3 answers
Viktoriia
Student
Spokane, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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How to become CST?
Are there any ways to become a CST besides going to college? What are the available surgical technology programs in Spokane? What are the pros and cons of working as a Surgical Technologist? What does a typical day look like for a CST? What are the biggest challenges in this job? Do you have any advice for someone considering this career? What are the most important skills to succeed? Is there anything you wish you knew before becoming a Surgical Technologist? Thank you!
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3 answers
Eric Scott Gold
Entertainer
40
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
Exploring a career as a Surgical Technologist (CST) is an exciting step! It's a key role in the operating room, and here's more about it:
Becoming a CST:
* Formal Education:
* Most employers, especially hospitals, look for candidates with formal education from an accredited surgical technology program.
* Certification is highly valued and typically requires graduating from an accredited program.
* While it might be possible to find a job without formal education, it's rare and not recommended.
* Certification:
* The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is highly recognized.
Surgical Technology Programs in Spokane:
* For the latest program info, check with local community colleges and vocational schools in Spokane. Many offer surgical technology programs. An online search for "surgical technologist programs Spokane WA" can also help.
Pros and Cons of Working as a Surgical Technologist:
* Pros:
* Meaningful Work: You help save lives and improve patient care.
* Job Security: There's a steady demand for CSTs.
* Variety: Each surgery is different, keeping things interesting.
* Good Pay: The salary is respectable and grows with experience.
* Cons:
* High Stress: The operating room can be intense.
* Long and Irregular Hours: Nights, weekends, and holidays are possible.
* Physically Demanding: You'll be on your feet a lot.
* Exposure to Bodily Fluids: This is part of the job.
A Typical Day for a CST:
* Setting up sterile instruments and equipment in the operating room.
* Ensuring all supplies are ready.
* Assisting the surgical team during procedures.
* Passing instruments to the surgeon.
* Keeping a sterile environment.
* Cleaning and sterilizing after surgery.
Biggest Challenges:
* Staying focused and calm under pressure.
* Adapting to unexpected changes during surgery.
* Managing long and unpredictable hours.
* Keeping up with new surgical technology.
Advice for Someone Considering This Career:
* Shadow a CST: Observe a CST in action to understand the job better.
* Develop strong communication skills: Clear communication is key in surgery.
* Be ready for a fast-paced environment: Quick thinking and action are essential.
* Have a strong stomach: You'll encounter blood and bodily fluids daily.
Most Important Skills to Succeed:
* Attention to detail: Precision is crucial in the operating room.
* Manual dexterity: Handling delicate instruments is important.
* Strong organizational skills: Keeping track of instruments and supplies is vital.
* Teamwork: The surgical team relies on each member.
* Stress management: Staying calm under pressure is essential.
Things to Know Before Becoming a Surgical Technologist:
* The work can be both emotionally and physically demanding.
* The hours can be long and irregular.
* You must handle stressful situations well.
* Maintaining a sterile field is of utmost importance.
Becoming a CST:
* Formal Education:
* Most employers, especially hospitals, look for candidates with formal education from an accredited surgical technology program.
* Certification is highly valued and typically requires graduating from an accredited program.
* While it might be possible to find a job without formal education, it's rare and not recommended.
* Certification:
* The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is highly recognized.
Surgical Technology Programs in Spokane:
* For the latest program info, check with local community colleges and vocational schools in Spokane. Many offer surgical technology programs. An online search for "surgical technologist programs Spokane WA" can also help.
Pros and Cons of Working as a Surgical Technologist:
* Pros:
* Meaningful Work: You help save lives and improve patient care.
* Job Security: There's a steady demand for CSTs.
* Variety: Each surgery is different, keeping things interesting.
* Good Pay: The salary is respectable and grows with experience.
* Cons:
* High Stress: The operating room can be intense.
* Long and Irregular Hours: Nights, weekends, and holidays are possible.
* Physically Demanding: You'll be on your feet a lot.
* Exposure to Bodily Fluids: This is part of the job.
A Typical Day for a CST:
* Setting up sterile instruments and equipment in the operating room.
* Ensuring all supplies are ready.
* Assisting the surgical team during procedures.
* Passing instruments to the surgeon.
* Keeping a sterile environment.
* Cleaning and sterilizing after surgery.
Biggest Challenges:
* Staying focused and calm under pressure.
* Adapting to unexpected changes during surgery.
* Managing long and unpredictable hours.
* Keeping up with new surgical technology.
Advice for Someone Considering This Career:
* Shadow a CST: Observe a CST in action to understand the job better.
* Develop strong communication skills: Clear communication is key in surgery.
* Be ready for a fast-paced environment: Quick thinking and action are essential.
* Have a strong stomach: You'll encounter blood and bodily fluids daily.
Most Important Skills to Succeed:
* Attention to detail: Precision is crucial in the operating room.
* Manual dexterity: Handling delicate instruments is important.
* Strong organizational skills: Keeping track of instruments and supplies is vital.
* Teamwork: The surgical team relies on each member.
* Stress management: Staying calm under pressure is essential.
Things to Know Before Becoming a Surgical Technologist:
* The work can be both emotionally and physically demanding.
* The hours can be long and irregular.
* You must handle stressful situations well.
* Maintaining a sterile field is of utmost importance.
Thank you so much for your reply, Eric!
Viktoriia
Elyse Crotty
Certified Surgical Technologist
4
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Hello!
