SURGICAL TECH Q & A | is school hard? will I get a job after? know all instruments? how you do that?

[@elliegotto2420]

All of these points are great! I've been a CST for 2 years and everything you said is pretty much how my experience has been. The program is hard but it's up to you to make the most of it. I had a newborn and a 1 year old when I started. No job, my husband provided. Clinicals are key to getting a job. And yes you will deal with difficult nurses, remeber you are working under their License so.... be patient, it takes time to prove to the nurses that you know what your doing. Also, very true. Being fast doesn't mean you are good!!! Remeber that!!!! Last, I want to congratulate you on your channel and your book! Blessings!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

That's so sweet!!!! We're on the same page. It's very difficult for those who have kids and full time jobs. I feel for all those people who juggle these altogether! But the reward is sweet! Thank you so much for the support! Truly grateful!

[@kennygarcia102]

What makes surgical tech school hard?

[@donovanjackson6662]

How much do techs usually make?

[@StructuresFrOmSilence]

Could you speak to your knowledge about the two main certification options for Surgical Techs going through school (NBSTSA's Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certificate VS the NCCT's (Tech in Surgery-Certified) TS-C certificate? What is your certificate (TS-C or CST)? Do most hospitals/surgery centers prefer you to have a CST cert (NBSTSA)?...or has the TS-C (NCCT) certification sufficient? Have you heard of one certification over the other hindering someone's professional life in any way/ability to land jobs? Have heard about missed opportunities on pay raises/advancement opportunities because someone had one vs. the other?

[@uldermuturi4543]

I am just at a point where I am having a hard time getting a JOB. I’ve been interviewing like crazy. I went to Denver health today one of my favorite hospitals and I hope I get it.

[@Des_Tiny93]

Did you find employment?

[@danielpulido5147]

I’m in school now to become a surgical tech. Thank you for your tips 😇

[@Hoodie_SRT]

Is the school hard for you how’s it going

[@dcannon0110]

They never respond like ugh.

[@sarawingate3299]

Really enjoy your channel!! I appreciate your videos so much. Currently in school and loving it but also sooooooo nervous about the months ahead!!

[@courtneysperfectcafe]

I love your videos, thank you for making them continuously!

[@brooklyncole9685]

I am currently completing my pre-requisite classes and will be applying for the program in May, I am super excited and ready to see how it turns out for me. Congratulations on your book and God bless.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I'm so excited for you!!!! I'm so happy that more and more people know about this field! Wish you the best!! Hit me up when you're on your pre clinicals.

[@vyndavis3251]

I start my program July 19th!!! Thanks a million for your vids👍🏽 Great inspiration and motivation.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Thank you!!!!! Goodluck my friend!

[@faithwalk.]

How long g is school for surgical tech?

[@alaayyad7586]

@@faithwalk. 21 months and u graduate w a degree

[@RedStingrayy]

Once again, so much invaluable info, such an honest and no bs person, thank u so much

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Keepin it 100% to all yall. No BS. 😅

[@manleungleung]

Can you do a video for Gloves selection, Under gloves and outer gloves. shows us the diff . Thanks. Btw Great video !

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Absolutely! Coming soon!

[@fioredigirasole9075]

Could you make us a video on the different types of surgical gloves the blue or white ones

[@camillemarquez7716]

I have not had too much job experience so I plan to work my butt off in clinicals.

[@jenniferb8145]

Love your videos! Considering this field but definitely worried about the classes. Could you go more in depth about what to expect while you're in the program and prerequisites?? Please skip the you can do anything you put your mind to stuff, I believe that as well but I also need to be realistic I need cold hard facts. I'll be a non traditional student with a family (single mom) plus a job and I haven't been is school for 20 years. Currently work in the medical field looking for a more rewarding career. Thank you so much!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Haha my content is not sugar-coated. I tell it how it is. I guess that's why people gravitate towards it because it's realistic. It's not easy. It's not for the weak mindset. Just like you said, COLD HARD FACTS only. We don't do bubbles and sugar here so I'll definitely get into more on that subject soon.

