SURGICAL TECH Q & A | surgeon yell? working while clinicals? what to wear in OR?

Literally had to make these videos because you guys ask me really interesting questions so I think I'm going to start making more of these in the future!
Drop all your questions on my videos and I will hand pick them for future video! I am sure some people have the same questions and I would love to answer all of them. Giving you all my honest opinions. Obviously my experience vary from others but I am here to just lay it all out!
I mentioned that I am coming out with a clinical surgical pocket book! I have been working on this for the last 2 to 3 months and I cannot wait to share it with you all! I am working everyday, even though I mentioned I have 4 days off lol, I use those day offs to curate my dream of making this pocket booklet! It hasn't been the easiest but I am about 50% so I am really pushing it hard to catch up with all the students that are starting their clinicals! My inspiration derives from when I was a student during clinicals and I had flashbacks of my anxiety of not knowing how to set up my back table with unknown instruments. I know a lot of students can relate. I want to be able to boost your confidence with your mayo set up and by the time you graduate and get a job, you'd be seasoned! I wasn't as seasoned and I cried a lot so I want to relieve part of that stress from you all and hopefully help you out!
Thank you all for inspiring me! I have never wrote a book in my life and this process has been tough but so exciting at the same time. I told my surgeon today about it and he's extremely excited! Maybe one day, I'll have him on my videos lol hes not shy at all. Thank you all for making this possible. I am literally sweating and shaking typing this cause never in my wildest dream.......this would happened!
Surgical pocket booklet available for purchase on etsy on July 5th 2021.
www.etsy.com/s...
xx

[@gailbrown7350]

I am proud to be a surgical technician. I graduated from Baltimore City Community College in 1993. I worked in Johns Hopkins Pediatric Surgery. I can scrub everything. Now I work as a in house traveler in a smaller hospital now. I will travel in two years. I worked with so many surgeons and enjoy scrubbing

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

That's so amazing Gail! I feel like we are the underdogs of the hospital. We really be carrying the hospital with our backs lol.

[@gailbrown7350]

When I scrub for Dr. Tufano I was one step ahead of him. Sometimes he would put his hand out and I would give him what he needed not what he asked for. 😀He was always impressed by my ability to pay attention and keep the pace of surgery

[@gailbrown7350]

I will never forget a basic Mayo stand stand set up. I don’t mean to brag on myself but. When you have scrub for over 25 years you learn to adapt and overcome. Especially when you have to relieve messy scrub techs or nurses. I’m good and fast. Dr. Wolfgang called me speedy. We would finish a Whipple in 4hours or less. One day he told me to slow down so he could keep up. Once you know the surgery you can always stay one to two steps ahead of the surgeons. We make them look good.

[@heatherthompson5364]

I begin the surgical program this fall. I also work in retail lol. Old navy treats me very well in working around my schooling. I'm super nervous about being yelled at by Surgeons because I get upset easy, never use to be that way until becoming a mom lol.

[@ASimpleBall]

How’s it going so far?

[@cocoso-23]

I don't think surgeons are worse than toddlers or elders with dementia believe me take it from a mom/cna/surgtec

[@jiieunny]

I’m starting surg tech program this fall as well! I will be purchasing your book!!! I appreciate you so much

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

YAY!!! Excited for you! Im here if you have questions!

[@jiieunny]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK thank you!! You are so awesome!!!

[@courtneybridges9543]

I start the Surg Tech program this fall and I'm so excited. I recently started working in Sterile Processing as what they call a runner, to get my foot in the door and I feel like im getting a head start on instruments and things bc I am exposed to them every day, so im thankful for the job I have. hah, but watching your videos makes me even more excited about this career.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

You probably know all the instruments better than me lol

[@hebahasan4616]

I have a question 🙋‍♀️ Do you think the scoliosis is a disability to work as a surgical technologist???

[@mattia6959]

howd it go?

[@pshsalumnihof9099]

OMG I’m in the middle of CST program...I would LOVE to get your book! Thank you for making that!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

YES GIRL! Im making it 4x6 that way it fits in your pocket and take notes! You got this!!! I will be here taking all the questions!

