CLINICAL PREPAREDNESS! | what to bring, what to expect, tips + more!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CLINICALS! | what to bring, what to expect, tips + more!
I hope you guys enjoyed this video! I previewed it and I'm like, wow, that was densedddd! A lot of information left and right and honestly it's better to know than not know because my anxiety was through the roooof! Everything I have mentioned are all based on MY experience. We might not have the same one but it's good to know the variables and know how to act on them. I wished I did but all we did in the beginning was observe and that was actually a class. OBSERVATION. Who thought of that? That was useless. We weren't allowed to do ANYTHING! But I don't see that class anymore and I am glad that more students are getting more involved and I am so proud to be part of your journey.
I will have more people in my videos really soon because they have different experiences too and they want to share it with you. I may not know all the answers but I will come and find it. I am not perfect and I don't intend to share knowledge that will intentionally hurt anyone so please understand that I am just giving recommendations and all my honesty. I hope you all understand and I am fully committed into your success so I wouldn't say anything that would jeopardizes that. This is the real field and I will continue to preach about it until more people recognize the people behind it. It's truly an amazing experience.
L I N K S
BOOKLET [Surgical Guide Pocket Booklet]
◊ www.etsy.com/shop/surgicaltec...
UNBOXING OF MY BOOKLET
◊ • MY SURGICAL GUIDE POCK...
DAY IN THE LIFE SERIES
◊ / surgicaltechgeek
SUTURE TALK SERIES
◊ Suture talk part 1: • SUTURE TALK PART 1
◊ Suture talk part 2: • SUTURE TALK PART 2
◽️SURGICAL POCKET BOOKET
My best selling booklet on Etsy now on SHOPIFY!
surgicaltechgeek.com/products...
◽MAJOR TRAY FLASHCARD GAME
This is the tray that you HAVE to know and memorize to the heart!
surgicaltechgeek.com/products...
🟩NEW🟩 SURGICAL NOTE PAD
You can use this notepad to write down your clinical notes during clinicals!
surgicaltechgeek.com/products...
◽SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @SURGICAL TECH GEEK
Tiktok: surgicaltechgeek
All products mentioned are all created by Surgical Tech Geek Copyright 2021.

[@amyc4406]

So..I recently completed a local surgical tech program, finished clinical’s and graduated. I only have to take the board (Friday July 30th). I do NOT miss waking up at 5am for clinical!! The night before I set up for my shower, clothes, lunch etc. I always introduced myself to the tech, nurse and doctor. Write your name on the board with CST student. At the end I always thanked everyone. During the surgery you can make a chart type thing on your back table for laps in/out. I also used to write my local used and irrigation on the back table too. Sometimes I wrote the names of the instruments I didn’t know down right next to the instrument. I always had a sharps container on my mayo. Please know that even though you are a student…the procedure proceeds forward. Some doctors are great, others not so much. Please know you WILL get yelled at for something…don’t take offense. It’s okay…I promise. If you are unsure…ask. As far as anticipation…it comes with time but a helpful hint is to listen to what the doctor is saying to the PA for example. A lot of times they will say what they are going to do next or what they need. I brought a small little notebook to write stuff down. I also wasn’t able to have my phone with me to look cases up. If you are…remember HIPPA. ❤️

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Whew these are details lol...... but you're absolutely right! Clinicals will definitely beat you down. Heavy. But absolutely doable. Congrats on finishing the program and Goodluck on your exam! You've answered all my reviews questions correctly lol.

[@akhtarhussain8140]

Great

[@courtneyjones8307]

My first two weeks of clinicals were in sterile processing. I was able to learn the trays the hospital uses and I also picked cases. I knew where supplies were. I just finished my first round of clinicals, I enjoyed every minute.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Wow you're halfway through! I never did that with my rotations so you're on your way up there!

[@ninamarie8834]

please keep uploading!! you're giving me peace of mind while i'm in surg tech school. thank you for posting these tips!

