Surgical Tech...Question?

Question

Im starting externship...were you go to the hospital.
I was wondering if its hard working...Im Kind of nervouse because I hear the surgeon always yells at you because you do one thing wrong. was wondering what the salary also...I live in the Los Angeles County.

Answer 1

I ran a surgical technology program for 5 years. During a clinical training phase the best things to know are:

1. You don't know enough.

2. Find out the schedule the day ahead so you can study the procedures and instruments the night before.

3. Ask questions of the techs in the OR.

4. If you don't know what to do, ask, don't make a mistake that will get someone to yell at you.

5. Some surgeons would yell if you handed them everything perfectly, just because they are frustrated at the case or them selves, don't take it to heart unless it is truely your mistake.

6. Learn from your mistakes.

7. The OR nurses are there to keep you out of trouble... use their expertise. A good OR nurse will keep the surgeon calm.

8. Eat light the first day, you never know how you will feel when you put your hand in someones intestines and they are warm and you feel the pulse (trust me).

9. If you think you may be sick or faint, tell someone, never faint into an open wound. (I did that also)(Actually, I didn't faint, just fell asleep standing over the table after 90 hours in the OR)

10. Have fun, nothing better than going to work, putting on pajamas and playing with the toys.

Answer 2

Well I'm not in the field but I do know that it's normal to be kind of nervous when beginning an externship or clinical fieldwork experience. I would just make sure that you know your stuff -- peruse your past notes and chapters of learning and know the various surgical instruments and the routine of the operating room. Perhaps get copies of pictures of the instruments and put them onto an index card and study that way too.

You should be fine and once getting there, you can perhaps read the job description of the surgical tech at that particular setting and also read the employee manual as well as the student manual. And make sure that you always look busy even if since you're a student, you have some 'down time'. Always have a book in your hand or whatnot as it helps one to look more motivated.