[@jenniferb8145]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Great, I look forward to that content. I appreciate and enjoy your channel!!

[@hitomtom4278]

May I request a video on a guide to closing? and tips and tricks to go "above and beyond"? I was able to increase my speed and efficiency in opening, but I get lost as to closing. Your videos have been immensely helpful in my mock cases and I'll be taking it forward with me when I begin clinicals on July 22nd.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I'm so grateful that my videos have helped you! Elaborate on closing? Surgical techs don't close the skin, only surgeons, residents and csfa close the skin. Are you talking about closing instruments?

[@hitomtom4278]

​@@SURGICALTECHGEEK SHE RESPONDS! Truly honored. moist and dry dressings, gauze, when can we push the back table away from the operative site, closing instruments, what can we leave on M.stand for the Surgeon and first assist to help themselves to closing the skin. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond, Tom

[@xno-rc7lo]

@@hitomtom4278 I would like to chime in on this topic, If I may. wet and dry laps always.. gauze, steri strips, mastisol, tegaderm etc ask the surgeons what they prefer before closing or check preference card, you will always want adson tissue forceps on the mayo for skin along with appropriate needleholders (usually surg pref but something like crilewood, derf, etc depending on what type of case) for skin suture (usually 4-0 monocryl PS-2 (( Ethicon MCP426H, remember this :D )). Also this is a perfect time to start your closing count if you haven't done it already. Laps, rays, suture etc always start from the working field and move to mayo then to back table. You can move your back table away from the surgical site at this time but always be vigilant that no contamination occurs. In my experience, you should not break scrub until the patient has left the room... I work in ENT and we keep everything sterile just in case a neck procedure starts to bleed or opens up after extubation... you will be thankful you stayed sterile and kept your instruments sterile, trust me. I would recommend also putting the instruments that have not been used on the bottom of a tray and then laying a blue towel on top of the clean ones for your dirty instruments. Having SPD experience, I can tell you that it is appreciated when the the instruments come back down and a clear distinction can be made about what needs extra care vs the instruments that have not been used during the procedure. From one Tom to another :P

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@xno-rc7lo wow..... I mean, you pretty much broke it down into pieces. You're amazing! Thank you so much for replying to the student. I definitely clean the bioburden first before taking to spd. You guys have the toughest job and I'm grateful for yall!

[@luv.disney9706]

My daughter starts her pre reqs the 25th and then she will be applying to the cst program

[@jaia846]

Lol I’m so ready for them rude nurses bc they got the right tech🤣🤣🤣, and it’s me.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Hahahhahahaha same energy boo.

[@TP-pq3nt]

Period!

[@TheAdwick86]

This is so amazing!!! I have a question for you... I am in clinical 2 right now and loving neuro cases. I am leaning towards wanting to go to a surgery center just for neuro...but, I have been told to start off at the hospital. Eeek! I am stuck...plus, I am looking for family friendly hours

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Surgery centers are 5 days a week, 8 hrs a day but the hours aren't guaranteed even though you can be hired as full time. Theyre small facilities and sometimes does small surgeries. I don't think there's surgery centers that does neuro. Those are big cases that need more staff. Fam friendly hrs is labor and delivery 😍. Goodluck Amanda! Hope that helps!

[@djordan8434]

Hey, love the videos! Question: do your hands get dry from washing them Frequently through the day?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes!!! We use this alcohol scrub called sterilium and it's so drying on the hands. Also,, it's like more than 50% alcohol. I'd rather rescrub.

