I just graduated from my CST program and you tips are so helpful and true as a new student you might not know how to help when no surgries are going on and it can come off as lazy to the preceptors this was such a good video
I'm a personal scrub for one dr, then today 2 of some other Dr's usual techs went home at 3 they both were trying and arguing to get me in their room. Not gonna lie it made me feel important when they fight over me. I have Drs that ask for me and because they don't like some ppl,
Our school really tried to prepare/warn us for the bad Surgeon personalities. And thus far in my clinical's I have had nothing but nice and helpful surgeons.. BUT, what I was not prepared for was the OR employees lol. Yes the majority are very nice, considerate, & helpful CST's,RN's,CRNA's,ect ... However there are 3-4 that are the most inconsiderate, joyless, hateful, evil people I have ever met in my entire life.... Mostly CST's... And they make an extra effort to let us know they hate Students and that we are complete idiots.. It's a very viscous field in Medicine .. Unless you have thick skin you ain't gonna make it... I'm starting to even worry its not worth the money. But for me, I'm so interested in the job, its not really even about the money... I just want to do it, and become good at it...
You have the right mindset. Any place you go, you are almost guaranteed to run into some cancer in the form of a work mate. It's sad, but true. I have had to deal with them in my past as well. Its how you deal with the confrontations and other situations are what make you a better person for it. Those people will only be angry and spew hatred for life, but you have the ability to turn how you reacted to them, that is where your personal growth starts.
@@SurgicalTechTips This is so true.. you would think in the health professions we would be better at caring for each other but I found myself really burnout as an undergrad RN a number of years ago. I even had a lecturer recommend a book "Nurses Eat Their Young" ! Things are gradually changing, healthcare is a team sport because no-one can do it all whether you are the top surgeon, anaesthetist or the cleaner - we all need each other to function well. Rudeness and inconsiderate behaviour is just not professional. Manners and appreciation go a long way too. Many progressive institutions have these things in policy even as a minimum expectation. It also makes us better carers when we all feel good about doing our jobs well.
As a student, I very much look forward to your videos. They've been incredibly helpful in gaining a better understanding of real life in the OR. I appreciate our instructors & textbooks, but your videos perfectly bring it all together. Thank you for taking time out of your days to record, edit (& I'm sure 10 other steps) and share these videos!
Hahaha love the vids dude! I'm a ST student now about to start clinicals later next month. I really enjoy the tips you give and I feel like I have a much better understanding of the work environment and what I'll be walking into.
Dave Smith, you hold it. You go before the case begins. Now, if you're talking upset stomach, then you tell the circulator. They will call the charge desk to find someone to relieve you out.
I really like your videos I currently am in the Surgical Tech Program for my school and these videos are super helpful😊 Can you give me any tips for studying for the certification test ?
Very good advice. I originally came up from the kitchen of a (Large)hospital and they paid my for my tech school upfront(a special hospital wide program). So, when I worked there, we did a little of everything except Cardiac(they had an exclusive team) we had sub-teams like Neuro,Ortho,General,Urology,ect.. but most of us could scrub across the board. Anyway, I left that facility and went to a higher paying ortho/elective specialty facility. It was night and day shock for me. This new place had so much more $ and staff that there was a person for every job. Cases were pre picked,equipment was in abundance, there was always more staff than needed. I worked 3 13hr shifts with less than a handful of surgeons and almost everyone had a team. So in the evening when cases were wrapping up or done(5pm or so) I found myself stocking empty rooms until my shift was over at 8:45pm. It wasn’t like this all of the time but enough for me to have done over 20 rooms in 2 weeks(fully stocked and organized). But then one day I realized that I was the only one doing it(at least efficiently not half assed and pretending) so I stopped. Then the facility kept growing so the new techs were the ones whom became assigned to stock or late shift techs(there are so many) 10or 11 pm techs. So I would do my 2-3 huge spine cases and then find an empty room. I would catch up on my hospital emails and do any required E-Learning on my down time. Then I’d just get a warm blanket, plug in my phone to charge and watch Netflix next to the overhead paging speaker just in case the charge desk needed me for breaks or questions until 8:30pm. Question: Have you heard of or seen Techs that can only scrub certain cases because they either have been locked in by a specific surgeon, surgeons, or service? I have this problem by choice but if I told you how much I get in bonus, perks, and favors, 98% of techs would too. But it has made me forget how to do other cases. It’s not a problem until the surgeons retire, leave, or are out for vacation, conferences, or just not operating. I don’t worry too much about it until someone attacks my ego by saying something sly. But at the end of the day for me I do it for my family because of the $. I do worry sometimes if I ever have to get a job in another state or facility tho. Thanks and keep up the good work!
