SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST DAY IN THE LIFE | DAY IN MY LIFE | OPERATING ROOM

[@lt.spears1889]

I’ve been doing this for over 30 yrs and I still love it, great income, challenges left and right with a great staff and super chill Surgeons, I highly recommend this career

[@laibarehman4041]

How much did you get paid in this field!?

[@vanessamsl5148]

Hi in wich country you doing this ? What's speaciality please ?

[@TheJAGMUSIC]

Hello, with my certification as a surgical tech, I have to do my clinicals, is there facilities that will hire still in order to help me complete the hours? Imma travel sterile tech and was looking to advance and found some sources, what do you think about it?

[@lt.spears1889]

@@laibarehman4041 I made 70k last year taking a ton of call, so between 50k-75k a year for someone like me with years of experience

[@lt.spears1889]

@@vanessamsl5148 USA

[@stephenprice3357]

I was accepted into the surgical tech program at a community college. I knew that along time ago the field was predominantly male but now it’s the opposite.I attended skills lab and of course I’m the only male and also I’m the oldest (37). I didn’t really think that either my age or my gender would’ve mattered but it did. Even my lab instructors were different towards me. After my experience, I considered changing my major but I’ve thought, prayed and decided to not allow that bad experience to discourage me from doing what I love.I have found another school that offers the surgical tech program and am looking forward to graduation.

[@chrisc4824]

Hey man I’m a CST for almost 6 years now and idk why but being a male does make a difference. Very strange but true. I would suggest using your degree as CST as a stepping stone to become a PA or even a surgeon. I am choosing the former because I am getting burnt out as a tech. Good luck to you!!

[@rebeccalasky6109]

Really? I'm in ultrasound. It's predominantly women but we love it when there's a man in the field

[@natashawalz1049]

Girl don’t let that discourage you. It’s like that any case in the OR. They rely on males because a lot of females expect to be respected as a female. Show them who you are and once you prove it they will respect you. I promise. Give it time.

[@Ashley40444]

Dang that sucks, being treated less then is an awful thing to experience when trying to gain education. I’m glad you found a new school and kept going even when being discriminated against. Instructors and peers should be respectful to everyone and the instructor should be helping everyone learn.

[@Nina2598-k5x]

U have to make everything based on ur gender

[@thomasmolloy824]

I'm going for the surgical tech course. I sat in during multiple surgeries in the OR because i was a corrections officer. I was so fascinated with what i saw and i got to pick some peoples brains about their roles during the surgery. The surgical tech was explaining everything to me and i quit my career just recently to pursue this.

[@sagebellic5466]

Rooting for you it feels good to be inspired🙌🏼🤗

[@riotz8742]

How is everything now?

[@Ashley-og9ti]

Would like an update too ‼️

[@theeasiajae]

This is my exact story.

[@LissandraUrieta]

Any update??

[@Lydia-jy1bh]

Shout out to the surg techs that spray down the instruments it’s makes a huge difference! (SPD tech) looking into surgical tech programs, but I’m super hesitant because allot of people say the surgeons are disrespectful and it’s stressful.

[@yannibonnie]

do you like being a Spd tech

[@Lydia-jy1bh]

@@yannibonnie actually I do it Is physically demanding and rewarding :) I enjoy what I do I know some people have joined the department and they leave after 3 months, but it’s something new every day and learning every day.

[@Maryoomaal]

Whats the difference between spd tech and surgical tech

[@marszz333]

Same lol I’m not trying to deal with any stress or disrespectful people. I’m sensitive 😂

[@Allireallyneedisspace]

@@Maryoomaalfrom what I’m reading. The tech works with the surgeons and doctors in the operating room. (Handing them instruments etc)

[@ameriastokes]

I love watching videos like this, I’ve been thinking about jointing surg tech school and this just motivates me so much😍😍

[@LifeWithSheree]

Do IT!!!

[@devinegrace1150]

Me too. How's it going for you if you don't mind me asking

[@linglingdrinkbeansoup]

love this video! got to see the inner workings of the OR.