[@MsCole-iw2xh]

I absolutely enjoy all of your videos, you're so helpful and informative! I'm enjoying Surgical Tech school I haven't made it to the point of clinical yet but when I do....girl I will remember your tips and advice. I am so nervous already...my brother is a Surg Tech/First Assist. and he too is also very helpful and informative....Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming!!!!!!

[@wesleycarson9917]

I love this type of video! I start the program in 2 weeks ahhhhhh! Thank you so much for the info!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Will do version 2 soon!

[@lillyarce8202]

Kat is THE BEST!!! Thank you for all that you do!! I could not get thru this program without your videos!!! Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

❤❤❤ thank you lilly!!!!

[@PookHansen]

Thank you so much for your video. This September it will be my first clinical rotation and I am very very nervous but watching your video helps me so much. oh and I just received you pocket booklet and you did such a good job.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yay thank you!!!!! I'm so happy I'm able to help you prepare. You have plenty of time. Go over all your anatomy notes. There are some surgeons that would ask scrubs techs students anatomy questions. Scary buttttt..... be prepared.

[@danhngonhauthe396]

me too

[@PookHansen]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK thank you😇

[@ravenjackson484]

starting tomorrow super excited!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Goodluck!!!!

[@jaylenyoung2342]

Thanks for making this video, I start my program in October. I'm definitely will be purchasing your book.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Congratulations!!!!! Let me know if you run into issues in clinicals!

[@oliviakennedy5608]

I start my first day of class next month and I’m so excited to start this journey!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Oh yay!!!! There's a lot of yall starting this fall!!

[@danhngonhauthe396]

realy

[@angelacruz7626]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK YES, I'M STARTING AUGUST 16, I'M SO READY!!! OH AND TODAY I GOT MY POCKETBOOK, YEAHHH!! I'M SO EXACTING TO DO THIS!! THANKS KAT

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@angelacruz7626 congrats!!!!!!! Do well in your pre reqs and kill it at your clinicals

[@biancaalwali1267]

Hello, I’m about to start school for LPN and I’ll be doing clinical within the month. Very nervous for what the future holds. I came across your videos and it seems interesting. It’s still medical so I take the time to watch them and just absorb your knowledge. Thank you for posting!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes, so this field is called surgical technology. We basically assist the surgeon in all surgical varieties from neuro to foot. Lots of opportunities and very cool to see the human body inside and out.

[@emimcelhinny9837]

Thank you so much. You're amazing 👏

[@iamrixie3680]

Wonderful tips!!

[@vanessasalazar207]

Just ordered your pocketbook!🙂 I’ve been in my program for 16 months, starting clinicals really soon🙂

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yay!!!! Let me know how you like it and don't be afraid to reach out!

[@dominicramos1045]

So are you not going for the associates degree? Just asking

[@andreD03]

Just started my surgical tech program today . I will be definitely getting your book. I need all the help I can get lol

[@rachelholmes2751]

Do you think you could do a video in the future about what helped you most/tips and advice when studying after a day of clinicals?

[@carynstevenson8980]

Thank you! I start in 6 days!

[@alexisrosas4063]

This was so helpful thank you so much ! I have 6 classes left till clinicals 🙂🙌🏼

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Goodluck babe! U got this!!!

[@Suhlean]

I’m originally aiming for nursing, but after discovering you I’m really intrigued with surge tech especially because there’s hardly no math and I’m straight trash at math lmao. Anyways, surge tech sounds intense and intimidating but as you’ve said doable. So imma keep watching your videos and hope I make my mind up about a career because I’m a little lost in life at the moment. Thank you for making all of these videos! ❤

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I might have saved you from trauma going into nursing lmao... there's a lot of health are careers that isn't nursing that involves practically no complicated math and just like you, some maths aren't just mathing lol. Like number are cool but when you start putting letters and shit, it's chaotic. ST Is hard but not as hard as nursing. If I can do it, u can too. All new things are intimidating but you gotta push barriers and be uncomfy to progress.

