I’m a travel surgical tech recently I went full-time to labor and delivery and I signed up for medley so that I can still pick up surgical tech shifts on a PRN basis and get paid for the day at whatever facility needs help. This works well to keep my ortho and robotic skills freshener!
During my clinical, I went to L&D floor. I was sO excited! thought it was what I was going to end up doing. Girl…my preceptor wasn’t a very good teacher, first off. The doctor was trying to stitch up the patient and she kept bleeding. I noticed the doctors shield was fogging up so I wasn’t sure she could see on “my side” where the patient was bleeding so I pointed it out to be sure. The doctor literally stopped what she was doing and YELLED at me and almost SMACKED my hands (when all I did was tell her and point to where the patient was bleeding). After that I was like nope…I don’t ever want to work with these doctors or techs in L&D. I apologize to the doctor after the patient left. She said it was okay..like no big deal. Her resident came and FOUND me and went on and on and on (making me feel like shit). I reported it to professor and she told me I did the right thing. I told my professor what I got from that case was my only job was to stand there and hand the doctor what she needed and shut up. I wasn’t considered “apart of the team.” I’ll never forget that day😩.
Omggggggg.... what did the resident tell you? Why would there be a resident there? Did the doctor have an assist? Where's your preceptor tech? Didn't she warn you about the doctor? I have so many lingering qs lol. I'm sorry that happened to you but you definitely did the right thing. Good thing you'll never see these guys again cause whew, never again lol. The trauma 😭.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK The resident was seasoned. She told me there was a right time and wrong time to say things and I chose the wrong time. I explained to her why I thought it was the correct time and she said they saw where the patient was bleeding (when the attending threw the stitch, another spot started bleeding and that happened for like 45 minutes). The resident was fcking rude. She clearly just wanted to argue with me. My preceptor was at the end of the back table. She didn’t have my back at all. Did she warn me about the doctor? No. She was a shitty preceptor. You could tell she didn’t want to teach me anything or be bothered at all. On our down time she just sat in the break room on her phone. Yes, that particular hospital is very know for L&D in my city. When that happened I was like, “ABSOLUTELY NOT going to be my place of employment. I also noticed in the OR…there was a divide between the techs and nurses. I felt tension on my first day! Girl…a HOT MESS!
@@amyc4406 I can confirm that the environment and tension between techs and nurses can be what you just explained. Honestly if it's been bleeding for 45 mins and they can't figure it out, then somebody gotta call the experts cause the pt is gonna end up losing a ton of blood and possible hyst. It just sounds so chaotic!!! Your preceptor could have done better and that resident only had guts cause you're a student cause no resident ever talked to me that way. Residents are baby surgeons. Most are very nice and you encountered the wrong one. It's pretty intense up there and I feel like you've experience the blunt of it all. Lol these experiences will only make you stronger one day. 💪
I'm an OB tech and truly love my job. No plans to go the main OR whatsoever but the stigma that the OR techs carry about us is crazy. For instance if a home delivery fail case comes through the emergency door and ends up in the OR downstairs, they call us to go down and do it but here's the problem nobody helps you turn over that OR when you finish that case. You clean and stock up just like we do upstairs yet you hear them calling overhead for turn over in other rooms.
Yep I totally see the stigma. I even made a video about it. I have friends in LD. I rotate there once in awhile and they wanna come to the OR but my peeps don't consider yall experienced unfortunately. They will treat u guys like a brand new tech. It's unfair really.
That has nothing to do with them not being able to handle a case that virtually requires one basic tray. They call you guys because that’s your domain and it’s less work for them.
While the general description may be accurate, if you work at a large hospital (which I did) she missed a great deal of topics. I also did accretas, incretas, and percretas, as well as amniotic embolisms, and PUBBS procedures. When she said it was "slow-placed", I was shocked! Have you never done "crashes"?? Obviously not!!! The hospital I worked at did over 6,000 births per year, and I was often called up to the Main O.R. for complex surgical procedures. She talks as though patient care is "menial". If you don't have the mentality and passion to do and care for a patient like a member of your own family, you really shouldn't be in this profession at all!!!! We were ALL a team that did whatever it took to make the patient safe, cared for, and comfortable!!!
This video really helped me solidify my decision to go into OB! I just graduated and am studying for my cert, was concerned about not finding the right fit, but I think I’m going to love the OB route
I have been an OR and OB tech for over 17 years. I’ve worked in IVF, Spine/ENT, GYN/General. But by far L&D has been my favorite! Now, my youngest son is graduating from high school and right after, I will be traveling to a beautiful sunny city as a traveling OB Tech!! Earning lots of money. Years ago there were no travel OB Tech positions out there but there are now. Good luck!!
CST here.. as an OR lead tech for trauma and pediatric I can tell you in California you have to sign up for a major and minor holiday at most Level I and II facilities. I also am a traveler and I work 3’12s as you mentioned on nights as a OB tech . I also work 3’ 12’s in the main OR on nights (most teaching facilities are 12 hr if you are not 8 hr day shift). You also must be a CST to work in the Trauma facilities here unless you have 10+ years experience or time served at your current hospital. I encourage new grads to go to the OR first. Not because I think it is better but you want to get your skill up ! There’s nothing wrong with being an OB tech but its hard to get into Main OR if you start there. Hope this helps =) also there’s nothing like a Trauma to get the blood flowing!!!! Chest tubes, 200+ lasts,4-5 Attending from different services at once ! Its like nothing you could ever imagine !!
100% agreed on all ur statements. I never advice students to go straight to OB first. It's not a good idea but some students fall in love with OB though but I almost guarantee they'll get tired of it in less than 2 years.