[@TatianaFYI]

My daughter just graduated from high school and she has expressed her interest in becoming a CST. What school did you attend and how long were you in school?

[@pariscapri1594]

I am strongly considering this but what is the work life balance like?

[@TG-cs6td]

Please keep these vlogs going! I’m so inspired ❤

[@LifeWithSheree]

Can’t make any promises they are hard to film

[@TG-cs6td]

@@LifeWithSheree I’m appreciative of all the effort you do put into it 🥹👏🏾

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@TG-cs6td i post weekly surg tech Day in the life on tiktok! You’ll like my stuff over there 🤍 lifewithsheree

[@TG-cs6td]

@@LifeWithSheree yesss going to go follow now 😊

[@lp1043]

I have a really stupid question. After all that hand washing/scrubbing are you allowed to put some lotion on your hands before the surgery?

[@LifeWithSheree]

It’s not a stupid question, yes you can but according to the AST it has to be a special kind that doesn’t have petroleum I believe because it can cause breakdown on the gloves

[@southerncharmcreative]

I have been dreaming about being a surgical tech since 2015. I’ve been a professional coder since 2009 and have always been fascinated with surgeries and would watch the surgeries to further understand the coding scenarios. After being a professional multi specialty coder and auditor for the last 15 years I’ve made the decision to go back to school and get my surgical tech degree and get into the OR. Working from home over the last decade has been rewarding but now that my kids are getting older, I’m ready to get out of my home office and into the OR.

[@keionnasublett521]

New Subscriber here!’ I’m an aspiring tech, I’m already in school for it. My mother was a tech and it was completely different back in her day. I look forward to seeing more from you 🥰

[@Ashley-og9ti]

Are you finished or still in school? ST student too🤗 and I start clinical next week I'm literally terrified .....and excited

[@MirrorMaskVRDJ]

Scheduled to start my program in October but as of recent I've been having more and more questions come to mind. I talked to a nurse whom I work with at the current hospital I'm employed with and she told me that it wasn't worth it. Quote "There's no room for career growth and all you do is stand there and retract. Besides that you don't really do anything. Not only that but most of the cases will be probably the same, time and time again and the doctors and residents can act really childish" Hearing that made me kinda bummed out especially since I was really looking forward to getting started, but if being a CST is just standing around, holding organs back, and giving doc or the first assistant instruments it sounds hella boring. I thought as a CST I would be more involved with the cases and have atleast some patient interaction. If this isn't the case can you please put your two sense.

[@LifeWithSheree]

Lol I hate when people say we just stand there and retract. Here’s a run down of what we do. Set up the room for surgery, open all the equipment and supplies and set up the sterile field, when the patient comes to the room, if there’s time you can break scrub (if you are still scrubbed in setting up that is) and introduce yourself to the patient and assist with moving the patient. When it’s time to start you scrub back in and you gown and glove all other team members, some doctors will let you drape the patient, I work at a teaching hospital so most times it’s me and the resident that drapes or the resident and med student. Once drapes are on you pass off all your cords ie bovie, suction, bipolar etc. once the Surgery starts you pass instruments, if there’s no med student then you can be the person that cuts sutures, hold retractors and help in anyway that remains in your scope of practice. Depending on the case you will need to put together certain instruments, mix cement, prepare hemostatic agents, prepare medications, you troubleshoot, and most importantly you are there to anticipate the needs of the surgeon, a good surg tech won’t just stand there, you can be the one Person that determines how well that case is gonna if you know your shit. After about 2 years you can go back to school to become a first assist which is second hand person to a surgeon you Can suture and manipule tissue etc. you can also go back to school to become an OR nurse or PA. Yes the doctors can be childish as time goes on you learn how to ignore that and how to stand up to them respectfully. If you truly want to be a surg tech you will love it.

[@LifeWithSheree]

I work at a level 1 trauma center, I certainly do not just stand there and retract lol and if you don’t work at a teaching hospital it’s just you and the surgeon and you better be ready to do ALOT!

[@WhiteRabbitDreams]

​@@LifeWithShereeWhen you say prepare medications, do you mean you calculate dosages and administer them, or is that out of your scope of practice?