[@SulaimonLawal-po3zc]

I’m also confused of what to do I think we have the same issues

[@gregorymiranda1982]

I’ve been a ST for 11 years now. The last 4 years I have just been working in women’s services. I’ve decided to finally sit for my CST. Any advice or study recommendations? I’m confident I could still scrub in the main OR but nervous about testing.

[@TriciaPooh01]

I just want to say thank you so much! I've been witching your videoa for about 2 weeks now. I'm not in a surgical tech programmer yet. I'm highly thinking about it though. I work in EVS at my city's hospital and I heard that they will pay for people to go to school, but I'm not sure how to even go about that lol. I'm also terrified to even start. I'm terrible at memorizing stuff and i get anxious really easy. I'm doing as much researcg as possible and I even found a surgical tech (she's a traveling one) in my city that I can speak to about stuff.

[@LAFM1111]

Hello I start clinicals next week, how do I look at your pocket note book while setting up if I'm sterile?

[@fashionfun976]

Would love to see a mock case from setup to closure ! Also all about different glove types

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

The glove types is highly requested! Will get that in soon. Idk about a mock case.

[@fashionfun976]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK no worries ! Looking forward to the glove vid

[@reshawnjim7146]

Your videos have been very helpful and insightful. I take my final certification exam in 2 weeks. I used some of your setups during my clinicals with some modifications. Really appreciate it.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yay!! Yes, my set ups are super basic and you used them right! Thank you for giving me the feedback! And goodluck on your exam!

[@SulaimonLawal-po3zc]

Pls can you elite me on which exam someone needs to do b4 they can pass thanks.

[@elizabethalfaro7987]

Could you do a set up for a lap chol with IOC or a umbilical hernia with mesh?

[@Datsista]

Hi, I start a surgical tech program at my job (Hospital) 01/09/2022. This is a new program they have developed and they are starting out the first cohort with 10 students. I’m excited that I have been selected. In my case I have already interviewed for the position while interviewing for the program. Which is a transfer since I already work for the company. I just want to learn as much as possible. First 3 months will be in the classroom and the remainder will be in the OR. Are there any suggestions you can give me?

[@danhngonhauthe396]

thank you very share

[@tanicaankum2138]

where can we get the book? is it still available?

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

What if you know all the instruments for a case? Is there a guide to look at?.

[@bulganboldbaatar2145]

Do you have to lift up heavy stuffs cos I have bad back

[@user-pk5qe2fe5n]

Wherecan you find your book?

[@adajeffrey9210]

What shoe brand did u suggest again?? Do u have a link or picture???

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

It's danskos. Steel toes.

[@beautykay8545]

I start clinicals in October. I’m so nervous

[@randompasserby2348]

Any recommendations for an accredited surgical tech school/program in New York? What are school fees? 🙏

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

It's quite expensive for a 2 yr program associates but it's worth ut

[@cutenoodle9888]

I'm starting my AS in Surgical Technology in May I'm far from clinical but I'm nervous/excited

[@keimiguijosa5546]

Omg me too🥹 I start may 16

[@yellowtrain3161]

Approximately how many surgical techs are employed per hospital? I know that is a broad question. But I’m trying to figure out if there is demand or vacancy for jobs in an average typical hospital. Most of the schools that come up on my search seem to be very expensive to attend for an AS degree, and I don’t want to make the investment unless there is suitable demand and pay for surgical techs. If anyone can help me clear up any smoke that would be awesome!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Depends how big the hospital is. We have 10 plus per diem and part times. There absolutely a demand because people hurt themselves all the time. It's healthcare. Yes it expensive but I call it an investment. I wouldn't dwell on the tuition because it clouds the main goal. Everyone will have loans. That's inevitable. With the pandemic, it's now more than ever that we need more people.