[@BabyKitty1030]

I definitely don’t think SPD is a waste of time! I work in SPD currently and the certification is not required where I work (but some places are). I feel like it gives you the upper hand when you get into the program 💕 You learn so much about not only Instrumentation but about what is required for each surgery and creating a good report with the OR staff

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Learning the instrument can be taught in surgery. No one at work knows all the instruments in VATS tray lol. But I definitely agree that if you can't put your foot in directly in surgery and you happen to have SPD history, then yeah but I would go straight as a CST bec that's where you develop relationships and have nurses as ur direct references:)

[@KC-py5vq]

She only meant a waste of time if you are not already in SPD

[@JenniferSmith-lu5cn]

Im a CST and I think SPD is amazing. I work in SPD often and let me tell you, attention to detail is crucial especially with ortho instruments and instruments with nooks where bone and blood can get stuck. I personally feel that every CST should rotate in SPD just so that they can grasp how hard that job is. To all my SPD friends out there, we couldn't do it without you!

[@dpaper7962]

I believe Sterile Processing should be a requirement for Surgical Tech. There's nothing better than to get a new scrub tech in the department who has been a certified sterile processing tech for years before becoming a scrub tech. So if you can learn SPD first then move on to scrub tech.

[@dpaper7962]

So I totally agree that SPD is not a waste!

[@pedrojesusolivercaldas]

To be honest your video give us so much knowledge and gives high energy. Amazing content! Thanks!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

This field taught me so much about handling my emotions in the OR. It is brutal not gonna lie BUT over the course of my experience I learned that you shouldn't let ANYONE rain on your parade! If someone really likes you, they will refer you to any hospitals! All my jobs were through a referral :)

[@pedrojesusolivercaldas]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK only referral?!! that's so cool , can you tell us your secret? 😊

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@pedrojesusolivercaldas yes lol I didn't even interview. The surgeon I worked with was chief of surgery in the OR so I just get in lol. So blessed man. I can share a few advice :)

[@opens11]

I got accepted into my program and start in the Fall! I am so excited!

[@gailbrown7350]

I miss the staff we were truly a family that looked out for one another. I trained nurses and surgical technician.

[@CMF20059]

Looking forward to the book! I’m starting clinicals in October and I would definitely order one!!!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yesss!!!! I've shown the preview to one of the directors of surgical tech school and she's putting it in her curriculum for their students that are starting clinicals! I hope this helps all students around the world build up their confidence in the OR! I wanna make sure yall are prepared!!

[@gailbrown7350]

If you can work at Hopkins you can work anywhere. It’s a level one trauma center. I have seen a lot. I had a travel assignment at University of Maryland. Butler Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania an Franklin Square. I can scrub pediatric cases as well as adult. My training came from Hopkins and I received the best education. It prepared me to deal with immature surgeons. I remember Dr. Paidas,Dr. Pegoli, Dr. Sponseller. Dr. Pitt Dr. Colomboni. Dr. Gerharht Dr. Carson. I worked with them all

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Niceeee!!!! I never did trauma. I think my clinicals traumatized me enough lol

[@gailbrown7350]

😂

[@Arod88RA]

Cannot wait for that book! I start June 1st at Kaiser Permanente and I am so nervous and excited! Any tips are very welcomed!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes!!!! The book has tech tips! Lol! I'm giving it my all to this book! 👌❤

[@ashleebaker7568]

I just applied to the Surgical Technology program & can’t stop watching your videos! So informative! Which video can I find the story about the surgeon yelling at you? Lol kinda nervous about that

[@rociosortino51]

Love your videos they are really informative, interesting and amazing, you are a queen thank you for your hard work 💖

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Thank you so much!!! Gives me more reason to teach you guys! Truly honored!

[@Scrub.Tech.Jess.89]

I’ll be starting my clincals in the Fall. Will have to check out your book!! 🙌 Awesome!!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

20 common surgical procedures that will get you started on your clinicals! :) you will set up your table confidently at the end of your clinicals! 👌😉

[@gailbrown7350]

I feel like I grew up at Hopkins but it was time to leave for better pay. I know my worth now and I certainly get paid for it

[@LifeWithSheree]

Omg yes toddler syndrome!! Hahaha and a way to not get your glasses foggy is to put a piece of tape on the top of the mask right at the top of your node where your glasses sit

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I've seen that trick! But my skin is sensitive and get so oily so it comes off but good advice!

[@leefleming6524]

You are the best. Thank you thank you thank you for all the info!

[@brittbratt305.7]

Can you do a video on how to make more as a scrub tech?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Sure! Will do next video!

[@Tomas-js8iq]

foggy glasses I use double sided type on the top of the mask also dawn dishwashing soap clean your glasses with dawn the residue left behind with prevent fogging

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I get rashes with tape so that's why I don't do that but I do see our anesthesia doing that 😁

[@Tomas-js8iq]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK skin breakdown is always an issue my face was a mess when I was working the covid floor last year wearing my respirator for 12 plus hours

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@Tomas-js8iq oh absolutely! I couldn't even stand the pain and pressure for 5 mins!

