Surgical Tech to OR Nurse

www.angel29 · Nov 15, 2009

Also I live in NYC, but any info from anyone would be very helpful.. Thanks once again

cilla.bella · Nov 16, 2009

I am a surgical tech who is in the last month of nursing school. When I did the surgical tech program (6 years ago) I got hired before my externship was over. Getting hired fresh out of school depends on where you live, how many hospitals (or surgery centers) are in the area, your personality, your specialty, your eagerness to learn (even the specialties that nobody likes.. like eyes and neuro), and the impression you leave with that facility (SO strive, learn quickly, be helpful, don't act like a know-it-all, don't try to be best friends with the surgeon (super tacky), be quick with room turn overs, and learn where supplies and instrumentation are located in the OR as soon as possible and where to find it if supplies is "out" or if instrumentation is in processing (this makes life a lot easier).

As far as the transition into nursing, you'll have complete prerequisites before applying to a nursing program. You can complete a lot of them online actually from your local community college. Inquire with your school of choice about what the requirements are (NAT test, immunizations, CPR cards, background checks, prerequisites. . .). While you are working as a surgical tech and you are completing the prerequisites, decide if OR nursing is where you want to be. Observe the nurse, check out/buy books on postoperative nursing (or ask the OR educator to borrow some information). And when you are accepted into the nursing program, if you intend on working as tech through the schooling, you'll probably have to adjust your schedule to the evening shift or to the weekend shift, so just a head's up on that... but if you can get away with not working during the nursing program, that would be even better so you can focus on ALLLL the stuff you have to learn...which is A LOT!!!

www.angel29 · Nov 16, 2009

Thank you so much!!! I'm just about to finish up my first semester, my expected graduation date is 4/2011, I have awhile before I go the nursing route but most likely as soon as I graduate I will continue on to find out about the pre - reqs that I need to do while (hopefully) working.. how was it being a surg tech?

www.angel29 · Nov 16, 2009

Thanks also for the tips I will definetely keep them in mind while I'm in school & on externship!

scrubcircrn · Nov 18, 2009

I was a surgical tech for a year and decided to go back and get my nursing degree. I was lucky to be able to stay in the same hospital once I finished. I love surgery and being a scrub first has helped alot

BethCNOR, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2009

Good luck to you in your educational endeavors. Being a scrub tech before becoming a nurse will help you become a better circulator (in my opinion). The pre-req's are the basic required college courses needed before you enter the nursing program. The things like math, A&P, microbiology, humanities, etc. I scrubbed for 15 yrs. before I went back to school. Wish I had done it sooner. Cilla.bella gave good advice. Have fun!!

Junebug59, RN · Dec 7, 2009

i was a tech (i guess i'm still one) from 1980 to 1989 when i grad from nursing school. i love the o.r. and being a tech i became a great circulator. you know what's going on at the surgical field and can anticipate. i have been a travel nurse since 1992 and have gained unbelievable experience. working in lots of level 1 trauma centers. also, some places i work have me scrub. i can also first assist, but don't have the certification. so basically i wear 3 hats in the o.r. it makes you very marketable!!!:loveya:

www.angel29 · Feb 2, 2010

Thank you to all who replied!! I appreciate the insight, and look forward to working side by side with all OR Nurses, anyone else with any feedback I will greatly appreciate it, I'm now in my 2nd semester in Surg Tech school, this semester I feel even more commited and determined, still looking forward to being a nurse... thanks once again:)

ericseitz · Mar 4, 2010

This is a really interesting post. I have been having a dillema lately about deciding what path i want to take to eventually become a First Assistant down the road. I am taking prereqs for nursing school right now and am currently working as a CNA, although I have become increasingly interested in the Surgical Tech field and was wondering if I should go through the school for that first before I pursue the degree in nursing. I understand that an RN in the operating room has more flexibility all around, but my primary goal is intraoperative work with first assisting. This is what I see for myself in the future, but I am unaware whether this is all realistic or not. Any advice?

Kingbandit · Apr 8, 2010

I was hired as a surgical tech in 1994, straight out if school. After 10 years I got my nursing license. I chose to go elsewhere to learn skills I knew our nurses rarely used like starting/using iv's, ACLS, sedation, cardiac monitoring, & ventilated care/use. Now don't get me wrong, techs make great nurses since they know that side of the table they can be better prepared. I think all nurses should spend a minimum of 4 weeks scrubbing most of the services.

Good luck with both careers.

www.angel29 · Apr 25, 2010

Hi ericseitz! I would suggest checking out www.ast.org website. Association for Surgical Technologists. There is discussion regarding first assistant as well as courses a person can take to become a first assistant. I go back and forth from allnurses to ast because even though I am a Surg Tech student I still wish to be a RN. Also, have you thought about specializing? That can also be another option, I'm just not sure if it is a good or bad idea...