What the?

linda2097 · Nov 28, 2008

Scrub techs scrub (hand instruments to surgeons.)

OR nurses scrub or circulate (manage the patient and the room.)

Generally speaking, circulating is harder than scrubbing.

Generally speaking, nurses earn twice as much as scrub techs.

ewattsjt · Nov 28, 2008

Also if you are thinking of going further with your education and possibly into different areas. The general nursing degree is better for that ASN/ADN or BSN while the surg tech programs are diploma and associate. The advancement opportunities are limited for the surg tech. They include but are not limited to central supply, decontamination, materials management, sales rep., instructing, etc. while the RN can typically transfer to almost anywhere in the facility and if BSN or higher go into instructing etc.

Most the facilities in my area pay RNs about a quarter more than techs (Ie. If the tech makes $15 hr to start the RN will make about $20. So as you can see, there would be more money made as well as more advancement opportunities.

A downside is like at my facility; the RNs are allowed to circulate and scrub but seldom get the chance to scrub as that role is typically filled by CSTs (policy that surg techs have to make certification within a year of graduation). One would rarely get the chance to scrub unless they became a CRNFA or there were staffing issues.

Having said that, places are different across the US and these are generalized statements and area specific statements. You should check for what the differences are at the facility you are looking at. Managers typically will talk to potential employees.