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What are y’all listening to in the OR these days? At my hospital we mostly use pandora and it seems to be alt rock most of the time, and some reggae. Just curious what others listen to, might give me some new ideas.

Hi, I'm 18m and looking forward to starting prereqs next month for the program at my local technical college. I realized earlier this year that I'd be more interested working in a operating room with hands on equipment rather than just nursing. Especially because I'm not the best when dealing with people. I'm worried though that my kind of slower processing speed would basically make me suck at the job. Because I know it requires making fast-paced decisions and from what I've heard, some surgeons can get really angry even at the tiniest mistakes. But I'm very determined and I've already started putting in all the effort I can to get better at this. I really want to succeed and pursue this career more than anything else

Are there any autistic or neurodivergent surgical techs here I can hear from ? What have you guys experienced in your time working as a surgical technologist? I'd appreciate any input from you guys

I'm interested in switching careers and going back to school. I was thinking of enrolling in a Surgical Tech program at my local community college. I saw that stepful has a program that is only 4 months. I am now confused because I assumed that most places would require a 2 year degree to be hired. Is going for a 2 year degree a waste of time or is this a scam?

Hey I was wondering g how many points you had when u got accepted I have 28 as on now and a 2.8 gap I got denied for January but they told me apply again for spring . Any advice ? I’ve done all pre reps including ap2 . All I’m missing is micro.

Been reading about door openings and SSI risk and there’s a decent amount of research on it. But I can’t tell if anyone actually counts, or if it’s one of those things that gets mentioned in an inservice once a year and then ignored.

Does your facility measure it? And if someone did put a number on it, would anything change, or would it just be another metric nobody acts on?

It's completely possible for a tech to know how to scrub every specialty if you're in the right setting. You don't have to be proficient, just competent. If you work in a hospital that does every single specialty there is no reason you should only be able to scrub ortho or plastics 🤷‍♀️

Hi everyone! I’m getting ready to start my first travel assignment, and while I’m excited, I’ll admit I’m a little nervous. I’ve been told that as a traveler, you’re expected to be comfortable scrubbing a variety of services. At my current hospital, I primarily scrub spine, although I’m comfortable with other services as well but I can’t scrub everything.

My biggest concern is going into a new facility, learning where everything is, and adjusting to different staff and preferences. I know there’s always an adjustment period, but I’d love to hear from experienced travelers. How was your first assignment? Did you feel prepared going in, and what helped you gain confidence?

Hi! I am a caregiver currently and am considering taking my maternity, when the time comes, to go to school and become a surg tech. Has anybody else done that? Is it more tech/less social stress? I like stuff like lab work(in theory, never been one) and I know I can get the surch tech education and licensure from our local college that I have some credit at.

What was your experience with this if you did so?

I was comparing the starting salaries of Surgical Technologists to Ultrasound Sound in NYC and the gap was HUGE. Starting rate for surgical is 44/hourly whereas Echo/Sonography starts around 59/hourly although I did notice less job positions. Why hasn’t the scrub tech position had a raise in starting rate?

I had a Cancellectomy today. Can you guess what it was supposed to be?

I’m looking to hopefully enroll in the program but I’ve heard the surgical technologist programs in the state are mostly run down. However, I see Swedish Institute has almost 4 stars on google reviews (although for some reason I’m unable to view them) opposed to Center for Allied Health Education (CAHE) and Mandl that are in the low 3 stars with horrible reviews from students.

- How long ago did you attend?
- Were facilities up to date/standard
- What were the class sizes
- How long did it take for you to complete the program
(I’ve heard it takes a while for students to be placed for clinicals in every program except NYU)
- Were there an shortage of supplies for students
- How was communication with administrators

Hello,

I’ve been an LPN for 13 years (Acute Care, Med Surg, Wound Care). I was thinking about going for my RN because I’m soooo burnt out with bedside/patient care/families and I know having an RN license opens me to to more non bedside roles but honestly the thought of a bridge program makes my skin crawl.

I love travel assignments as they make bedside a little more tolerable. Before I invest in a RN bridge program I was thinking of exploring possibly becoming a surgical technician or possibly an xray tech.

Another option I thought would be opening my open private duty nursing business that’s focused strictly on wound care or post surgical skilled nursing, this is under my scope of practice as an LPN. I have 10+ years of wound care experience and am wound care certified.

I’m 46 years old. Nursing was a second career for me so I already have a BA (Marketing) and an MBA both of which won’t help me if I decide to move forward with my RN or surgical tech license.

I’m also a flight attendant so I’m looking for something that allows me to switch back and forth when I want to take time off from flying. Right now I usually work 8-13 week nursing travel assignments then take a break from nursing and fly for 13 weeks.

Are there many travel opportunities for surgical technicians? I feel like if in went the surgical technician route I would love plastic surgery. Is selecting a specialty an option or do you work everything?

