Should I be a Surgical Tech or an LPN?

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Should I be a Surgical Tech or an LPN?

Dear Nurse Beth,

I really want to get into the medical field. I have been in school for a while taking classes that were needed or I didn't need. I have all my pre req but due to needing something now so I can support my son without depending on anyone I decided to look into LPN or the surgical program. I really didn't want to do the LPN program because I hear the LPNs will eventually be gone and it's pointless. I Also worked overnight as a nurse assistant at an assisted living and I did not like it one bit. I also understand some nurses DO have to deal with the icky stuff such as feces. My goal is to be a surgical nurse or a clinical nurse. Sorry to be all over the place but the my question is do LPNs get paid more than Surgical tech ? Also which one would be better for someone who's a single parent ?

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6 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Single Parent,

I understand your desire to pursue a career in the medical field and your concerns about choosing the right path for yourself and your son. Let me address your questions about LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) and surgical techs (or surgical technologists) to help you make an informed decision.

Regarding salary, LPNs generally earn a higher average wage than surgical techs. However, it's important to note that salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and the specific healthcare facility. It's always a good idea to research your area's current job market and salary trends to better understand each profession's earning potential.

LPNs typically have a broader scope of practice and can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. On the other hand, surgical techs primarily work in surgical environments.

Being an LPN can be a stepping stone towards becoming an RN, providing a great deal of opportunity and high earning potential.

Both professions have challenges and considerations regarding the suitability for a single parent. LPNs often work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This offers flexibility in scheduling, but it may also require arranging childcare during unconventional hours. Surgical techs typically work regular daytime hours, which could be more manageable for someone with parenting responsibilities. However, surgical techs may have to work call or stay over on busy days.

It's essential to consider that pursuing any medical career, including LPN or surgical tech, requires dedication and commitment. It's fair to say most nurses have an aversion to some form of "icky stuff," but it's a small part of the job, and you learn ways to manage that aspect. One way is the job satisfaction gained by preserving your patient's dignity in the same way you would want a caregiver to protect your loved one's dignity.,

The workload can be demanding, and balancing work and parenting responsibilities can be challenging. It may be helpful to seek support from family, friends, or childcare services to ensure you have the necessary assistance caring for your son while pursuing your career goals.

Ultimately, deciding between becoming an LPN or a surgical tech depends on your interests, long-term career goals, and the lifestyle that would best suit your needs as a single parent. I encourage you to research both professions thoroughly, talk to professionals in the field, and consider factors like job prospects, work environment, and personal preferences to make an informed choice.

Best wishes in your choice,

Nurse Beth

 

There will always be a demand for LPN/LVNs, Im an LVN and have never had an issue finding work. As a surgical tech, your opportunities are more limited. As an LVN/LPN, you can work in various settings; acute care hospitals, clinics, assisted living, behavioral health, detox facilities, corrections, nursing homes, etc. And your can always work your way up in the nursing field, LVN>RN>NP(if that's your goal). As a surgical tech, there's not much advancement. 

Specializes in Respiratory.

No.  I had a friend who completed the program, passed the required exams and could not find a job in Southern CA.  As an LVN you will always have work.  Goddluck! 

Specializes in Med/Srg, OR, ER, Endo.

When I was an LPN. I was trained on the job to be a scrub nurse. If you show an interest, and talk to the OR Director, and they need help bad enough, they will train you on the job. I would not get the scrub tech certification over the LPN. You can work many areas with the LPN, but just one with the surgical tech. Besides, at my work they were trying to phase out scrub techs, and get all LPN's (I guess they thought it sounded and looked better). 

Definitely figure out who will care for your son when you are working.  And you need more than 1 helper to care for him.  You need several back-up contingency people.  Family, friends, formal day care (or formal evening shift or formal midnight shift care, care on weekends, care on holidays, or any other time that he is not in school, such as when he is sick and needs care on weekdays).  Formal child care is expensive.  Shop around.

Remember that you will need to sleep sometimes and could need a sitter to care for him while you sleep, not just while you work.

Any chance you can live near family and that they would be willing and able to help with your son?  You might still have to pay family.

As much as I would like to say pick the OR, I think you will find work more readily if you go the LVN route.

Best wishes

Hello, 

It's funny how I'm going through a situation on should I continue with my prer for LPN or switch to surgical tech as a single parent. Just had my final exam for A&P I made a 79.7 not sure if it will round it's very discouraging. Sometimes I feel like I am not smart enough to be a nurse.

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