How long have you been scrubbing? What I think would be a great video for students is to show how to think ahead while they get their case ready like what kind of draping to have? Or what to open like what main things they need to open vs what the pack already has and they need or don't need.
Is it important for techs to be sterilised after opening up the sterile items prior to a surgery & not be gloved for opening up the field.. Think I seen video along that line recently where you were opening items in a proper case
If u don’t have a video already ? How are your vacations per year and requesting time off ? How many times a month are u able to request days off or call out ? Are u even able to call out ?
Depends on your lifestyle. If you need a regular schedule and no call, but make less, go surgery center. If you want to make more, end up working more, but do bigger cases (more fun IMO) go hospital. Also benefits may be better at a hospital as well.
+Surgical Tech Tips What do they have you do if you're sick like with a cold or sinus infection but not bad enough/no sick hours to miss work? I'm sure they wouldn't want you near the sterile field...
aspiref250, you scrub if that's your job. You're wearing a mask. I was a home health nurse years ago and they wouldnt let you work with a fever. You had to be on an antibiotic for 2 days before you could work. The hospital is completely different. There were no guidelines about sickness and work. I remember I was scrubbing a bowel case and the doc told me to drop and blow my nose because I was grossing him out! He gave me a script for an antibiotic after that case! I have even had my primary doc write me an excuse for a couple of days. He would say he wouldn't want me scrubbed over his open belly, mask or not. It was the same when I worked on the floor. Hospital staff work sick, many of us probably sicker than our patients! The guidelines should be better. From what I hear, it seems that hospitals are even getting stricter with call-in policies.
(Love your videos you provide so detailed information which is hard to find anywhere) Any tips for those who are not from the states but do have diploma & experience..??
if you have multiple years experience in the field, but are from out of the country there are certain hospitals that may hire you. You would have a better chance if you talked with AST about getting certified and finding the best pathway for your to take the certification test.
Surgical Tech Tips thanks for the reply appreciate it !!!!!!!! But to be CST i have to attend class do everything basically start from the scratch.Its a long process for me,learn things all over again. Moreover only a few hospital will hire a non certified tech Right?? This ast thing put me in dilemma.. So Could you tell me have u ever seen person not from country but working in this field????
You have I take the HESI for ST school? Interesting. Well I took it for nursing school (before I changed majors) and got an A. The best method I found was getting the HESI A2 study guide by Mometrix and drilling those practice exams in the back. Plan out your study schedule and only study what you don't know. Also time ourself on those practice exams.
The Morning Sage. I was shocked I don't if its because it's a associate degree or just because I'm in Texas I know texas have different rules that a lot of other states?.
+K Tray I wear dansko clog type shoes in the OR and I have a link for them in the description box of all of my videos as well as some other stuff I wear in the OR. The clogs take a couple week to get used to, but once they form to your foot, I wouldn't wear anything else.
Hey! Idk if you remember me. but i just got hired as an operating room assistant, but i have my cst. Have you ever heard of any ORAs helping techs when they have downtime?
Do your best to stay very organized with your notes as it will make studying a lot easier, and I HIGHLY suggest externship at a hospital, as you will get a muhc better exposure to a variety of cases there.
Have you ever been at lunch come back and you are in a room that hasn't been opened or counted but the nurse is bringing the patient back into the O.R? Was so frustrated it happened to me today..
Matt McFatter, there will be days like that. Some days are very busy and it's difficult to get coverage for lunches. We all just have to pull up our big boy and big girl pants and make it work.
