Kali.RN

Hi Catsweeney, Thanks for your input. Like you stated, every place is different. I've noticed that you work in New York whereas I am in the midwest. The surgical technologists here start around $16-17 an hour: clearly no where near enough for what the job will entail. Costco currently pays more than $24/ hour to associates with a benefit package way better than ours (sad but true). That being said, money isn't everything. And I agree, the experience is like none other! To be so close to actual surgery without spending years and years in school is amazing! But that will probably get old when you get frustrated by not making enough money. Obviously, you wouldn't be in school to be an RN if that weren't true, right. It's great that your team members support you but that can be hit or miss also. My current OR is full of drama lol, and people love to keep up mess (high school high). Most people are afraid to go up against the surgeons, even when they are wrong. But hey, it might be different where you are. It's best to consider different opinions before spending the time and money pursuing the career. I personally would do radiology tech instead of surgical tech. Nursing has certainly served me very well also. :)

Hi! I am currently an operating room nurse that started many years ago as a surgical technologist. The OR is exciting, challenging, and I am still intrigued working in surgery even after 18 years. However, I do wish I had known about the stress involved before I joined at such a young age. First off, the OR environment is very harsh. You will be disrespected by Surgeons, nurses, and fellow techs alike. Sometimes they will make you cry. It goes with the turf. As you become more experienced it will happen less and less but for the most part it never goes away. For example, I was in a surgery and did everything as perfect as possible, but forgot one minor detail like using 3" tape instead of 2" tape at the procedure end and the surgeon "lit me up" about it. And of course the rest of the team stays absolutely silent. Also, you will be paid minimally to have maximum responsibility. You will have to remember the sequence of the surgery, how to use all of the instrumentation, anticipate what you might need before the surgeon asks, and move quickly for the surgeon. Some cases you will stand in one place for hours as most ORs don't offer breaks (only a lunch). The pay is just okay, but honestly you would probably make more at Costco. Your skin will stay dry due to multiple scrubbing sessions and/or waterless scrub. You will have to memorize the Surgeons preferences and learn new ones. Get used to not drinking water during the day (I waterload at night to prevent dehydration) because you cannot break out to use the bathroom. You will have virtually no patient contact in your position so if you are into patient care you will miss out on that. You also have to be the clean up crew; cleaning your instruments and the room if needed. Also, be aware that a lot surgical technologists have been "on the job trained" which decreases the profession and thus prevents STs from lobbying for more money within the career. As long as I have been in the OR the techs have been fighting for more money. I know this all sounds daunting but please take heed as I would probably have chosen a different career had I known these things beforehand. Yes it is very exciting to be next to a surgeon during an operation (I mean you can literally hold a heart within your hands!!!!) but as a long term career choice I would really have to think about it. Nursing is of course an opportunity to work in the OR and still have the flexibility to try other area specialties if the OR burns you out. Sorry if this is discouraging I believe in transparency. Good luck with your decision!

Hi Everyone, I am currently working as an RN in Wisconsin (job in Med-Surg and unrelated to esthetics), and also enrolled in an esthetics program which I will complete in a few weeks. I am having a very very difficult time trying to determine if I should seek licensure for esthetics also. My nursing license does cover my esthetics practice. Should I even take the time, stress, and money to obtain another license? I am looking for any helpful information or experience that will help me decide what to do. I am having a difficult time finding nurses who have obtained an esthetician license after becoming a nurse, but know of several estheticians who obtain nursing licenses (most of who elect to let go of esthetics license once they start career in nursing). Please help!