[@W.evelyn]

I don't like to open sutures at all. I done once and surgeon didn't use it so i feel like it was wasteful so I wait till the end to ask my nurse to open it. I always left it on the counter.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

It's not good practice to not have anything at all. For example one time I didn't open a 2-0 vicryl CT but I had one at CT1. So I told the Dr., doc i don't have CT right now I'll have the nurse get it but meanwhile I do have CT1 as an alternative if you don't wanna wait.... he said OK ill take it. You see, if u know the surgeon and u know what he uses, open them, if not, open minimum. Pref car dsays open 6, open. I always open a 3.0 vicryl sh on bowel why? Because that's to control bleeders.... thats a crucial moment that I can't wait on. Were bleeding.

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

What type of facilities are open to hiring new surgical tech grads with no experience?

[@kennygarcia102]

Im debating to be surgical tech or respiratory therapist, im very weak in sciences and math

[@lillieluvsmilfs]

these are my two options too!! ugh im having a hard time deciding 😫😫😫

[@misleisisperez9600]

Hey 👋 Question: What schedule can you expect as a CST?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

5 7s, 3 12s, 4 10s :)

[@zacharyshort384]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Does it just depend on location, or do surgical techs get to (sometimes?) choose to work, say, 3 x 12s? :)

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@zacharyshort384 sometimes they can choose. Depends on what they need. I chose mine.

[@zacharyshort384]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Can you elaborate on what you choosing it entails? :) I'm currently in SPD and hoping to enroll in an ST AAS program soonish. My hope is to focus in either neuro or plastics if I can since those areas have always interested me the most.

[@JuYanLove]

I use to be a volunteer in a hospital learning the supply closet won't be that bad for me

[@hazeleyedp1020]

I work in a eye doctors office ! He does cataract ,glaucoma, lasik surgeries..I am starting the surgical tech program and wondering if I should try to advance to work with him or go for a hospital setting ?

[@hazeleyedp1020]

Just wondering which would be better

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Advance to a hospital. Get the highest training and get all the experience and when you wanna slow down, you can come down to doctors office. There's no opportunity to make more money in an office because they don't do calls. In a hospital setting, you can get experience and jump to another hospital to make more money especially if you have speciality training. That's what I did. I'm on my 3rd hospital. Exchanging between public and private.

[@hazeleyedp1020]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Thanks so much . When I am done with the program I am hoping to move states to try and get a better salary for the job. I am in Mississippi and they look like they get paid the least from what I’ve seen so far. It’s not about the money. I just do want to enjoy what I’m doing and see the pay for it🥰

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@hazeleyedp1020 you have tot are are account the cost of living. Cali techs make more than your state because gas is $6 lol. Also, you can travel with experience and that my friend is the big bank. I personally don't want to travel even though I could simply because I am happy where I am and I don't do it for the money. I did do it for the money before and I was miserable. You learn to choose your battles.

[@hazeleyedp1020]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK you are so awesome💕 never for the money but I do need it . I love and enjoy helping others in the healthcare field . I’ll give you an update soon🙂

[@tonyherring7382]

I am a recent high school graduate and I am thinking about becoming a surgical tech. If possible, how would a go about shadowing a surgical tech?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Hmm that's tough if you don't know anyone in the administration. Ask a surgical center and write them a letter.

[@josephlawrence685]

I used the flashlight for my dad when he worked on his truck I’m not worried about a mean or rude nurse or Doctor. But I am worried about my personality of dark humor and my own ways oh I like stuff done my way lol

[@kathysofierce]

How was your interview to get into the program? Video??

[@puertoricanjj4691]

How was the tuition like ? I live in Florida also ?

[@gabbysaucedo318]

Thanks for ur videos

[@Robert-wj3mj]

Why is it when the patient is awake everyone in the OR is businesslike, once the patient is unconscious gossip, Jokes,laughter, and music start the festivities, the patient is being ambushed😮

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

Once you are in the field do you have to know surgical tools by heart? Like will the doctor say "Hand me the mathieu retractor" do you have to know which one to grab?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes. Surgical instruments. Not tools ☺️

[@vallidevanai6848]

Hi, I m in North Carolina, I m from India. I was nurse back in my country. I haven’t take my board exam here. I had experience in operation theatre. Now I wanted to do my cst here. Where can I study for the course. Please give me some suggestions. Thank you

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

This is simply answered by Googling it because idk how the transfers work from other countries credits.