I love what you presented in this video. At my hospital, our STs and RNs are union. I'm not sure if this is why a lot of them don't feel they need to do anything you described in this video. Some of the staff will sit around in our C.S. area and defiantly ignore the requests of management. I struggle as the educator on how to teach the staff to be team players and do what you suggest in this video. They complain that a certain room drags their feet so they don't get cases put in their room, they complain that they have to give breaks, they complain that their case wasn't picked correctly, yet don't update the pick sheet, they complain that they are told to go home at the end of the day if they are not in a room with cases. Instead of being a team player and helping the rooms running turn over, picking cases, putting away supplies etc. they would rather complain about "how bad they have it." Does your co-workers work as a team player? Do they do what you said in the video? What does your management do to ensure that your OR staff works as a team? Would love to hear if you have any suggestions on creating a team work environment. Thanks
It would be kind of hard to drastically change the dichotomy of an entire OR, when all of the workers have had the same work ethic for a long time. It really comes down to individual personalities and how they mesh together. I know I have heard stories of some OR's that can just be toxic as far as teamwork goes, i'm not really sure how to combat this.
Got back from vacation last weekend, so i will try and make a new videos and upload it this weekend. I try to keep everyone up to date on Facebook, if you use that.
![Chino Pacas - Modo Capone (with Drake & JOP) [Video Visualizador Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zoc75M8Swhc/mqdefault.jpg)
Is it bad that I watch your videos and take notes? 😂 I'm about to start classes for ST, and I want to be prepared. Lol
I'm an aspiring surgical tech, and I love all your videos. Keep up the good work man.
I just graduated from my CST program and you tips are so helpful and true as a new student you might not know how to help when no surgries are going on and it can come off as lazy to the preceptors this was such a good video
Your videos are really good,you are a good teacher, thank you .
I'm a personal scrub for one dr, then today 2 of some other Dr's usual techs went home at 3 they both were trying and arguing to get me in their room. Not gonna lie it made me feel important when they fight over me. I have Drs that ask for me and because they don't like some ppl,
Sounds like you are doing something right!
Our school really tried to prepare/warn us for the bad Surgeon personalities. And thus far in my clinical's I have had nothing but nice and helpful surgeons.. BUT, what I was not prepared for was the OR employees lol. Yes the majority are very nice, considerate, & helpful CST's,RN's,CRNA's,ect ... However there are 3-4 that are the most inconsiderate, joyless, hateful, evil people I have ever met in my entire life.... Mostly CST's... And they make an extra effort to let us know they hate Students and that we are complete idiots..
It's a very viscous field in Medicine .. Unless you have thick skin you ain't gonna make it...
I'm starting to even worry its not worth the money. But for me, I'm so interested in the job, its not really even about the money... I just want to do it, and become good at it...
You have the right mindset. Any place you go, you are almost guaranteed to run into some cancer in the form of a work mate. It's sad, but true. I have had to deal with them in my past as well. Its how you deal with the confrontations and other situations are what make you a better person for it. Those people will only be angry and spew hatred for life, but you have the ability to turn how you reacted to them, that is where your personal growth starts.
@@SurgicalTechTips This is so true.. you would think in the health professions we would be better at caring for each other but I found myself really burnout as an undergrad RN a number of years ago. I even had a lecturer recommend a book "Nurses Eat Their Young" ! Things are gradually changing, healthcare is a team sport because no-one can do it all whether you are the top surgeon, anaesthetist or the cleaner - we all need each other to function well. Rudeness and inconsiderate behaviour is just not professional. Manners and appreciation go a long way too.
Many progressive institutions have these things in policy even as a minimum expectation. It also makes us better carers when we all feel good about doing our jobs well.
As a student, I very much look forward to your videos. They've been incredibly helpful in gaining a better understanding of real life in the OR. I appreciate our instructors & textbooks, but your videos perfectly bring it all together. Thank you for taking time out of your days to record, edit (& I'm sure 10 other steps) and share these videos!
Really appreciate this comment, thanks.
Am an aspiring surgical tech I love your video.
👍👍Teamwork !Thank you so much ❤️
Double thumbs up on this one! I am an RN new to OR, have shared your videos w other newer OR nurses! Thank you so much..
You should do a video on when a laparoscopic case converts to open.
I am surgical technician sir i like all your videos and I have already see it
Hahaha love the vids dude! I'm a ST student now about to start clinicals later next month. I really enjoy the tips you give and I feel like I have a much better understanding of the work environment and what I'll be walking into.
The Morning Sage I'm considering this field as well. GOOD LUCK
The Morning Sage 6 months later: how's it going??!
thank you i been learning alot from you and your channel
I'm thinking of becoming a surgical tech your videos are really helpful
Thanks man, glad they help out!