[@DanielCOrdaz]

Man I am nervous! I’m taking an online surgical tech course. I am 3 weeks in and it’s a 4-6 month program! But I’m definitely excited about being a CST!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I didn't know there's a 6 month prog??? I wished i had done that cause now I'm stuck with loans. Fml

[@DanielCOrdaz]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK lol yeahh I know but it feels so short with so much information! Thank you for all you’re videos and taking the time to help out! You’re videos were the reason why I wanted to be a CST after being an MA for 4 years!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@DanielCOrdaz really????? Lol you know some people get grossed out from blood and all so I hope you're ready for all that.

[@DanielCOrdaz]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK yess!! I came across you’re videos and went down a rabbit hole and watched them all lol and yes I’m ready for all that!! I love it! I worked at a orthopedic clinic and that also has my interest! I’m being a CST in orthopedics And I also worked alongside side a podiatrist and have seen some pretty nasty things lol but that’s not an issue for me!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@DanielCOrdaz hahahaha you're in way too deep now there's no going back! You'd go far with ortho my friend. I don't meet a lot of people that do like it. I wish you the best and Goodluck!

[@sarahdolley6498]

How do I buy your book

[@the-witness8811]

So I have a small mustache and a close cut goatee. Will or should I shave them before my surg-tech program starts? I know there are some masks specifically for facial hair.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

U have to cut it.

[@the-witness8811]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK ok thanks. Good thing I'm not very good at growing facial hair anyway lmao

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@the-witness8811 hahaha yeah they're strict with hait

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Hair*

[@Chakanaone6ftQt]

What platform or tool do you use for researching your cases?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Google. But u can't use ur phone while in clinicals.

[@Chakanaone6ftQt]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK no that is fine. My instructor advised us to the check the schedule before we leave for the day so we can be prepared for the next day.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@Chakanaone6ftQt it changes all the time. But yeah you can do that and ask thr scheduler or charge nurse.

[@audreylovelace4441]

Do you get a glare from the safety glasses being over your glasses.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Not these ones for some reason. The shield do and I don't wear em that much.

[@kimberlygonzalez7905]

where do you get your caps?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I got my plain ones on uniformadvantage. The rest is amazon

[@leneeseRN]

Need the book

[@adajeffrey9210]

Luckily for me I don't like fake nail and/or nail polish and ALWAYS clip my nails short as possible a few times a week lol just personal preference and I also have OCD & a huge germaphobe

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Haha yes I've always been like this even fbefore tech school. So you'll be fineeeee in school and work.

[@kristarayburn709]

Where can I purchase your book?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

On my etsy ❤

[@jeannepavek4151]

How do I purchase that book?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

It's on my online etsy store link in my bio

[@aprilhale7329]

I start clinicals next week and am not sure how to get your book?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

It's on etsy just type in surgical tech geek!!!!!

[@SulaimonLawal-po3zc]

Where can someone get the book from?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Www.surgicaltechgeek.com.

[@housic1]

please show us ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL INSTRUMENTS NAMES

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

We dont do much maxillofacial and to be honest, we don't know all the instruments in there.

[@housic1]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Can you try to do that?

[@danhngonhauthe396]

so what

[@aprilhale7329]

Where to order the steel toe shoes

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Danskos

[@josejara6059]

You keep saying straight scissor. Which straight scissors are you referring too? You keep confusing me with that.

[@alexiscarrier-caldera5309]

Hello, I am trying to learn my instruments, but I am having a hard time getting them all down. If you could please help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

You just need to learn the major tray. No need to know everything. Maybe for the exam, but you'll get all the learning from clinicals.

[@jakejennings5820]

Do you ever work the night shift? If so do you ever have surgeries?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes, on call shifts have surgeries.

[@all4honor]

Where is that accent from?...lol wow I cant place it!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Philippines lol

[@catjuice8420]

Clinicals in 4 months! I'm scared

[@beautykay8545]

I start next month, I’m scared too. Lol