I just graduated myself and honestly, the stigma against L&D techs scared me off at first. Thankfully, I had to do a rotation in the department at my hospital and it totally changed my opinion! The job allows plenty of time to further my education and Night/call shifts pay extra money. My hospital has a major shortage of techs, so I can take as many hours as I want! I also get to make my own schedule. Meaning if I want to plan time off or a vacation, it's totally possible. Of course, you still have to coordinate with others, but its awesome. I'm also planning on going back to school, so it'll be great to have about 6-8 hours of my day at work, where I can just study while getting paid. (after ensuring everything is done).
I think a majority of what you discussed here is going to vary widely based on facility, healthcare organization & respective union contracts. Schedules, holidays, call, job description, duties & wages will all differ. Our OB techs (@Kaiser N.Cal) are required to be a certified surgical technician, yet make significantly less than a traditional OR CST. For example, our OB techs start at $30hr & max out at $37hr. By contrast, our CST’s start at $43hr & max out at $51hr. Kaiser OB techs essentially work as PCT’s/CNA’s in L&D unless & until there is a c-section. So in my case it made no sense to pursue a CST certification and become an OB tech since the pay was only slightly more ($1+) than what I was making as a PCT on the nursing units. I get the whole call aspect & it being a con for some. But never have I experienced a time in which some other money hungry coworker wouldn’t take it. Because our call rate is 1/2 the hourly wage for every hour while on call & 1.5 from the moment you answer the phone & till you leave with a 4hr minimum. So wether I’m there for a case that lasts 4 hrs or 30 mins I still make 1.5 for 4 hrs & then resume 1/2 rate. Many of your videos were very helpful to myself & fellow classmates. The instructor even played some of them in class.
Awww thank you! This means a lot! And you're absolutely right. It all varies but some people would like an insight on my experience to get some type of structure. My facility in other hand, we only have an 30 mins to get to the hospital. If it gets cancelled, you auto get paid 2 hrs IF you were able to clock in. If not, you get zero. Ty so much for ur input!! 💓 I really appreciate it!
As scrub nurses in uk there is no difference between LD (obs theatre) and OR (called acute theatre in my hospital) I might be doing a section list one day, and a colorectal list the following day and then an appendix. Plus anything from stocking up to cleaning the theatre and turning over - we don’t have cleaners in theatre between cases, only at the end 🤷🏼♀️ How weird that the role varies so much between countries!
Oh wow!!!!! That's crazy! So you guys have merged it together in 1 operating room? Wild... yeah in the US. Main OR has orderlies who clean the rooms. Some facilities the techs clean but nothing like what you mentioned.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK we have 5 main theatres one of them open 24/7, 3 day case theatres and 1 Obs theatre for emergencies on labour ward but staff rotate everywhere daily, I try to avoid ortho though 😆 love the sound of LD though, wish we had something so specific here to ‘retire’ into 😅
@@bettysmith4527 In my state, the FA title isn't observed. We would discuss the day's room schedule and decide who's do I ng what. As RNs, we had to scrub. I really liked it. I scrubbed, assisted and circulated.
If you earn a certification in Surgical Technology and CHOOSE to do OB Only, you are still an CST with a specialty in OB... Yes Surgical Techs on OB may do some patient care and stocking but they are still CST's at the end of the day.. L&D is not so hum drum as it may seem... IT GETS REAL IN A STAT C-SECTION...IT'S SUCH AN INTENSE LIFE SAVING PROCEDURE... YOU'RE TRYING TO SAVE TWO LIVES AT ONCE.. Unlike a scheduled procedure A STAT C-Section requires you to use "worst-case scenario " training that is learned throughout your Surgical Tech training. SO THE REPETITION OF YOUR TRAINING IS IMPERATIVE FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME. If you work at a busy facility it doesn't matter if it day or night you can do C-sections through out the whole shift...Usually there's morw than one tech scheduled so that you can get a break.. Also working 3 12hour shifts is only 4 hrs less than working 5 8hour shifts... Your evening/ nighttime differential can easily make up the difference in the 4hours per week.. I Love Being a CST with a Specialty in OB... FYI we do more that C-sections...
👏👏👏👏👏 well said! This ^^^CST knows exactly what she is talking about.^^^^^^ It’s a specialty for a reason. And it should be. You always have 2 patients at once. I have seen main or techs freeze in a complicated and crash cs… and any case can turn into a code. (Fyi, So can vag deliveries-Look up shoulder distocia) a crash cs is literally calling a code for baby and mom. You are rushing to save their lives and the surgery can also be further complicated by NICU in the room w you if there are issues w the baby… look up birth defects… or postpartum hemorrhage…fetal demise….so much more to this area that you will not cover in school or experience in clinicals… Also, there is no call bc you have to ***already be there.*** And the cases aren’t ever the same. Ever. If you want in/out case w fast repetition, I would suggest day surgery, plastics or eye surgery centers.
Mainline CSTs do numerous specialties with hundreds of different variants of surgical cases. OB techs essentially do one case with a basic tray. OB techs should 100% not receive the same pay as a mainline surgical tech. OB is a straight up breeze in comparison. Try two double decker back tables with over 40 trays while getting fried by x ray all day (16hour+) cases; spine and or major ortho cases. Or even open hearts for that matter.. I could train someone off the street in a week to do a c~section but it takes literal years to become good in the mainline. I mean no disrespect, but it’s borderline insulting to even be lumped in with l&d techs after you compare the difference in sacrifice and skill.
I have done OR and also specialized in OB , I don’t know about Tainted, after 9 years in the OB tech world I went back to OR and with no problem. Thank Goodness I didn’t apply where ever your friend tried . Tell her to keep looking there are many Hospitals that will hire her as a OR tech even though she was a OB the h for years . Wishing her good luck.
Oh shit, I’m an OB tech right now but I will be going to school for a surgical program in the fall. I want to move up to the main OR! I figure getting my experience before going to school would be good
I work with 3 OB techs that did not go to school for surgical technology. They all learned on the job. Granted this was 10 plus years ago but yep all taught on the job. I will say they all came from the main OR like myself but I did go through a surgical technology program. In fact I’ve encountered a lot of STs throughout my career that did not attend a program and learned on the job.