Surgical Tech Tips ,
What happens if you have to use the restroom in the middle of the surgery???
Dave Smith my question lol
Dave Smith, you hold it. You go before the case begins. Now, if you're talking upset stomach, then you tell the circulator. They will call the charge desk to find someone to relieve you out.
I really like your videos I currently am in the Surgical Tech Program for my school and these videos are super helpful😊 Can you give me any tips for studying for the certification test ?
How do you like it??
Please make a video of your typical day, from when you go in and when you're about to leaving! 😁
Definitely would love to do this
Very good advice. I originally came up from the kitchen of a (Large)hospital and they paid my for my tech school upfront(a special hospital wide program). So, when I worked there, we did a little of everything except Cardiac(they had an exclusive team) we had sub-teams like Neuro,Ortho,General,Urology,ect.. but most of us could scrub across the board. Anyway, I left that facility and went to a higher paying ortho/elective specialty facility. It was night and day shock for me. This new place had so much more $ and staff that there was a person for every job. Cases were pre picked,equipment was in abundance, there was always more staff than needed. I worked 3 13hr shifts with less than a handful of surgeons and almost everyone had a team. So in the evening when cases were wrapping up or done(5pm or so) I found myself stocking empty rooms until my shift was over at 8:45pm. It wasn’t like this all of the time but enough for me to have done over 20 rooms in 2 weeks(fully stocked and organized). But then one day I realized that I was the only one doing it(at least efficiently not half assed and pretending) so I stopped. Then the facility kept growing so the new techs were the ones whom became assigned to stock or late shift techs(there are so many) 10or 11 pm techs. So I would do my 2-3 huge spine cases and then find an empty room. I would catch up on my hospital emails and do any required E-Learning on my down time. Then I’d just get a warm blanket, plug in my phone to charge and watch Netflix next to the overhead paging speaker just in case the charge desk needed me for breaks or questions until 8:30pm.
Question: Have you heard of or seen Techs that can only scrub certain cases because they either have been locked in by a specific surgeon, surgeons, or service?
I have this problem by choice but if I told you how much I get in bonus, perks, and favors, 98% of techs would too. But it has made me forget how to do other cases. It’s not a problem until the surgeons retire, leave, or are out for vacation, conferences, or just not operating.
I don’t worry too much about it until someone attacks my ego by saying something sly. But at the end of the day for me I do it for my family because of the $. I do worry sometimes if I ever have to get a job in another state or facility tho. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Another great video. Thanks
Thanks to your videos i just changed my career. 😁
MAKE YOURSELF USEFUL !
How long have you been scrubbing? What I think would be a great video for students is to show how to think ahead while they get their case ready like what kind of draping to have? Or what to open like what main things they need to open vs what the pack already has and they need or don't need.
Been scrubbing for 10 years. An anticipation video is definitely something I would like to do.
Surgical Tech Tips been for 5yrs this August
Is it important for techs to be sterilised after opening up the sterile items prior to a surgery & not be gloved for opening up the field.. Think I seen video along that line recently where you were opening items in a proper case
If u don’t have a video already ? How are your vacations per year and requesting time off ? How many times a month are u able to request days off or call out ? Are u even able to call out ?
Now is it better to work for a surgical center or in a hospital
Depends on your lifestyle. If you need a regular schedule and no call, but make less, go surgery center. If you want to make more, end up working more, but do bigger cases (more fun IMO) go hospital. Also benefits may be better at a hospital as well.
+Surgical Tech Tips
What do they have you do if you're sick like with a cold or sinus infection but not bad enough/no sick hours to miss work? I'm sure they wouldn't want you near the sterile field...
aspiref250, you scrub if that's your job. You're wearing a mask. I was a home health nurse years ago and they wouldnt let you work with a fever. You had to be on an antibiotic for 2 days before you could work. The hospital is completely different. There were no guidelines about sickness and work. I remember I was scrubbing a bowel case and the doc told me to drop and blow my nose because I was grossing him out! He gave me a script for an antibiotic after that case! I have even had my primary doc write me an excuse for a couple of days. He would say he wouldn't want me scrubbed over his open belly, mask or not. It was the same when I worked on the floor. Hospital staff work sick, many of us probably sicker than our patients! The guidelines should be better. From what I hear, it seems that hospitals are even getting stricter with call-in policies.