[@riotz8742]

Following

[@Persephoneia01]

First Assistants are CSTs that moved to being a CSFA. It's part of the career growth options. On top of that you can specialize in certain areas. Beyond that you can also move into being a Physician's Assistant. Also don't trust nurses opinions on non-nursing fields. They like to shit on anything that isn't nursing.

[@Darealcandii]

I can’t wait to start my journey

[@LifeWithSheree]

Good luck!!! 😊

[@jackiep.201]

I am a tech student in the first year. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of what’s it like

[@Ashley-og9ti]

How's school going?!

[@ellalakey4480]

Do techs have to memorize what’s needed for every procedure or do you have lists to help you set up for each one?

[@thekeils22]

The case cards will have what instrument set to pull, but the instruments are not labeled inside the sets. You learn as you go, but you start by becoming familiar with the basics!

[@SamBWinning]

It’s so much that goes into learning to be a surgical tech I graduate in December and I’m excited!

[@LifeWithSheree]

Yes it is! Congratulations that’s so exciting

[@premlalcs5906]

How's operation theatre technology

[@SamBWinning]

@@premlalcs5906 what you mean?

[@Ashley-og9ti]

​@@SamBWinningomgg I graduate in December too!!🤗🎓 I start clinical next week I'm literally terrified and somehow still excited. Good luck with the rest of your course and wherever the field takes you ❣️

[@jenniferrichie4684]

Congratulations 🎉🎉

[@bigshirleym.6776]

How do you know what instruments the surgeon needs in each case. 3rd day in clinicals

[@LifeWithSheree]

You should know your instrument trays if you are 3 days in clinical then you should be familiar with the basic instrument trays for each specialty. You may not know each instrument but with time you will.

[@loganbaby5208]

I know that every job is about hard but doing this does it become easier to memorize things you do or do it switch up?

[@LifeWithSheree]

It gets easier with time, the more you scrub the more familiar you become with procedures and instruments

[@alyssabaptiste]

hey, I'm in school right now pursuing this career but I kinda feel dumb. whether it's taking my first anatomy/physiology 1 course and not knowing the basics or just being confused with this career in general. how do you pick the category for the type of surgeries you are interested in? do I study the surgery the night before my shift or do I have to have all that info memorized? I just feel like if and when I do finish my associate for this career, I won't feel ready to be in the OR. :(

[@LifeWithSheree]

You’ll learn everyday you need to know, for clinical then you will learn surgeries and be ready for a job. No need to stress about it you have 2 years

[@tonytriplett21]

@@LifeWithShereedang 2 years?? The hospital in my area is a learning hospital and it has a scrub tech apprentice program that’s 10 weeks of classroom time and 18 weeks form clinical sits a 7 month program if it takes 2 years but they have a 7 month program I can only imagine how brutal it must be becuase I was going to apply but now I’m not sure!

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@tonytriplett21 I assumes it’s 2 years because she said associates so I think she’s in a community college surg tech program. My program was 10 months and it was pretty overwhelming I think that’s why most places are trying to phase out those short programs. I’m glad I did 10 months because I don’t think the 2 years is necessary tbh

[@Persephoneia01]

@@tonytriplett21 There's a difference between an associates level ST program and a non-associates level ST program. Some programs like you're talking about aren't accredited by the CAAHEP or ABHES meaning you can't become a certified surgical technologist just a surgical technician (some people also just call it a surgical technologist without certification, but technically a surgical technician is the name for it). You get less pay than those that are certified and your job options are limited (certain states are CSTs only and better, more specialized jobs are also usually CSTs only). Even if it is accredited though, I know a lot of hospitals in my area won't hire people that don't have at least their associates because you lack the background knowledge of A&P 1/2, Microbiology, & certain Surgical Tech classes (we literally spend 10 weeks on Surgical Pharmaceuticals for example) which helps a lot. You'll just lack a lot of knowledge that those with an associates come into the job already having and a lot of hospitals just don't want to deal with that.