@@gregorymiranda1982 must have been awhile ago bec now, most require it and you don't wanna cut yourself short. We have an employee who has 15 yr experience not certified and she takes the exam in 3 months. If you're gonna travel, I highly recommend it!
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK I agree in your statement though of one going from OB Tech to OR Tech. My skills from main OR have helped me out tremendously. I even get complimented on the way I pass my instruments. Very thankful for my 9 years of experience in main OR.
Could not agree more @SandyMartini. Thank you for sharing and a big high five to all the bad@ss OB Techs out there w the passion for this amazing specialty! I would also like to add that the only reason an Ob tech may ever see any down time in L&D is bc you can’t crank c sections out like ortho cases. Babies run the show in L&D. Your day could start more organized/ paced with your schedule cases, inductions/ laboring mothers… but triage, ED and transports alone can change all of that on a moments notice…that’s not including crashes or other emergencies. Or even multiples like twins or triplets. Try doing an emergency c-section on a mom who came in from an MVA that put her into labor while plastics is working on her face… in the same case…. I wouldn’t call that a slow paced environment.
After graduating earlier this year and looking for 6+ months for work, I finally got a position as a OB tech. It wasn't what I wanted because I loved working in the main OR , especially vascular. Luckily it is a teaching hospital, so after a year I plan to transfer to the main OR or stay and go back for nursing school.
Tech at Level 1 trauma hospital and we are required a major holiday (ex: Christmas Eve and day or New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) and a minor holiday.
I agreed 👍. But I have to say not completely impossible OB to OR. Someone i know who did 9yrs OB then tired, and transferred to be an Orthopaedic tech. She does great and loves these Total Cases. But yeah, it's hard for most of big hospital.
Of course. I didn't say it's not impossible. It's just difficult transition. It can happen and I wish that for everyone. It's just these big hospital won't take a chance unless fully connected.
The cons you’ve mentioned aren’t just for L&D I work in an eye surgery center and we do the same things as far as administrative, stocking and turn over etc
hey girl, I love your videos they are super helpful and I am super excited to start surgical tech school this fall. But I am a little bit nervous on the classes. I feel a little overwhelmed on all the information that there is to learn. I was wondering what I can do to be prepared on what there is to come? Also do you have any ways to study and what works best for you? I am just really nervous and I don't want to be overwhelmed on the first day.
It's quite overwhelming and my videos are pretty much for those who are pre and clinical students. They will not make sense! Lol so I highly recommend just spending your energy in passing those pre reqs. You don't have to be an A student for those because once you get to core, that's when you start to sweat where it matters. We all study a little different but what I do is follow the course syllabus and study EVERYDAY. At least touch up on things you don't understand everyday. Write those notes. Make those flashcards. Use online resource to help you understand it. Since it's pre reqs, I'm sure there's many videos online to teach it better. Most of all, trust yourself. This program isn't easy so expect some meltdowns. Important thing is you don't give up. Life is bright on the other side I promise!
What's insane is, I graduated at the top of my class, nationally accredited, and cannot find a job. Everyone -- as short staffed as they are -- wants a CST with 2+ years of experience. Totally gobsmacked.
This was my case too! I was looking for work for months and was getting denied everywhere because they want someone with experience. Then, I applied for county and got hired, but for L & D. It is not what I wanted, but at least I finally got my foot in the door.
@@jennylopez9840 Ok this is why I’m scared to go into this program. I’ve searched on indeed for cst jobs in my area and literally every job requires you to have 1-2years of experience. I see your comment was made 8 months ago, if you don’t mind me asking have you found a job yet? I want to go into this program 100%
Yes! Clinical preparedness! I have a video on that. I'd probably do another video on the specifics and why I chose those products. It's an investment trust me.
Do you think it’s possible to get into L/D as a new grad or have to have some time under you? I’ve already had 2 kids (c sections) and just want something more chill and a steady job lol .
Good question! Yes! LD loves new students! Mind you that training is less than what is offered in the OR so you have to be open in learning super fast but if you're not comfy, ask for a couple more weeks!
Optimally, you should work at a major hospital and become competent in the mainline OR for at least 2 years. After that, transfer to l&d and go to nursing school. Or, just go for your RN from the start.
It depends on what you are doing. For example, In the cath lab you will almost always be to the right of the doctor so forget about using your left hand.
I dont think they go indepth with meds. Only the main ones like epi, marcaine, lidocaine, succinycholine, which drugs to use for malignant hyperthermia, nothing too crazy
So what would you suggest, doing OR for a year or two, just incase you wanted switch over to OR in the future? Just so that you would know both LD and OR.
Hello! I am wondering how is the medical industry with tattoos? Are most hospitals ok with it as long as they are not offensive? Is there no longer a stigma? Thank you!
Unfortunately it’s definitely still a stigma. Many healthcare settings are starting to come around to it though. When I first started at my local hospital, I was required to wear a long sleeve shirt or jacket to cover my tattoos on my arms and hands. They aren’t offensive at all but it was protocol. They resemble henna
Depends on your goal. It's better to have a degree in my opinion in case you wanna further study in the future. More and more schools are now just offering degree with cert.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK thank you! I’m enjoying your videos.. I’m between lVN or cst . I really like cst but just really want to do the labor delivery stuff after school.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK It’s actually to maintain sterility and if someone breaks it, then you have to be tough so it can be fixed. The ST said sometimes the surgeons may do something which comprises sterility.
@@dinahussain7514 that's wild. I'm assuming that OR and OB nurses should have the same level of integrity but I guess not which means you really have to watch people.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK This will be good. Also should a new grad expect that a full time position will be hard to find without experience? How "usual" Do you think it would be for a new grad to have to take two part time jobs at two different hospitals? How often do people find that they must move to find a job?