(Love your videos you provide so detailed information which is hard to find anywhere)
Any tips for those who are not from the states but do have diploma & experience..??
if you have multiple years experience in the field, but are from out of the country there are certain hospitals that may hire you. You would have a better chance if you talked with AST about getting certified and finding the best pathway for your to take the certification test.
Surgical Tech Tips thanks for the reply appreciate it !!!!!!!!
But to be CST i have to attend class do everything basically start from the scratch.Its a long process for me,learn things all over again.
Moreover only a few hospital will hire a non certified tech Right?? This ast thing put me in dilemma..
So Could you tell me have u ever seen person not from country but working in this field????
After 5 years of tryna to go to surgical tech school just now going taking my entrance hesi exam any pointers on areas to study to pass?
You have I take the HESI for ST school? Interesting. Well I took it for nursing school (before I changed majors) and got an A. The best method I found was getting the HESI A2 study guide by Mometrix and drilling those practice exams in the back. Plan out your study schedule and only study what you don't know. Also time ourself on those practice exams.
The Morning Sage. I was shocked I don't if its because it's a associate degree or just because I'm in Texas I know texas have different rules that a lot of other states?.
The Morning Sage thanks
Can you recommend shoes for surgery? I start clinicals in 3 weeks and want to get shoes that will be comfortable while standing all day.
+K Tray I wear dansko clog type shoes in the OR and I have a link for them in the description box of all of my videos as well as some other stuff I wear in the OR. The clogs take a couple week to get used to, but once they form to your foot, I wouldn't wear anything else.
But a good shoe. I would also recommended a compression knee hi, too. I waited too late to wear them. Most all of my coworkers had spider veins.
Hey! Idk if you remember me. but i just got hired as an operating room assistant, but i have my cst. Have you ever heard of any ORAs helping techs when they have downtime?
Absolutely.
Hey I start surg tech classes next week any advice for a new student???Also is it best to do externship at surgical center or hospital
Do your best to stay very organized with your notes as it will make studying a lot easier, and I HIGHLY suggest externship at a hospital, as you will get a muhc better exposure to a variety of cases there.
Can you do more videos in to the operation room?
Hi, this video (these tips) can work about everywhere! Basically: be a great co-worker! Thanks :)
I would appreciate a video about diathermy ,please.?thanks
hi. are Surgical techs starts from being a nurse?
No, surgical tech are separate training.
Like your vids btw
Have you ever been at lunch come back and you are in a room that hasn't been opened or counted but the nurse is bringing the patient back into the O.R? Was so frustrated it happened to me today..
That hasn't happened in quite a long while, but yes it has happened lol.
Matt McFatter, there will be days like that. Some days are very busy and it's difficult to get coverage for lunches. We all just have to pull up our big boy and big girl pants and make it work.
DON'T LET OPERATING ROOM CATCH YOU SLEEPING IF HE CATCHES YOU SLEEPING THEN HE'LL GIVE YOU A GOOD TALKING TO
I love what you presented in this video. At my hospital, our STs and RNs are union. I'm not sure if this is why a lot of them don't feel they need to do anything you described in this video. Some of the staff will sit around in our C.S. area and defiantly ignore the requests of management. I struggle as the educator on how to teach the staff to be team players and do what you suggest in this video. They complain that a certain room drags their feet so they don't get cases put in their room, they complain that they have to give breaks, they complain that their case wasn't picked correctly, yet don't update the pick sheet, they complain that they are told to go home at the end of the day if they are not in a room with cases. Instead of being a team player and helping the rooms running turn over, picking cases, putting away supplies etc. they would rather complain about "how bad they have it." Does your co-workers work as a team player? Do they do what you said in the video? What does your management do to ensure that your OR staff works as a team? Would love to hear if you have any suggestions on creating a team work environment. Thanks
It would be kind of hard to drastically change the dichotomy of an entire OR, when all of the workers have had the same work ethic for a long time. It really comes down to individual personalities and how they mesh together. I know I have heard stories of some OR's that can just be toxic as far as teamwork goes, i'm not really sure how to combat this.
About draping the patient?
Thats one in the books ^_-
When are going to make another video?
Got back from vacation last weekend, so i will try and make a new videos and upload it this weekend. I try to keep everyone up to date on Facebook, if you use that.