ( difference in pay). I don't love the OR. Check the job market in your area. Like another poster said, it's tough to get a job as an RN.

beeker · Nov 17, 2012

Yes, nursing programs are *very* difficult, however one girl's idea of academically challenging is a cake walk to another. There are those who came out of high school and or first time around in college with barely a "B" or even "C" average that were straight A nursing students. Some the other way around.Surgical techs do not make as much as RNs that one knows. Average starting salary for a ST is $39.000 (see: Surgical Technologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), whereas here in NYC new grad RNs start at the mid to low $70K/year.Most of your time as a ST will be spent running, fetching, setting up, and assisting the physicans and nurses with very little of the "caring for people" aspect many state as their prime reason for wishing to become a nurse. All that running about means you will be on your feet a good part of your shift. Don't know your stamina level and more importantly how your legs are, but plan on making friends with a good pair or two of support hose. *LOL*Unlike the nursing staff on the floors STs will have more exposure to physicans and leave us say not all surgeons have taken crash courses in congeniality. Like the delicate hot house flowers some are they tend to have meltdowns and it tis often the nursing/support staff that bears the brunt.If your duties include scrubbing, then a strong bladder is also a requirement. OTOH has a RN even starting out in one's mid-sixties or so (it will take you at least three to four years to complete a program), there are positions out there that aren't so physically demanding as bedside nursing. You will have to gain some experience perhaps for some but off the top of my head being a "school nurse" comes to mind.

You will have a very difficult time landing a non bedside rn role, or a school nurse role, without any experience. The less demanding rn jobs get scooped up by those with experience.

mas28 · Nov 18, 2012

Well let me speak from experience. I am a surgical tech first assist, and I'm currently in an accelerated BSN program. Yes, you may have a lot of standing at times, and some times you sit down. For example carpel tunnel and hand surgery procedures. Some times on long femoral popliteal cases you sit. Secondly, as one person above stated about running around, once your case is open and you are scrubbed, the RN circulator does all the running and fetching. You stay in one place. Anyone who works in surgery knows that.

As far as surgeon relationships go, most of them will love you. You have douche bags on every field, but they respect the tech who knows his/her stuff and they rely on you. They love when their cases go smoothly and you play a huge role in that as the surgical tech.

Pay: Techs do not make more than RN's. I make more than new grad nurses only because I have been doing this for almost 10 years. But even when they start out, they are only a couple bucks under me. They get several dollar shift differential which puts them higher than me on any given day. (one of the many reasons I'm going back. They won't hold a Candle to me once I get my RN, and become a RNFA)

If I had a choice, go for the RN. You have more opportunities and avenues. If you can get through school, you will find a job. Live and make your own experiences. Follow your heart and be happy. Don't let fear of a hard class our criticism of your age stop you. Everyone experience is different.

Always pursue your dreams. P.s. I have 3 ladies in my cohort who are 57, 58, and 59. Second career girls that's all, and that's ok.

Take care and I hope this helped you.

BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2012

I just wanted you to know that whatever you plan to do, I am so proud, moved, and inspired by your vigor. Depending on my family history, my love of breakfast burritos, and driving way too fast- I plan to be lucky to make even make 55. Your now in Boston's List of Heroes, whatever you decide! Best of Luck:)