[@courtneyjones8307]

I start clinicals June 15th!! I would love a guide book.

[@iikarma7883]

How did you deal with getting Yelled at?

[@America2gether]

Use a product called "cat snot"....put a thin film on the inside...let dry a bit and buff it out (with a soft cloth) ...Bingo, no more fog

[@Icedcoffeeinsummer]

Thank you for the video and information!

[@gailbrown7350]

Good luck everyone.

[@Courtnik0]

I’m going to be going to clinical soon ❤️

[@Ahn-mu3db]

Would u say demand for Surgical techs is high? Im in NYC and would like to know before applying. Ive read theres a demand on websites but is it easy to find a job after tech school? Was it easy for u to find employment? Im deciding between this and radiologic tech degree Id like to hear ur story abt the douchey surgeon too. Im a bit of a softy. I have a tough exterior but will go cry in a corner if my feelings are hurt lol

[@Ashley-og9ti]

Did you decide on a program? I'm actually researching and considering those same two areas as well! I believe I'm leaning more towards CST but still not 100% sure

[@reshawnjim7146]

I just finished my first clinical rotation and your book sounds like it would be very informative and helpful. The "pocket book" I've been using is the surgical guide pocket book. Will your book be similar or different in terms of information? Counting intraoperatively is still pretty difficult any tips?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Oh I had that pocket book in school but this one I made is different. This one would tell you what to put on your mayo stand for a case. Basic stuff of course that way you get used to fundamentals :) it all derived from my notes back in school which i will reveal very soon. Extremely inspired by all the students starting clinicals soon!

[@lorissajackson7569]

i'm planning on applying to the fall program, but I get so nervous about becoming one just because of the surgeon always yelling at you. any tips on that?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Not all the time. They yell out of frustration but not necessarily at you unless you did something wrong. You'll become callous about it one day but the first hurdle of getting over it is the hardest to overcome. Don't let that get to you.

[@stacywwu72]

Do you have a story time video of the time the surgeon made you cry? 😢

[@woo444]

I love your scrub cap!!! Where did you get it from?

[@adajeffrey9210]

PLEASE HELP ANYONE WHO KNOWS: Question kind of off topic kind of not lol but... a little bit about me. I'm in process of enrolling in CST program beginning in yr 2023 (California). Its a 12 or 15 month (AA degree-cst) program. I know it's A LOT 2 learn in a short time period. Luckily for me I've completed my general ed already but a little nervous about learning and grasping Anatomy/Physiology, instruments, biology etc. Question 1) How can I try to get ahead and what exactly should I study? Question 2) What instruments should I try and get familiar with?? I'm a little confused because I see SO MANY different types. Don't know exactly where to start. Question 3) Any tips 4 Anatomy and/or Physiology?? Dont even know where to start. Question 4) ANY suggestions in general that you think would be good for me to begin studying and if so, any specific reading materials and/or KZbin videos?? I hope this makes sense lol 🤣🙏🏾🤦🏾‍♀️ but just so nervous about everything and I know ITS NOT A GAME. Anyways, my apologies for the long comment but GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND THANKS FOR SHARING!!! -Future CST 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤🙏🏾

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Slow ya roll friendddd lol. Ok first and foremost, IT IS ALOT so don't get too ahead cause you will be super confused. Right now what I want you to focus on is passing ALL the pre reqs and we will talk when you get to core classes. 1. Pass your pre reqs. That's it. Don't get wayyyyyy too ahead. It will not make sense trust me :)

[@cocoso-23]

How many cases a day did you scrub in as student ?

[@Vangerlena10]

Hello. I'm finishing up my prerequisites now to go into the program Fall 2023. Any advice on where I could find scholarships? This is a career switch for me, and I'm almost maxed out of student loans because I borrowed to get my bachelors years ago.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Curious what ur bachelors is

[@Vangerlena10]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK hey! Thanks for the reply. My bachelors is in Social Work.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@Vangerlena10 that's a while different career, why surg tech? Sorry I'm just being nosy lol

[@Vangerlena10]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK oh, it's no problem at all! I went in to social work as a quick you're going into your junior year of college basic classes are over so choose a major type thing. I was raised by a single mom who didn't go to college, so I was kind of just feeling my way through life. Where I'm from most of the women I knew with a college education were social workers, and I figured why not since I felt like my childhood trauma could do some good in that area. Well I was wrong. It amplified my childhood trauma 10000%. Now 30 and in therapy, I am still kind of feeling my way through life, but I stumbled upon surgical tech one day and I found it so interesting that I literally spend hours researching and watching videos and tiktoks about it. I also, have ADHD so that could just be a hyperfocus thing....lol. Anyways, I figured why not go for it, I have no children or spouse, just 2 cats. I feel it could provide me stability, and be a good way to travel while helping save lives!

