MrsSportcat

I'm considering going to school to become an RT. I'm just starting my research on this. I'm concerned about the health risks related to a job that works with radiation. If I became an RT, would I be at a higher risk for cancer, etc.? How do you protect yourself from exposure?

I am having such a hard time deciding on a career. I know I want to go into the medical field, but after that I'm stuck. I have a B.A. in Graphic Design but it's just not what I want to do with my life. I want to do something more "hands on". I like to stay busy and work with people. First I thought I would go back to school to become a medical lab tech but then I was afraid that would be too monotonous. Then I considered going back to become a surgical tech but I'm afraid they just don't make that much money. Then I thought, "well heck...maybe I should just go for nursing!". I don't know. I've read so many posts on here about how stressed nurses are. Is that the case most of the time? If I went into nursing, I think I would enjoy pediatrics or anything pre to postnatal care. Maybe even OR nursing too. I don't think I would enjoy geriatrics or oncology care. Any advice from those that have "been there, done that" is much appreciated! What would you do if you were in my shoes? Thanks! Stacy

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

I am thinking about starting a surgical tech program in the fall. I was going to go into the Medical Laboratory Tech program but then I decided I didn't want to work alone all day. (A lot of research I've read about the MLT program stated that you may have to work alone in a lab quite often.) Plus I'm not sure I want to do so much paperwork, which I also read is required of a lab tech. I think I would rather be part of a team. I really like hands on work and am very detail oriented and super, super organized. I have a few questions regaring the surgical tech "atmosphere". First of all, do you get used to the "gross factor"? I think I could handle it but who knows. I've never had to be around that kind of environment. I'm scared to start the program and then find out I'm grossed out by it all. Is it something you just get used to? Is it really that bad? Were you freaked out by it when you first started? What is the work environment like? Do you talk during the procedure or is it really quiet, etc? How long is a typical procedure? Are you standing all day? Do you get to eat? What if you have to go to the bathroom? What if you have a family? Is it a typical work day? Do you usually work with the same people? I enjoy getting to know people really well and seeing them every day. Would I have to work with new/different people all the time? Anyway, I've read lots about the actual career, but wanted to insight as to the work environment also (if that makes any sense). What is your personal experience? Thanks! Stacy