[@jjayflash]

Thanks for sharing Sharee really helpful

[@kushkiddoh4709]

Am from Kenya here we surgical technician are called perioperative theatre technology but the course aint paying i would like to pursue it in other state i don't know how i can go about

[@vanshiipatel6927]

I'm also from Kenya l am also pursuing the same course un india and going to move to usa but don't know about how to get a job on the degree l will take do l have to give a entrance or anything..

[@kushkiddoh4709]

Which institution in India and how much are you paying for the program

[@rh8608]

could you see this being your final career field or did you ever want to try something else in the healthcare field in the future /love the video

[@LifeWithSheree]

Not for me no, I have other passions I would like to pursue but other people sure have made it their final career.

[@vixyvelasquez9898]

Can you tell me what your other passions are ? I’m curious to know 😉

[@happiilocs4860]

Can you do a video on why this won’t be your final career? And how many hours & days do you usually work?

[@LifeWithSheree]

I work 4 days a few and 10 hours. This just won’t be my final career because I have other goals I would like to pursue

[@Icroft-pu9lg]

@@LifeWithShereewhat goals you like to pursue?

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@Icroft-pu9lg personal training / fitness

[@alejandragalvan2086]

I love watching these kinds of videos 😊👍🏻

[@LifeWithSheree]

Thanks girl!

[@mariaarias1703]

Hey nice video I work in hospital I clean or after you guys and I’m very interested in moving up I want to do that job question what’s the hardest part when taking clases or test?

[@GODSSOILDER99]

I’m actually gonna be going to college to be a surgical technician next year and do you have any advice

[@ShamShammie]

Just switched over from nursing to surge tech. The program doesn’t start until spring so am currently signed up for sterile tech (I think it will come of help or at least I’m hoping so) but I’ve heard u can get a bachelors in this field is that true? I only here of the Aa/AS 2 year course.

[@LifeWithSheree]

A bachelors isn’t required

[@sagariaa]

@sham i’m thinking about dropping nursing too and becoming surge tech .. do you plan to go back to nursing ?

[@ireneofosu-barko8648]

​@@LifeWithSheree could you give more details on your educational background to this profession to help people who are interested in this course

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@ireneofosu-barko8648 all you need is a high school diploma

[@Ashley-og9ti]

I know it's a recent change but to become certified you need a 2-YEAR AAS degree from am accredited institution. Just want to .she sure anyone is updated is considering this field 🤍

[@JessLovesU86]

Hi! I hope you’re well! I graduated some years back but now studying to take the exam. I am currently using the Lange app and the book. Would you recommend anything else you used to help you pass the exam ?

[@Ashley-og9ti]

Why did you wait so long to take the certification exam??

[@jeanelguidry3268]

What are your responsibilities if a patient doesn’t make it through surgery?

[@LifeWithSheree]

Sometimes you have to stay with the patient until they come to get the body.

[@WhiteRabbitDreams]

​@@LifeWithShereeThis might be a weird question, but how do you get over that creepy feeling if you have to stay with a deceased patient?

[@yakeannarose9137]

Question how often if at all does the surgical technologist draw up medications in the OR.. or do you guys use mainly what the pharmacy sends up?

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@yakeannarose9137 in hospitals most of our meds are in the Pyxis and is pulled by the nurse and then given to the surgical tech to use on the field, if we need something specific that’s not on the floor then it comes from the pharmacy.

[@SNUPE_FOXX92]

Hi! So I’m already an SPD tech, but I am thinking about going back to school for surgical tech. So do surgical techs basically set up and break down the room after cases? Do you all take the patients to PACU or assist with the surgery in between like passing instruments to the surgeons?

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@SNUPE_FOXX92 surgical techs set up and break down. We assist in surgery. We don’t typically take patients to pacu

[@ndanwachinasafelicia2658]

Can you suggest an online certification, I live in Nigeria and it's difficult getting a place to do it.

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@ndanwachinasafelicia2658 no, I don’t recommend online classes

[@vannyamaximi126]

Hi 🙋🏽‍♀️… I am a surgical technician in my country, here we only go to the hospital when a surgery is scheduled, do you in the US work 8 hours a day, or do you only go when the surgery is already scheduled?