I’m a CNA who wants to be a surgical tech in L&D, but am trying to away from the patient care clean up as in (heavy lifting and cleaning their bottom half) is that required??
Thank you for the response! I know you mentioned in a video how algebra is needed is that just bc it is included for the associates degree or do you actually use algebra in the OR AND OB?
You will with with medications that are passed to you on to the sterile field and yes you need to know Algebra bc many meds have percentages. You need to know what you have on your field.
Hey! I really like your videos, they're so informative and give a view into the ST world! I am thinking of going into ST school and eventually moving up to an assistant. Would you recommend this profession to others from your experience? Also, it's not just setting up and cleaning the OR is it? I just don't want to do that anymore as my veterinary assistant job had a lot of cleaning up and I felt I was doing un-purposeful work. Thanks!
Of course I recommend being an ST! We're short in staff and we would need more people with compassion as the boomers retire. I just want to produce stronger willed techs in the next generation. You could be part of that.
@@dinahussain7514 girl I'm an introvert lol this job requires verbal communication because we're wearing a mask and you can't hear unless you speak up. It was a hard transition but like everything in life, if you don't break your own barriers, you'll never get to see the other side.
Bro. She came on here to give people career advice. By your ignorance, I can tell you have no idea how hard it is to function inside an OR as a tech. And if you ever do get that opportunity, I hope the attendings send you home crying when they rip you a new asshole for being ignorant. Leave her alone. No one ever complained about Marilyn Monroe. It's a beauty mark and if you don't know what a mole is, then you don't deserve to scrub in.
OR OB Main OR we all do the same thing. Surg geek, I love your video's. An L&D fl. Is a 24 hr. Floor. Hence no call because there is day, afternoon and night shift techs. Ambulatory schedule is 7a to 3p meaning they are scheduled. 3p to 7a the next day is add on emergent. The case is not cake as it is major abdominal surgery. Depending on the case it can have general GYN included. OB Techs are specifically trained just as SPU team techs or Neuro Techs or Ortho Techs or Eye techs are trained. A true tech knows you can learn any case. In this field your always learning. No tech can scrub with efficiency a new Doctor. Many times because you don't know the Doc and you don't know what's in their box. They all do things differently and want different things. If you know what your surgical out come is and you have great established technique, you can scrub it. Doctors especially I'm the main OR prompt and I have found that there are a lot more instruments to some sets but we work out of the box and the doctor most certainly doesn't use all of the instruments in that box. I many main OR cases the counts are different in that unless the cavity is open, it's a sponge and sharps count. Finally, many techs scrub by learning the cases and developing anticipatory skills. No one knows how to do that off the cuff. We are always learning in this field as techniques technology and time out dates procedures and we have to learn again. If I could offer any advice. Get certified and scrub what you like. If you start off OB and want to go main or vice-versa you can do it. You have to study hard. Finally each case is not repetitive cut and dry. Patients have conditions and are afflicted with illness. Some people's anatomy is not standard. An MRI can reflect something different when someone is opened. Expect the unexpected and learn patients conditions because you will find that conditions will impact your surgery and the things you'll need for that surgery as well as how the do doctor will scrub it. Good attention to detail and being detail oriented is the key to longevity as a successful Surgical Technician.
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I’m a travel surgical tech recently I went full-time to labor and delivery and I signed up for medley so that I can still pick up surgical tech shifts on a PRN basis and get paid for the day at whatever facility needs help. This works well to keep my ortho and robotic skills freshener!
Girl that's soooo good! I should do that!
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK I love my job so it’s a good way to do both and I feel like an asset to L&D since they only know gyn instruments !
@@lativoluxury That is excellent! You're reasoning correct. You will keep your skills in the more specialized areas.
During my clinical, I went to L&D floor. I was sO excited! thought it was what I was going to end up doing. Girl…my preceptor wasn’t a very good teacher, first off. The doctor was trying to stitch up the patient and she kept bleeding. I noticed the doctors shield was fogging up so I wasn’t sure she could see on “my side” where the patient was bleeding so I pointed it out to be sure. The doctor literally stopped what she was doing and YELLED at me and almost SMACKED my hands (when all I did was tell her and point to where the patient was bleeding). After that I was like nope…I don’t ever want to work with these doctors or techs in L&D. I apologize to the doctor after the patient left. She said it was okay..like no big deal. Her resident came and FOUND me and went on and on and on (making me feel like shit). I reported it to professor and she told me I did the right thing. I told my professor what I got from that case was my only job was to stand there and hand the doctor what she needed and shut up. I wasn’t considered “apart of the team.” I’ll never forget that day😩.
Omggggggg.... what did the resident tell you? Why would there be a resident there? Did the doctor have an assist? Where's your preceptor tech? Didn't she warn you about the doctor? I have so many lingering qs lol.
I'm sorry that happened to you but you definitely did the right thing. Good thing you'll never see these guys again cause whew, never again lol. The trauma 😭.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK The resident was seasoned. She told me there was a right time and wrong time to say things and I chose the wrong time. I explained to her why I thought it was the correct time and she said they saw where the patient was bleeding (when the attending threw the stitch, another spot started bleeding and that happened for like 45 minutes). The resident was fcking rude. She clearly just wanted to argue with me. My preceptor was at the end of the back table. She didn’t have my back at all. Did she warn me about the doctor? No. She was a shitty preceptor. You could tell she didn’t want to teach me anything or be bothered at all. On our down time she just sat in the break room on her phone.
Yes, that particular hospital is very know for L&D in my city. When that happened I was like, “ABSOLUTELY NOT going to be my place of employment. I also noticed in the OR…there was a divide between the techs and nurses. I felt tension on my first day! Girl…a HOT MESS!