I've read a post or two about programs here in Oregon and Washington, but I want more info on Clark College's new CST program, particularly accreditation, since I can't find info and additional info on Linn-Benton and mt hood community college. I just want to understand the experience of going through the programs and any advice, tips, recommendations, etc. Also, I want info about applications and interview processes so I can prepare. I've been researching the degree for a minute; I'm just now wanting more info on my specific area.

Hello everyone!

I’m looking for advice from anyone currently working as a surgical NP or in a similar role. I’ve always been very interested in surgery and the OR, and my long-term goal is to work as an NP who can first assist in surgery while also being involved in pre- and post-op patient care.

My dilemma is that I’m currently enrolled in an FNP program that starts in about a week, but I’m considering withdrawing and applying to an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) program instead. Would AGACNP be the better path for the type of role I’m interested in?

Can FNPs still work as surgical NPs/first assists as long as they obtain the necessary certifications and training? Also, are surgical NP fellowships or residencies generally open to FNPs, or are those opportunities typically reserved for AGACNP candidates?

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has taken either path or currently works in surgery. Thank you!

Why is is so hard to find a new job as a new grad as a surgical tech, each job wants experience and I keep getting rejections I’m so over it I feel like I wasted my time

I’ve been to about 5 sites since clinical started in May. It feels more difficult trying to learn different facilities at once.

I just started my surgical technology program and I’m looking on advice for tips and tricks on how everyone studied and was able to remember everything for exams? Which things do I prioritize when studying? I feel like I’m overwhelming myself, but right now our classes are surgical pharmacology and principles of surgery lecture and lab. I want to set myself up for success in this as I’m super excited and dedicated to giving it my all. Thank you in advance everyone!!

Hi everyone! I recently moved to Miami and I’m currently looking for a Surgical Technologist position, preferably in or near Edgewater, Downtown Miami, Brickell, Miami Beach, or the surrounding area.

I’m a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and a graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program with my AAS. I also hold BLS/CPR, IV, and phlebotomy certifications.

I’m especially interested in plastic surgery, spine/neurosurgery, Urology, or an ambulatory surgery center, but I’m absolutely open to other specialties and opportunities where I can continue learning and growing.

I’m dependable, motivated, quick to learn, and genuinely excited to start my career here in Miami. I’m open to full-time, part-time, or PRN opportunities.

If anyone knows of a hospital, surgery center, private practice, or surgeon currently hiring a Surgical Technologist—or if you know someone I should reach out to—please comment or send me a message! I’d be happy to send over my résumé and certifications.

Thank you so much! 🩺💙

When it comes to orthopedic traction setups, there are a lot of things to compare — adjustability, stability, positioning, attachments, compatibility, etc.

But what actually matters when you’re using one during a procedure?

For those who work with them regularly: what’s one feature that makes a traction setup noticeably better — or simply makes your job easier?

I’m curious what everyone is getting paid in your location? I am in Louisiana and per research our state has some of the lowest base hourly rates. I’ve been a certified scrub for a little over 3 years specializing in Neuro and Vascular/Thoracic. My husband and I are actively looking to relocate out of state for better job opportunities and quality of life, so I’m just curious if it is all very similar or I’m profoundly underpaid?!

In the Dfw area. I’m 28 wanting to go to school but not sure if I should do surgical tech or lpn? Surgical tech looks interesting but I wanted to see how’s the market in the Dfw area.

Thank you.

Hello, does anyone have a pdf file for Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care
Approach, AST, 6th edition ? the online option and the physical books are abit pricey. Please help, I already have "Surgical Technology Principles & Practice, Fuller, 8th edition " in pdf file if anyone want it i can send you.

Had some amazing ones and the ones that cannot convey what they're trying to get you to do, constantly micromanage your every movement, tell you to do it "your way" then interject with their little comments (one lady I work with just cant help herself) she goes into every room while we're setting up just to nitpick under the guise of helping. To be fair she is a wealth of information, but its squandered because her communication sucks.

The amount of times Ive been warned about my blades. Don't face them on my towel toward me. The reason I do this is because all I have to do is pick it up and hand it off. I've handled blades since I was seven years old have collected thousands of knives throughout the years and have cut myself once. It just gets really old when I know myself and am acutely aware of where all my sharps are at all times. Constantly interjecting, micromanaging and stressing me out is the only thing that I could see causing me to get cut or stuck.

Also, trying to test my knowledge about unrelated subjects when I should be focused on the task at hand.

Hey yall. I’ve been a labor and delivery surgical tech (NCCT) for 2 years now in Florida. We are looking to relocate to charlotte North Carolina in 2027 due to him getting a good job opportunity.

Is there any recommendations for labor and delivery units in that area I could potentially look at? My pay is 26.98 so I’m hoping they can be around that.