[@LifeWithSheree]

At 24 hour hospitals we are always staffed so there’s shifts that go from 7am -7am the next day. We have 8 hour shifts as well as 10 and 12 hour shifts. There’s always a team at the 24 hour hospitals

[@tommygoing4796]

Does the patient still get charge for not being there?

[@ChunkyWaterisReal]

The first back table makes no sense to me. It's set up but blades aren't loaded, the tubing isn't ready to go, your drapes aren't in a neat stack, you must have some chill ass docs and cases. I have everything ready to gown, drape, and throw cords before I'd consider scrubbing out and calling it set up unless I had to run for some odds and ends.

[@ChunkyWaterisReal]

God damn those are some tasty case notes though holy.

[@LifeWithSheree]

Two knife handles were loaded on the mayo and ready to go, the tubing on the back table was extra, all other tubing that was needed for the case was in the basin with the drapes on top of it… it wasn’t my set up but it was ready. You saw a small clip then jumped right on your high horse about what YOU would do.. loveeee techs like you 🫶🏾

[@ChunkyWaterisReal]

@@LifeWithSheree...... I think I was having a bad day, I'm so sorry lol

[@jackiesuarez136]

I have a question ❓ okay i know sometimes when you are new grad you don't get paid that well because you basically don't have experience. When you have some years in experience and apply to other hospitals can you kinda ask for a certain amount? Or let's say they'll pay you 25 can you tell them im looking for 2 more dollars

[@LifeWithSheree]

Yes you can always try to negotiate

[@aimes9524]

How did you handle the “gore” of surgery starting out? I can watch surgery on TV and all but I worry the first time I see someone’s say, chest cut open in real life, I’ll be nauseous. Do you just get desensitized quickly?

[@LifeWithSheree]

I never had an issue tbh

[@lilymartinez8188]

How do you get into this career path like through college? What prerequisites did you have to complete before entering surg tech

[@ktcco961]

Looks like all you need in Texas us Highschool and HESI attended an information session today at HCC

[@xbabybriox]

First get into a surgical technology program at a community college. Get your associate in surgical technology then you can apply to a surgical assistant program BUT you must have the surgical tech associate degree first.

[@xbabybriox]

There are some surgical tech associate degree programs and certification programs you can do online but make sure they have the proper accreditation for whatever state you are going to be practicing in first! You need the surgical TECHNOLOGY certification first before you can go on to become a surgical first assistant like in the video. Its a two-step process! 1. Get surgical tech certification from associate degree or certificate program 2. apply with your surgical tech degree/certificate to a surgical first assistant program. these take about 1 year to complete! hope this helps!

[@lilymartinez8188]

@@xbabybriox VERY helpful thank you!

[@lilymartinez8188]

@@xbabybriox how difficult was your training? And the test at the very end?!

[@aviewer3261]

are you comfortable sharing your pay per hour or typical monthly pay? Im curious because i plan on becoming a surgical tech.

[@LifeWithSheree]

I started at $25 an hour but it depends on the city

[@aviewer3261]

@@LifeWithSheree sorry for asking so much questions but were you comfortable with just staff pay? Last question 😊

[@ChunkyWaterisReal]

34 starting, but major metro area and level 1 trauma.

[@vlyles42]

Do you have a good work balance life? Is there much flexibility with this career? I’m a single mother looking into this career?

[@reneewallace2868]

I have a question. I would love to work in the medical field- but I cannot be a nurse. I have a weak stomach. But blood does not bother me. In your opinion, would someone with a weak stomach be able to do this?

[@LifeWithSheree]

No, you aren’t just seeing blood. If you have a weak stomach this field will not work for you

[@Persephoneia01]

Surgical tech is 100% worse than what you'll see being a nurse... You're literally in the operating room with entire parts of the body cut up. If you're in trauma, you'll be seeing everything from crushed bones to people that became a smear on the road. If nursing is too much for you, there's no way you could handle being a surgical tech.

[@Ratatouille7786-t8i]

If you have a weak stomach, do rad tech or sonography. They make great money without the blood.