@@amyc4406 ya women in gyne are a tough crowd to please
@@amyc4406 I can confirm that the environment and tension between techs and nurses can be what you just explained. Honestly if it's been bleeding for 45 mins and they can't figure it out, then somebody gotta call the experts cause the pt is gonna end up losing a ton of blood and possible hyst. It just sounds so chaotic!!! Your preceptor could have done better and that resident only had guts cause you're a student cause no resident ever talked to me that way. Residents are baby surgeons. Most are very nice and you encountered the wrong one.
It's pretty intense up there and I feel like you've experience the blunt of it all. Lol these experiences will only make you stronger one day. 💪
@@cuteclown3331 it's women dominated in OB. 🙌😉
I'm an OB tech and truly love my job. No plans to go the main OR whatsoever but the stigma that the OR techs carry about us is crazy. For instance if a home delivery fail case comes through the emergency door and ends up in the OR downstairs, they call us to go down and do it but here's the problem nobody helps you turn over that OR when you finish that case. You clean and stock up just like we do upstairs yet you hear them calling overhead for turn over in other rooms.
Yep I totally see the stigma. I even made a video about it. I have friends in LD. I rotate there once in awhile and they wanna come to the OR but my peeps don't consider yall experienced unfortunately. They will treat u guys like a brand new tech. It's unfair really.
Do people get catty because of their OR or L&D positions?
@@chetlynn there's a stigma for sure
That has nothing to do with them not being able to handle a case that virtually requires one basic tray. They call you guys because that’s your domain and it’s less work for them.
While the general description may be accurate, if you work at a large hospital (which I did) she missed a great deal of topics. I also did accretas, incretas, and percretas, as well as amniotic embolisms, and PUBBS procedures. When she said it was "slow-placed", I was shocked! Have you never done "crashes"?? Obviously not!!! The hospital I worked at did over 6,000 births per year, and I was often called up to the Main O.R. for complex surgical procedures. She talks as though patient care is "menial". If you don't have the mentality and passion to do and care for a patient like a member of your own family, you really shouldn't be in this profession at all!!!! We were ALL a team that did whatever it took to make the patient safe, cared for, and comfortable!!!
This video really helped me solidify my decision to go into OB! I just graduated and am studying for my cert, was concerned about not finding the right fit, but I think I’m going to love the OB route
Yay!!!! I'm glad it helped! 😌 I have others that picked this route too and are very happy. I wish you all the best!
I have been an OR and OB tech for over 17 years. I’ve worked in IVF, Spine/ENT, GYN/General. But by far L&D has been my favorite! Now, my youngest son is graduating from high school and right after, I will be traveling to a beautiful sunny city as a traveling OB Tech!! Earning lots of money. Years ago there were no travel OB Tech positions out there but there are now. Good luck!!
CST here.. as an OR lead tech for trauma and pediatric I can tell you in California you have to sign up for a major and minor holiday at most Level I and II facilities. I also am a traveler and I work 3’12s as you mentioned on nights as a OB tech . I also work 3’ 12’s in the main OR on nights (most teaching facilities are 12 hr if you are not 8 hr day shift). You also must be a CST to work in the Trauma facilities here unless you have 10+ years experience or time served at your current hospital. I encourage new grads to go to the OR first. Not because I think it is better but you want to get your skill up ! There’s nothing wrong with being an OB tech but its hard to get into Main OR if you start there. Hope this helps =) also there’s nothing like a Trauma to get the blood flowing!!!! Chest tubes, 200+ lasts,4-5 Attending from different services at once ! Its like nothing you could ever imagine !!
100% agreed on all ur statements. I never advice students to go straight to OB first. It's not a good idea but some students fall in love with OB though but I almost guarantee they'll get tired of it in less than 2 years.
I just graduated myself and honestly, the stigma against L&D techs scared me off at first. Thankfully, I had to do a rotation in the department at my hospital and it totally changed my opinion! The job allows plenty of time to further my education and Night/call shifts pay extra money. My hospital has a major shortage of techs, so I can take as many hours as I want! I also get to make my own schedule. Meaning if I want to plan time off or a vacation, it's totally possible. Of course, you still have to coordinate with others, but its awesome.
I'm also planning on going back to school, so it'll be great to have about 6-8 hours of my day at work, where I can just study while getting paid. (after ensuring everything is done).
I think a majority of what you discussed here is going to vary widely based on facility, healthcare organization & respective union contracts. Schedules, holidays, call, job description, duties & wages will all differ. Our OB techs (@Kaiser N.Cal) are required to be a certified surgical technician, yet make significantly less than a traditional OR CST. For example, our OB techs start at $30hr & max out at $37hr. By contrast, our CST’s start at $43hr & max out at $51hr. Kaiser OB techs essentially work as PCT’s/CNA’s in L&D unless & until there is a c-section. So in my case it made no sense to pursue a CST certification and become an OB tech since the pay was only slightly more ($1+) than what I was making as a PCT on the nursing units. I get the whole call aspect & it being a con for some. But never have I experienced a time in which some other money hungry coworker wouldn’t take it. Because our call rate is 1/2 the hourly wage for every hour while on call & 1.5 from the moment you answer the phone & till you leave with a 4hr minimum. So wether I’m there for a case that lasts 4 hrs or 30 mins I still make 1.5 for 4 hrs & then resume 1/2 rate. Many of your videos were very helpful to myself & fellow classmates. The instructor even played some of them in class.
Awww thank you! This means a lot! And you're absolutely right. It all varies but some people would like an insight on my experience to get some type of structure. My facility in other hand, we only have an 30 mins to get to the hospital. If it gets cancelled, you auto get paid 2 hrs IF you were able to clock in. If not, you get zero.
Ty so much for ur input!! 💓 I really appreciate it!
