Surgical Tech and then RN??

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

I was thinking about getting a degree in Surgical Technology as a stepping stone to an RN. That way I can really get in the action, get to know the "right" people and hopefuly not have to hard of time landing a job once I graduate from nursing school. Do you think thata would be a good idea?;)

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I would not waste the time and money as ST jobs are almost impossible to get. Go straight for the RN degree, you will have plenty of time to invest in that activity.

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

Wow, ok. Thanks for the insight.

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

BTW, I am almost done with my pre-reqs. Finishing up A&P II, then will take Micro and thats it. I will take your advice and just go for the RN. Thanks again.

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ST is like medical assisting, the schools tout their programs to get your money but they don't tell you that you will not be able to get a job.

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

Thats horrible!! I am very glad I found this website. I love being able to get advice such as this from someone like yourself. I do appreciate it.:)

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One of the moderators here, if I remember correctly, states that she became a Medical Assistant, but never worked as one because she could not get a job.

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

Wow. Unbelievable! Talk about being taken advantage of. At least she rose above that obstacle and got her RN degree. Good for her.:)

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Specializes in Peds- ICU.

I would go straight to RN, the only good part of becoming a surgical tech is learning more about the scrub role in surgery. That will make you a better nurse in the operating room. But if you want to become a nurse just go for it.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

:)

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Specializes in PeriOperative.

Ok, so you've heard a lot of cons. Here are some pros: You will have a leg up on the competition, especially if you go into OR nursing. Perioperative nursing IS NOT taught in RN school. You will have a much better idea of anatomy and a fair amount of medical devices than many of your fellow students. You will be able to get your foot in the door and many employers will pay part or all of your RN school tuition.

With that being said, thorough investigation is a must! Look at the hospitals and ASCs in your area and see if they are hiring scrubs. Call them and ask if they have a preference hiring scrubs from one or two specific schools. Call the schools and ask what their job placement rates are upon graduation.

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"Perioperative nursing IS NOT taught in RN school."

Not always true. We had a solid month worth of training in this field.

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Specializes in psych,rehab.

I went that route: Surgical tech - Lpn - RN and i never felt like i had an advantage over anybody in nursing school or when looking for a job.The OR environment is a very abusive one,the Surgeons being the ones doing the abuse and you as the Scrub Tech bearing the blunt of it since you are right there and an easy target.

That being said,when i do pre - op teaching for my patients i am able to describe the whole procedure ,minus the gory details, better and answer questions like how long procedure will take,scar appearance blah blah blah..

I wish i would have saved myself that 1 year and gone staright for my Nursing classes.

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