[@vallidevanai6848]

Thank you

[@micahgarrett9700]

Tips for finding a job if the clinical site didn't like me?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Use nurses and techs as a reference to other hospitals to established some kind of experience. Talk to them if they know someone who works for those facilities. The heart team charge nurse at my hospital was also a charge nurse at another hospital and that's how I got in, also the surgeon i worked for was a chief of staff in one and chief of surgery in another hospital. You will go from the bottom pile to the top pile like that.

[@spearaveli430]

How was school as an introvert? I feel like a panic attack happens when giving presentations. Lol

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I didn't do presentations 🙏 thank God. I would pass out too.

[@spearaveli430]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK no presentations!? Signing up for class ASAP. Lol

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@spearaveli430 haha I mean at least that's what I didn't do at school. The only nerve racking thing really is the 30 min set up before you get cleared for clinicals.

[@spearaveli430]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Let’s hope I don’t have to do any also. Lol all this time I been iffy about going but after your vids and chatting, I’m ready. 👏🏽

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@spearaveli430 no worries! I am terrified of presentations. I'm pretty introverted myself but you're gonna need to push those boundaries because if you want a job, you must impress the peeps in the OR. I will always be here for anything !

[@KTx-nj8ei]

Hi. This is off topic but how tall are you? I’m looking to possibly get into medical field but not sure if I be tall enough to be like you if I get into surgical tech. The school that is near me offer sterile processing technician classes only and it’s where you clean instruments and organize tools only so how do one person go from sterile processing tech to surgical technician like you if I become a student in sterile processing? I hope you have time to reply

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I dont think it matters what ur height. We had a tech who was 5"2 and she did fine.

[@DR-mo5rt]

Where do I buy your book and what is it called

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Hi, it's on my site www.surgicaltechgeek.com

[@yelijimenez3795]

Girl I just dropped out 💀 idk if I made the right decision

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Whaaaaaat..... why?

[@yelijimenez3795]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK because i felt so dumb, so overwhelmed in a way idk I feel dumb for doing it

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@yelijimenez3795 which part or class made u feel like that

[@yelijimenez3795]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK like the very beginning, all the terminology and work I guess idk I’m considering trying it again next year but I’m afraid I will just drop out again, right now I’m taking my time learning more about the field, I will admit I just jumped into the career with a few knowledge about the field. I’m from Florida so it may be a different school experience than what you did.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@yelijimenez3795 don't be discouraged. Curriculums aren't easy but when I looked at it as a student and as long as there was no deep math, it'll be OK!

[@brianazepeda1310]

Hey ❤I’m like retaking my state exam but I got an ophthalmology tech position they scrub in surgery but I’d this a good start for a surg tech ?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Hmm no I'd go for a hospital

[@whitnurr]

Why do you remind me of Olivia Rodrigo?! Am I the only one? 😅 Great video btw! Love all your info 👍🏽

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Is that the girl who sang, "cause you didn't mean what u wrote in that song about me?" I haven't seen what she looked like but it was def all over tiktok lol

[@CST-LJ]

Does surgical technology require a lot of math?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Not at all that's why I went to this field lol I hate math. Just algebra for pre reqs.

[@CST-LJ]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Thanks for the reply and I hate math too 😆

[@luv.disney9706]

Actually you need to do pharmacology and it's a little hard but basic math fractions, decimals, division, multiplication

[@estelamino6356]

Hello .what about weight on instruments are they too heavy .???

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I hurt my back lifting a rep tray that's why I now have to wear back brace every time I work and go to chiro once a month. I improved my posture and I have those lumbar seats on office chair and car lol. I'm a little messed up but you should take precautions.

[@kotaashley]

do you have to go to college for this or is it like a trade school type thing?? and about how much is the tuition?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Either or depending which school u go to. I went to a private school 28k.