As scrub nurses in uk there is no difference between LD (obs theatre) and OR (called acute theatre in my hospital) I might be doing a section list one day, and a colorectal list the following day and then an appendix. Plus anything from stocking up to cleaning the theatre and turning over - we don’t have cleaners in theatre between cases, only at the end 🤷🏼♀️
How weird that the role varies so much between countries!
Oh wow!!!!! That's crazy! So you guys have merged it together in 1 operating room? Wild... yeah in the US. Main OR has orderlies who clean the rooms. Some facilities the techs clean but nothing like what you mentioned.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK we have 5 main theatres one of them open 24/7, 3 day case theatres and 1 Obs theatre for emergencies on labour ward but staff rotate everywhere daily, I try to avoid ortho though 😆 love the sound of LD though, wish we had something so specific here to ‘retire’ into 😅
@@myhorseandme Ld and surgery centers for non invasive small cases are for retiring techs lol so interesting how things are set up in other countries.
Wow Marta, also in the US nurses generally do not scrub, with few exceptions, but they can become first assists.
@@bettysmith4527 In my state, the FA title isn't observed. We would discuss the day's room schedule and decide who's do I ng what. As RNs, we had to scrub. I really liked it. I scrubbed, assisted and circulated.
If you earn a certification in Surgical Technology and CHOOSE to do OB Only, you are still an CST with a specialty in OB...
Yes Surgical Techs on OB may do some patient care and stocking but they are still CST's at the end of the day..
L&D is not so hum drum as it may seem... IT GETS REAL IN A STAT C-SECTION...IT'S SUCH AN INTENSE LIFE SAVING PROCEDURE...
YOU'RE TRYING TO SAVE TWO LIVES AT ONCE..
Unlike a scheduled procedure A STAT C-Section requires you to use "worst-case scenario " training that is learned throughout your Surgical Tech training.
SO THE REPETITION OF YOUR TRAINING IS IMPERATIVE FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME.
If you work at a busy facility it doesn't matter if it day or night you can do C-sections through out the whole shift...Usually there's morw than one tech scheduled so that you can get a break..
Also working 3 12hour shifts is only 4 hrs less than working 5 8hour shifts... Your evening/ nighttime differential can easily make up the difference in the 4hours per week..
I Love Being a CST with a Specialty in OB...
FYI we do more that C-sections...
👏👏👏👏👏 well said!
This ^^^CST knows exactly what she is talking about.^^^^^^
It’s a specialty for a reason. And it should be. You always have 2 patients at once. I have seen main or techs freeze in a complicated and crash cs… and any case can turn into a code. (Fyi, So can vag deliveries-Look up shoulder distocia) a crash cs is literally calling a code for baby and mom. You are rushing to save their lives and the surgery can also be further complicated by NICU in the room w you if there are issues w the baby… look up birth defects… or postpartum hemorrhage…fetal demise….so much more to this area that you will not cover in school or experience in clinicals…
Also, there is no call bc you have to ***already be there.***
And the cases aren’t ever the same. Ever.
If you want in/out case w fast repetition, I would suggest day surgery, plastics or eye surgery centers.
Mainline CSTs do numerous specialties with hundreds of different variants of surgical cases. OB techs essentially do one case with a basic tray. OB techs should 100% not receive the same pay as a mainline surgical tech. OB is a straight up breeze in comparison. Try two double decker back tables with over 40 trays while getting fried by x ray all day (16hour+) cases; spine and or major ortho cases. Or even open hearts for that matter.. I could train someone off the street in a week to do a c~section but it takes literal years to become good in the mainline. I mean no disrespect, but it’s borderline insulting to even be lumped in with l&d techs after you compare the difference in sacrifice and skill.
I have done OR and also specialized in OB , I don’t know about Tainted, after 9 years in the OB tech world I went back to OR and with no problem. Thank Goodness I didn’t apply where ever your friend tried . Tell her to keep looking there are many Hospitals that will hire her as a OR tech even though she was a OB the h for years . Wishing her good luck.
@Surgical tech geek, nice video thank you, and also I miss you videos not very often :(
Oh shit, I’m an OB tech right now but I will be going to school for a surgical program in the fall. I want to move up to the main OR! I figure getting my experience before going to school would be good
How'd you get thr ob job if you didn't go to school? Just curious.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK@ Meredith, I'm asking the same question? without going to school for CST? just curious too.
I work with 3 OB techs that did not go to school for surgical technology. They all learned on the job. Granted this was 10 plus years ago but yep all taught on the job. I will say they all came from the main OR like myself but I did go through a surgical technology program. In fact I’ve encountered a lot of STs throughout my career that did not attend a program and learned on the job.
@@gregorymiranda1982 must have been awhile ago bec now, most require it and you don't wanna cut yourself short. We have an employee who has 15 yr experience not certified and she takes the exam in 3 months. If you're gonna travel, I highly recommend it!
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK I agree in your statement though of one going from OB Tech to OR Tech. My skills from main OR have helped me out tremendously. I even get complimented on the way I pass my instruments. Very thankful for my 9 years of experience in main OR.
Could not agree more @SandyMartini. Thank you for sharing and a big high five to all the bad@ss OB Techs out there w the passion for this amazing specialty!
I would also like to add that the only reason an Ob tech may ever see any down time in L&D is bc you can’t crank c sections out like ortho cases.
Babies run the show in L&D.
Your day could start more organized/ paced with your schedule cases, inductions/ laboring mothers… but triage, ED and transports alone can change all of that on a moments notice…that’s not including crashes or other emergencies. Or even multiples like twins or triplets.
Try doing an emergency c-section on a mom who came in from an MVA that put her into labor while plastics is working on her face… in the same case….
I wouldn’t call that a slow paced environment.
After graduating earlier this year and looking for 6+ months for work, I finally got a position as a OB tech. It wasn't what I wanted because I loved working in the main OR , especially vascular. Luckily it is a teaching hospital, so after a year I plan to transfer to the main OR or stay and go back for nursing school.
