The Conservative Cave

The Bar => The Lounge => Topic started by: Mike220 on June 09, 2010, 07:38:47 PM

Title: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: Mike220 on June 09, 2010, 07:38:47 PM
After a month and a half of stressing if I did well enough on the entrance exam, I was notified today that I was accepted to the Surgical Technologist program at the local community college. It's a one year certificate program starting in August. I'll be working on my bachelors at the same time, taking a class a semester until the program is done, but let's face it, you can't really do much with a BA in Poli Sci. But the pay for surg techs is good and the job market is pretty open.

I'm stoked. Nice to see a light at the end of the tunnel, career wise.  :hi5:
Title: Re: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: DixieBelle on June 09, 2010, 07:43:00 PM
Yay! Way to go Mike! what does a surg tech do exactly?
Title: Re: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: Mike220 on June 09, 2010, 07:52:12 PM
Yay! Way to go Mike! what does a surg tech do exactly?

Thanks, Dixie. Here's the job description from the OOH (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos106.htm)

Quote
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.

Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and nonsterile equipment, as well as check and adjust it to ensure that it is working properly. Technologists also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Technologists also observe patients' vital signs, check charts, and help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves.

During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines and help operate diagnostic equipment.

After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
Title: Re: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: debk on June 09, 2010, 07:53:22 PM
Congrats! You will always be able to have a job doing that!
Title: Re: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: DixieBelle on June 09, 2010, 08:02:04 PM
Cool! I could never do that. Too squeamish! But man I'm thankful for people like you who can do it!
Title: Re: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: chitownchica on June 10, 2010, 01:24:57 AM
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: IassaFTots on June 10, 2010, 08:10:59 AM
Super Way Cool!

 :cheersmate:
Title: Re: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: njpines on June 10, 2010, 08:29:05 AM
Big congrats, Mike!!  :hi5:  I'd end up on the floor at the first cut  :-)
Title: Re: Woohoo!!! Part II
Post by: Mike220 on June 12, 2010, 10:14:21 PM
Thanks everybody. Can't wait to get through the summer and start clinicals to get hands on.