[@elizabethleon9897]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK hello may I ask what private school did you attend?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@elizabethleon9897 sorry private info.

[@MrBUGS713]

28k with or without financial aid?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@MrBUGS713 that's all financial aid and I was paying it while I was in school. Typically 32k back then.

[@gastronomiaitalianaporkeil1207]

I at school surgery tech I left hands is a problem ?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

No maam

[@pmarie6736]

Is it mandatory surgical techs to get the covid vaccine?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Not in my state and not in my hospital. Were given a choice here.

[@shannonmccready1177]

Do you get paid good?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I think I make pretty good money. I can make more but I just don't prioritize working as much as i used to. I used to go ham on calls but now I've slowed down a bit.

[@nikkicoronado1545]

How can I purchase your book?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Link on my bio on etsy. Available on Monday.

[@abenasaaba9130]

Can u

[@annag.6353]

Unfortunately, I'm sure a lot of surgeons have a God complex. But you get used to those kinds of people. 😂 Question: what would you recommend for someone trying to decide between surgical tech and radiologic tech? Love your content! 🙌

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Ooooh I was in rad tech b4 surg tech. Lol. Quit after a semester

[@annag.6353]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Good to know! I find the science fascinating, but doing it day in and day out seems a little boring.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@annag.6353 surgeries do get boring but seeing the brain and the heart is still fascinating

[@annag.6353]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Plus you're doing different surgeries in different fields! Thanks for the responses! :)

[@Ahn-mu3db]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK what made u switch from rad tech?

[@progwiseman3985]

Do you know of any online courses in surgical techs available for on the job tained techs.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

The only training I got was on the job.

[@jewel5948]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Pls do you think it is a wise decision to go into surgical tech and later into sonography?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@jewel5948 one of our techs is currently in that program. Honestly had I known about sonogram. I'd probably go for that first.

[@jewel5948]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Honestly am really running away from something that has a lot of math. And I don't want to do a lot of schooling. Am trying to get the best choice and try different things.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@jewel5948 hahaha were the same! This one doesn't have a lot of math. Sonograpgy has physics! Yikes! Surg tech is basic algebra.

[@the-witness8811]

How many hours did you study on your average day during school? How many hours of study does it take to get an A in everything?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I wouldn't stress on getting an A. I'd rather understand the concept in very important subject than to aim for an A. There's some things you can't wing here.

[@the-witness8811]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Ok sounds good! Thanks for the response! : )

[@zacharyshort384]

Unless you're hoping to later get into a masters program for surgical assisting. Then the GPA is probably an important factor ^_^

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@zacharyshort384 idk if there's a masters in SA.

[@zacharyshort384]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) says they have the only MSA program in the country ^_^

[@emelymorais7254]

Love your videos! your sound is so low though :(

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

❤ will increase volume next time :)

[@leeann4329]

Do you have to use needles for any reason? Lol I hate needles 😂 so I need to know

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

What do u mean

[@ericaperalta2185]

Speak louder girl I can't hear you. I have all my volume up!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

U need mega speakers lol

[@keimiguijosa5546]

Do u think it’s possible for me to get accepted for the program if I have a 2.9 gpa🥲 I’m about to apply in march

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I'm not sure. I think k you'd still have to take an entrance exam.

[@keimiguijosa5546]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK we don’t have to take it due to COVID. I’m just scared of them rejecting me bc of my low gpa

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@keimiguijosa5546 you'll never know until you try. Biggest regret in life is not trying.

[@keimiguijosa5546]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK I feel like if I do good with my essay and do good when they interview me I’ll probably have a spot. The problem is that I get nervous and stutter 😭

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@keimiguijosa5546 I think you have a chance. Say something like your GPA shouldn't define your drive to success. Yes its low but the work your willing to put is going to be doubled because you're stepping up and making a change. Tell them, the chance is here and I'm taking it. The question is, will you take a chance on me? Something like that.