Girl u should travel lol. Nursing is rougher than tech school. And yaasssss I love vascular!!!!
Any experience you get will help you in the long run.
Seeing it take you that long to get a job has me scared. I hope it doesn't take me that long to find a job after surgical tech school.
Tech at Level 1 trauma hospital and we are required a major holiday (ex: Christmas Eve and day or New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) and a minor holiday.
I agreed 👍. But I have to say not completely impossible OB to OR. Someone i know who did 9yrs OB then tired, and transferred to be an Orthopaedic tech. She does great and loves these Total Cases. But yeah, it's hard for most of big hospital.
Of course. I didn't say it's not impossible. It's just difficult transition. It can happen and I wish that for everyone. It's just these big hospital won't take a chance unless fully connected.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK that's right...
After my injury I decided to do LD and will keep my per diem job to keep my skills up and no regrets cause I get my 12.5 hours and three days
I did main OR and per diem LD. Ob is so laid back!
The cons you’ve mentioned aren’t just for L&D I work in an eye surgery center and we do the same things as far as administrative, stocking and turn over etc
hey girl, I love your videos they are super helpful and I am super excited to start surgical tech school this fall. But I am a little bit nervous on the classes. I feel a little overwhelmed on all the information that there is to learn. I was wondering what I can do to be prepared on what there is to come? Also do you have any ways to study and what works best for you? I am just really nervous and I don't want to be overwhelmed on the first day.
It's quite overwhelming and my videos are pretty much for those who are pre and clinical students. They will not make sense! Lol so I highly recommend just spending your energy in passing those pre reqs. You don't have to be an A student for those because once you get to core, that's when you start to sweat where it matters.
We all study a little different but what I do is follow the course syllabus and study EVERYDAY. At least touch up on things you don't understand everyday. Write those notes. Make those flashcards. Use online resource to help you understand it. Since it's pre reqs, I'm sure there's many videos online to teach it better.
Most of all, trust yourself. This program isn't easy so expect some meltdowns. Important thing is you don't give up. Life is bright on the other side I promise!
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK
thank you‼️
What's insane is, I graduated at the top of my class, nationally accredited, and cannot find a job. Everyone -- as short staffed as they are -- wants a CST with 2+ years of experience. Totally gobsmacked.
Graduating on top of ur class is nothing if you didn't make connections at your clinicals.
This was my case too! I was looking for work for months and was getting denied everywhere because they want someone with experience. Then, I applied for county and got hired, but for L & D. It is not what I wanted, but at least I finally got my foot in the door.
@@jennylopez9840 absolutely! I'm just so happy that you didn't give up and grateful someone gave you a chance!
@@jennylopez9840 Ok this is why I’m scared to go into this program. I’ve searched on indeed for cst jobs in my area and literally every job requires you to have 1-2years of experience. I see your comment was made 8 months ago, if you don’t mind me asking have you found a job yet? I want to go into this program 100%
Do you have a video or info on your favorite surgical gear ( surgical caps , shoes) etc.. ?
Yes! Clinical preparedness! I have a video on that. I'd probably do another video on the specifics and why I chose those products. It's an investment trust me.
thank you Kat!!!
Yw boo!! ❤️
Do you think it’s possible to get into
L/D as a new grad or have to have some time under you? I’ve already had 2 kids (c sections) and just want something more chill and a steady job lol .
Good question! Yes! LD loves new students! Mind you that training is less than what is offered in the OR so you have to be open in learning super fast but if you're not comfy, ask for a couple more weeks!
Have you ever been scared of needle sticks? How common are they?
I've been pricked twice. 1 dirty 1 clean. Had to get blood tests.
So if I become a surgical tech, I can choose to be a OR tech or OB tech?
After you graduate you can do general surgery or go into a specialty. It just depends on what you want your career to look like.
Optimally, you should work at a major hospital and become competent in the mainline OR for at least 2 years. After that, transfer to l&d and go to nursing school. Or, just go for your RN from the start.
Is algebra used in your day-to-day life while on the job in the OR and OB?
Not true at all! Depends on the hospital. I work at a hospital that we scrub and scrub only in labor and delivery
As a new tech is it best for me to start off as a OR tech?
Why can't you do both? I don't like being stuck in a box
U can. But don't make LD ur first.
Another question . Would it be difficult to be a CST as a left handed person?
No lol 😆 I've seen lefties do very well
It depends on what you are doing.
For example, In the cath lab you will almost always be to the right of the doctor so forget about using your left hand.
do you have your certificate or your degree in surgical tech?
Does it matter whether you go to a CAAHEP school vs ABHES?
Any tips for a labor and delivery interview
Hi very helpful! Any tips to help pass certification test! Please I don’t pass it it ask so many meds like I’m not a nurse 😩
I dont think they go indepth with meds. Only the main ones like epi, marcaine, lidocaine, succinycholine, which drugs to use for malignant hyperthermia, nothing too crazy
It is everything from your AST book. If you know that book from cover to cover you will do well.
Best of luck to you
Hey hun, I have edema in my legs. Is there a lot of downtime in being a ob tech?
No
So what would you suggest, doing OR for a year or two, just incase you wanted switch over to OR in the future? Just so that you would know both LD and OR.
I'd recommend going straight to the OR, 2 years and travel. Don't go to LD unless you wanna slow down.
Like your respond and share a same feelings about it
Hello! I am wondering how is the medical industry with tattoos? Are most hospitals ok with it as long as they are not offensive? Is there no longer a stigma? Thank you!
Unfortunately it’s definitely still a stigma. Many healthcare settings are starting to come around to it though. When I first started at my local hospital, I was required to wear a long sleeve shirt or jacket to cover my tattoos on my arms and hands. They aren’t offensive at all but it was protocol. They resemble henna
You could always buy some water proof MAC liquid makeup to cover it up.