[@elviralatyshevich]

Please post more videos like this ❤❤❤

[@ydsshahdaiah]

how many days do you work a week? and how much do you get paid if you don’t mind sharing?

[@LifeWithSheree]

I now work in plastic surgery private and I work 4 days I make 30+ an hour

[@vixyvelasquez9898]

What’s better career ? Medical assistant or surgical tech ? I’m trying to decide which to go for 😩

[@LifeWithSheree]

They are two very different jobs, do your research and choose the one that’s best for you

[@Ratatouille7786-t8i]

Former medical assistant turned surg tech student, here. Medical assistant is a good place to start, but it's a dead end job.

[@TheAngelicaHerrera]

Pima medical institute offers this degree were i live. Was the NBSTSA hard for you?

[@femstar25]

Can you do video about what books you use to pass CST exam

[@LifeWithSheree]

Yes! I will do an in-depth video soon

[@amitroy9083]

Wow❤.

[@djididiarra9627]

Does a surgical tech do surgery or they just clean and disinfect stuff ?

[@aniyahhhhh2269]

They definitely don’t do surgery but they do a little more than clean and disinfect stuff

[@darrellcrawford4946]

I have to ask what is a first lunch second lunch third lunch fourth lunch to me there’s breakfast lunch and dinner all in between is a break what does it mean my first lunch second lunch and third lunch?

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@darrellcrawford4946 oh I gave lunches to my colleagues so I would have 3 lunch breaks to give so I scrub them out for their breaks

[@MoniqueChatman]

My dream Career

[@WhiteRabbitDreams]

Very cool!

[@Trusty335is]

How difficult was it to become a surg tech?

[@jasmineburgess9029]

What does the salary look like for this career?

[@micloveschicken]

How much do surgical techs mske

[@Dee-jp6no]

If you're single with no family to support, can you live off of this career? Or would I definently need a 2nd income? Just curious!

[@LifeWithSheree]

Oh for sure! I have a few friends that are single and they are able to pay rent and live comfortably for sure

[@marleneortiz7053]

In what state?

[@Dee-jp6no]

@@marleneortiz7053 I'm in FL.

[@Persephoneia01]

Yes especially if you're willing to be on call extra. I know people making close to 100k a year just by being on call frequently. Then as you get more experience and if you specialize or do First Assist your pay increases. I know in my area, you get $40 to $50 an hour if you specialize in cardio. Then there's also the option of being a travel CST once you have 1 to 2 years of experience.

[@fernandoc2546]

Is this at a surgerycenter ?

[@LifeWithSheree]

No

[@JakeLutz-r2i]

Shits overrated no 🧢. Pay is borderline disrespectful for all the bs we go through. I’m definitely going into nursing .

[@LifeWithSheree]

I love my job and I get paid well. Good luck either way nursing! 😀

[@CozyMutha]

im gonna get the guide

[@LifeWithSheree]

Yesss

[@CozyMutha]

@@LifeWithSheree I just passed my NHA exam for medical assisting, my next goal is surgical tech!!

[@LifeWithSheree]

@@CozyMutha yes, girl that’s exactly what I did!

[@សៀងជា]

Is a surgical tech considered a doctor

[@LifeWithSheree]

No

[@Tbabydripp]

😂

[@filipedantas8714]

If you curious about the work but never worked in healthcare/hospital before you wont understand much what she says. She doesn’t explain what she does! She is just telling a day in her life… so many therms that only her fellow worker friends would understand what she meant .

[@LifeWithSheree]

Yes this is a day in my life video not a who are surgical techs video, If you want to see that you can find it on my page. Or Google…

[@adjr9313]

Whats her IG???😂

[@chuckscott-cy7iq]

0:24 🍑

[@sagebellic5466]

Creep!🤮

[@chuckscott-cy7iq]

@@sagebellic5466 Jealous. 🐒

[@flowd7451]

Lmaoooo

[@GaryM42069]

Yo drop the recipe for that food.

[@djididiarra9627]

Does a surgical tech do surgery or they just clean and disinfect stuff ?

[@LifeWithSheree]

We assist in surgery