[@mrkiddo1101]

Hi could u tell me about renew of cst ,do I need to submit my paystub of surgical tech to renewal? Thank you

[@dionpodlas9642]

I pity the surgeon that yells at me lol

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Theyre children lol it's ok. It builds up your patience.

[@ashtonking8322]

Love your videos!! i have a question! when your in clinicals like 6am to 3pm and your interested in another case are you allowed to like stay past your time and participate?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I have actually opted to stay to finish my case and with the permission of my clinical coordinator, she allowed me to do so but usually this is a no. The school only protects you during clinical hours so if something happens to you outside of those times, your coordinator might get intro trouble. Technically you're not supposed to be there unsupervised.

[@ashtonking8322]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK Yeah that makes sense! Thank you 😊

[@keasiadaempress]

Do clinicals count as experience?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes!

[@peralta388]

Do you ever do double shifts? Are you allowed to do that?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Elaborate double shifts.

[@michellegreen7706]

Why don’t you wear contacts friend? I wear glasses but I’m thinking of getting contacts because of this but I’m curious why you don’t choose that

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

My eyes dry up 😳😩

[@veganfitnesslaurenscheffer4444]

How much are you on call with the 3 twelves

[@Courtnik0]

Ty

[@rachelrogers6010]

Should I go for The associates or just the tech program ?? I’m leaning towards program but I need input please !!

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I recommend associates

[@lorena7733]

Have you ever thought about becoming a first assist?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes not worth it.

[@lorena7733]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK why is it not worth it? is it longer hours?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@lorena7733 bec my state doesn't compensate for medicaid patients. It's more like an insurance issue than a career. It might be the best career for Cali but not for where I am right now.

[@lorena7733]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK I see. Thanks for the info. Love your videos. 🤓

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@lorena7733 you're very welcome!

[@veniar1561]

Hello can a take notes ( bring a note pad in OR) while on my externship?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes 😃

[@veganfitnesslaurenscheffer4444]

In a reply you said you don’t do On call anymore ?? Can you explain how that is

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Ooooh good question! Will do that one next!

[@braciekelly6224]

I have a lot of tattoos on my arms, am I wasting my time getting my degree in surge tech?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I dont think tattoos has something to do with ur success in this field

[@xno-rc7lo]

with 3x12 how much are you on call? possibility of another job?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

I dont do calls anymore 😉 and yes, 2nd job would work. I do 3 12s and another per diem. Works very well with my lifestyle.

[@Miguel-wt3or]

Can you have hand tattoos? Can you pick what work schedule you want?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Tattoos are ok. I don't see an issue with them but the schedule, it depends what they need. I was 5 8s for 3 years and I switched to 3 12s.

[@Miguel-wt3or]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK thank you so much I’m actually going to college for this career any advice?

[@favourezeh1723]

Your videos are really awesome I'm Still in highschool but i wanna be a surgeon can u be my Mentor ?

[@favourezeh1723]

can i know the name of your books sorry I'm new here

[@Mindovermatter1987]

Can surgical techs work night shifts??

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Of course.

[@ratan4976]

surgens yell at you wth

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

Yes :) lol they're babies

[@ratan4976]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK I would like to know how do you do to no let this affect you?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@ratan4976 takes awhile. It's mental thing and also overtime, your skin gets thicket. Its not for the weak. Some of my co workers are more aggressive than me and they talk back.

[@ratan4976]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK If you talk back do you get in trouble?

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@ratan4976 I only talk back if the doc is irrational like one time this doc threatened to throw instruments at me.... other times, they just whine and whine. My co worker talks back. She's feisty

[@anikacorbett7714]

It has nothing to do with your hair style

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

You wouldn't go to an interview with an orange hair. Even my school didn't allow that.

[@anikacorbett7714]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK well of course not 🤣🤣🤣

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@anikacorbett7714 lol so then yes, hair style has a little bit of involvement. One of the students in my class has acrylics, either she takes em off or she's out. She chose out lol.

[@anikacorbett7714]

@@SURGICALTECHGEEK that's a shame her education is more important than nails 💅 😂😂😂

[@noahlester5993]

Are you asian because I'm attracted to asians and you are cute

[@noahlester5993]

What kind of sterile latex gloves do you recommend for a 18 year old collector