Is it very important to get an Associate degree or certification only? I’m in Dallas and pretty all schools have gone to associate degree only.
Depends on your goal. It's better to have a degree in my opinion in case you wanna further study in the future. More and more schools are now just offering degree with cert.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK thank you! I’m enjoying your videos.. I’m between lVN or cst . I really like cst but just really want to do the labor delivery stuff after school.
@@monicadrew889 you can so LD with ur CST
Your lvn will get your farther and you can still learn to scrub as a nurse. I have trained several nurses to scrub.
ALSO WHATS THE PAY IN GEORGIA?
Hey! I saw this video and the surgical tech said that they have to be tough/mean to people so they don't "ruin" sterility. Is that true?Thanks!
Whos breaking sterility in the OR?
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK It’s actually to maintain sterility and if someone breaks it, then you have to be tough so it can be fixed. The ST said sometimes the surgeons may do something which comprises sterility.
@@dinahussain7514 that's wild. I'm assuming that OR and OB nurses should have the same level of integrity but I guess not which means you really have to watch people.
DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO FOR NEW GRADS HOW THEY CAN GET A JOB?
I'll make one!
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK This will be good. Also should a new grad expect that a full time position will be hard to find without experience? How "usual" Do you think it would be for a new grad to have to take two part time jobs at two different hospitals?
How often do people find that they must move to find a job?
@@katherinegordon5233 you gotta check out my other videos about this cause I talked about how to get the job.
Do we need to go to school to get surgical tech job if we already have a Bachelors in health science? Thanks
Yes of course. This is a certification.
You may be able to do OJT in a state that doesn’t require certification.
I’m a CNA who wants to be a surgical tech in L&D, but am trying to away from the patient care clean up as in (heavy lifting and cleaning their bottom half) is that required??
Not as much as a cna. We have help in the OR. and they have orderlies and pcts.
Thank you for the response! I know you mentioned in a video how algebra is needed is that just bc it is included for the associates degree or do you actually use algebra in the OR AND OB?
@Caitlyn Boheme lmao we don't use it in real life but I mean I hope u can count.
Thank you for your response!💗🙏
You will with with medications that are passed to you on to the sterile field and yes you need to know Algebra bc many meds have percentages. You need to know what you have on your field.
Can you not be or tech and ob tech at the same time?
You can!
Do you know they pay average for OB tech
I'm not sure but I heard it's less than OR techs because all they do is C sections.
Hey! I really like your videos, they're so informative and give a view into the ST world! I am thinking of going into ST school and eventually moving up to an assistant. Would you recommend this profession to others from your experience? Also, it's not just setting up and cleaning the OR is it? I just don't want to do that anymore as my veterinary assistant job had a lot of cleaning up and I felt I was doing un-purposeful work. Thanks!
Of course I recommend being an ST! We're short in staff and we would need more people with compassion as the boomers retire. I just want to produce stronger willed techs in the next generation. You could be part of that.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Thanks! But would it be ok for someone who gets nervous and anxious? I'm being warned!
@@dinahussain7514 girl I'm an introvert lol this job requires verbal communication because we're wearing a mask and you can't hear unless you speak up. It was a hard transition but like everything in life, if you don't break your own barriers, you'll never get to see the other side.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Now I’m hearing the pay is low especially considering the work they do 😐
@@dinahussain7514 low during pre covid, now, you can bargain cause everybody is short lol
Gotta get the issue with your upper lip fixed
Who said its an issue? 😉
Bro. She came on here to give people career advice. By your ignorance, I can tell you have no idea how hard it is to function inside an OR as a tech. And if you ever do get that opportunity, I hope the attendings send you home crying when they rip you a new asshole for being ignorant. Leave her alone. No one ever complained about Marilyn Monroe. It's a beauty mark and if you don't know what a mole is, then you don't deserve to scrub in.
@@SURGICALTECHGEEK love your content, keep it up, don't let clowns down you 👏, bet he looks like a melted ice cream with ants. 🤣🤣🤣
OR OB Main OR we all do the same thing. Surg geek, I love your video's. An L&D fl. Is a 24 hr. Floor. Hence no call because there is day, afternoon and night shift techs. Ambulatory schedule is 7a to 3p meaning they are scheduled. 3p to 7a the next day is add on emergent. The case is not cake as it is major abdominal surgery. Depending on the case it can have general GYN included. OB Techs are specifically trained just as SPU team techs or Neuro Techs or Ortho Techs or Eye techs are trained. A true tech knows you can learn any case. In this field your always learning. No tech can scrub with efficiency a new Doctor. Many times because you don't know the Doc and you don't know what's in their box. They all do things differently and want different things. If you know what your surgical out come is and you have great established technique, you can scrub it. Doctors especially I'm the main OR prompt and I have found that there are a lot more instruments to some sets but we work out of the box and the doctor most certainly doesn't use all of the instruments in that box. I many main OR cases the counts are different in that unless the cavity is open, it's a sponge and sharps count. Finally, many techs scrub by learning the cases and developing anticipatory skills. No one knows how to do that off the cuff. We are always learning in this field as techniques technology and time out dates procedures and we have to learn again. If I could offer any advice. Get certified and scrub what you like. If you start off OB and want to go main or vice-versa you can do it. You have to study hard. Finally each case is not repetitive cut and dry. Patients have conditions and are afflicted with illness. Some people's anatomy is not standard. An MRI can reflect something different when someone is opened. Expect the unexpected and learn patients conditions because you will find that conditions will impact your surgery and the things you'll need for that surgery as well as how the do doctor will scrub it. Good attention to detail and being detail oriented is the key to longevity as a successful Surgical Technician.
@@susanchambers6186 thank you susaSusan! Very well put! 👏