Should Surgical Technicians Circulate

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 14, 2004

Lonman's attitude is NOT a respresentation of that profession.

Ferret · May 15, 2004

Lonman's attitude is NOT a respresentation of that profession.

I should hope not... things get hard enough in theatres without attitudes like that in a team. If ST is so good, why bother becoming an RN?

Good luck with your studies, LPN2B!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 15, 2004

Just because they're not RNs doesn't make them bad either.

Ferret · May 15, 2004

Just because they're not RNs doesn't make them bad either.

I didn't suggest that. I was an Enrolled Nurse for 9 years, and know that RN's aren't the be all and end all. This opinion has been reinforced now that I am one. We can be quite full of ourselves. 8^)

carcha · May 16, 2004

Just because they're not RNs doesn't make them bad either.

Poor choice of phrasing. This whole topic has absolutely nothing to do with good or bad. The whole issue has to do with different education, responsibilities, accountabilities. To try and define it as a good or bad issue is simply childish. OR techs do not have the necessary education to lead an OR team. That is a fact. There may be many techs who are brilliant at scrubbing ect however scrubbing is really not the most difficult aspect of OR care and I was always taught that during a AAA for instance the MOST JUNIOR member of the team should scrub. Once you have your instruments in front of your and if your not very experienced an experienced RN to guide you then its just a case of keeping up with the surgeons. Its the circulator who manages everything else from the patient care, the medical team to the staff breaks to the order of the list to the paper work. So good or bad is simply an illogical statement. RN's are the nurses not the techs.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 17, 2004

No where did i say that a tech was a nurse.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · May 17, 2004

Actually,for those who felt threatened, the Illinois bill that goes in effect in July is not intended to "replace existing RN's". It is actually the 1st attempt to get more regulation in this field that many of you love to phrase, "unlicensed professionals". Isn't it about time that surgical technologist become licensed?? As you the RN's love to say, don't you wnat the best qualified help??
.

Actually, unlicensed persons are not considered professionals. They are UAPs- unlicensed assistive personnel.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 17, 2004

Actually, unlicensed persons are not considered professionals. They are UAPs- unlicensed assistive personnel.

Exactly, TY.

Chrislynn2003 · May 23, 2004

I think that it would be a good idea if a tech followed around an RN circulator to see what it would be like. The tech's know what the RN does in a sense, but it's different knowing than doing. Some of the techs act like circulating is a cinch, but it can be difficult at times. Besides that, tech's do not have a license and therefore should never circulate. And like someone said, its' not about fairness.

Christine

Rnn2003, MSN, RN · May 24, 2004

I am really glad I posted this thread... I wanted to get a feel for what others thought about CST circulating in the O.R. Many of the CST including the (Surgical Tech Instructors) seem to feel that once tech's become licensed Techs (Following Texas) that they will decrease the need for R.N's only in the circulating mode in the O.R... simply because if nurses are allowed to have several patient on the floor with LPN working under them then certainly this is a possiblity in the O.R...The RN would do the initial assessment, check in on the room from time to time but the Tech would circulate...reason stated cheeper labor....what are your thoughts if any on this.

Rebecca

shodobe · May 25, 2004

You are definitely opening a can of worms. I would rather retire than let a CST circulate a room. Sorry for the bluntness, but this will never happen as long as the AORN is around. Like I have said in the past, STs have their place but not in the role of being "responsible" for all aspects of patient care. If they want to do this then go to nursing school and get your RN! I still feel an RN trained to do both is worth their weight in gold, STs are so one dimensional. Go ahead, slam me, I am ready. Mike

Also this follow an RN around to see what they do is a little ridiculous. I can follow a firefighter all day, doesn't mean I can do his or her job at the spur of the moment.

carcha · May 25, 2004

From my own experience hospitals employ techs, or CSA, ect when there is a shortage of RNs. I really dont think its about money -for a change- but simply manpower. Lets face it one RN can do a multitude of tasks and perform patient care accross the board whereas techs have to be supervised and are limited in what they can do. Therefore it makes sense that the hospital would employ RNs and have total care provided. As RN availability ebbs and flows so does the employment of techs. I have never worried that my job is at risk and if anything hospitals here are cutting down on non nursing staff not increasing them.