Surgical technology is a great field to consider going into. Without going to college or some formal educational program, it may be difficult to become a CST. I became a CST through a 1 year program at a hospital near me. If you worked at the hospital after the program finished, they covered the cost of the program. Maybe there is something similar to this near you? I graduated with a certification (no degree). I am now a CST specializing in neurosurgery at a major hospital near me.
The pros & cons of being a CST will vary depending on the person. For me, the pros include a high level of job security, helping people at their best/worst moments, & learning something new everyday. The cons include long/tiring days, unpredictable hours due to taking call, & a high level of stress due to the nature of specific surgeries & the OR as whole.
A typical day starts out with a quick team meeting & getting to my assigned OR. I sort & open supplies & instruments that I will need for the case. I scrub in and establish the sterile field. I take instrument trays and set up everything sterile needed for the case, based on my knowledge of the case & surgeon preferences. After the patient is prepped, I helped drape out the surgical site, participate in the time out, and anticipate what the surgeon/resident/PA will need and when. I ask for supplies as needed throughout the case and report to the circulating nurses events such as incision, how much local medication was used, if there are tucked sponges, etc. I am their eyes and ears when they are across the room charting.
Important skills to succeed include being organized, hard working, able to remain calm in stressful situations, have a high level of integrity, & an ability to work well with all different types of people you will meet in the OR. Best of luck! You got this!
Surgical technology is a great field to consider going into. Without going to college or some formal educational program, it may be difficult to become a CST. I became a CST through a 1 year program at a hospital near me. If you worked at the hospital after the program finished, they covered the cost of the program. Maybe there is something similar to this near you? I graduated with a certification (no degree). I am now a CST specializing in neurosurgery at a major hospital near me.
The pros & cons of being a CST will vary depending on the person. For me, the pros include a high level of job security, helping people at their best/worst moments, & learning something new everyday. The cons include long/tiring days, unpredictable hours due to taking call, & a high level of stress due to the nature of specific surgeries & the OR as whole.
A typical day starts out with a quick team meeting & getting to my assigned OR. I sort & open supplies & instruments that I will need for the case. I scrub in and establish the sterile field. I take instrument trays and set up everything sterile needed for the case, based on my knowledge of the case & surgeon preferences. After the patient is prepped, I helped drape out the surgical site, participate in the time out, and anticipate what the surgeon/resident/PA will need and when. I ask for supplies as needed throughout the case and report to the circulating nurses events such as incision, how much local medication was used, if there are tucked sponges, etc. I am their eyes and ears when they are across the room charting.
Important skills to succeed include being organized, hard working, able to remain calm in stressful situations, have a high level of integrity, & an ability to work well with all different types of people you will meet in the OR. Best of luck! You got this!
Thank you for your reply, Elyse! I’ll look for similar programs like the one you had. Hopefully, we’ve some in the town. Thank you again :)
Viktoriia
Mai Lee
Surgical Technologist
1
Answer
Eastpointe, Michigan
Updated
Mai’s Answer
There are online programs for surgical technology if you would like to opt out of going to college. If you decide to go to college, you can often find surgical technology programs at community colleges or vocational schools around your area. I would recommend going to college so you can get hands-on experience. Doing an in person program over an online program will give you the opportunity to see and touch instruments and other supplies that are used in operating rooms. You will also get the experience of setting up a sterile field, learning how to open supplies to the sterile field, as well as gowning and gloving steriley, with the help of an instructor to guide you. I also think doing an in person program will help you get your clinical hours easier than an online program where you may have to find your own facility or hospital.
Pros of working as a surgical technologist include helping patients and making a difference in their life by assisting in their recovery; gaining new knowledge like learning how certain diseases can affect a persons body and steps to recovery; being able to explain to your family and friends how surgery is done if they have to go through it, aside from getting professional advice from a doctor; and job outlook in this field is always on demand. Cons of working as a surgical technologist include high stress in certain surgeries and situations, such as when a case goes downhill or traumas come in; there can be long work days as well as working odd shifts; being on your feet all day long can be exhausting; and being exposed to diseases and bodily fluids.
A typical day for a surgical technologist can include building cases carts for cases, getting equipment and supplies for your cases, stocking your room for supplies, setting up a sterile field and maintaining it, keeping your instruments clean, breaking down your sterile field once the cases are over, and assist in cleaning the room for the next case.
The biggest challenges are maintaining a calm and collective mindset in surgery even in trauma cases or when your cases go downhill; keeping track of your instruments and supplies on the field, so as to not lose any; being on your feet all day without proper breaks and meals; detaching yourself, such as your emotions, when dealing with death in the OR or a trauma case; and navigating a case you may have never seen or only seen once.
Advice for anyone looking to become a surgical technologist is to have a strong mindset. You will deal with cases that could lead to death, trauma cases such as abuse, and unseen tragedies like car crashes or shootings, etc. In those situations, you have to remain calm and collected to help the surgeons in giving the patient the care they need to get through the surgery. You will be standing on your feet all day and could end up skipping meals and breaks. Job shadowing is a great way to get in person experience and see how it is done to get a feel for it and know if you really like it or not.
Having quick reactions, anticipation, communication, organization, and good listening skills are crucial for this job. You need quick reactions for when things go downhill and a surgeon needs something right away. Anticipation is needed to make the surgery go more smoothly, such as knowing what the surgeon might need next before they even ask for it. Communication is needed to convey what the surgeons need or what you might need to help the surgery go more smoothly and lessen mistakes/errors. Good listening skills are a must need. Sometimes, the doctor will not be looking at you as they state what they need next because their attention is focused on the patient. Another skill needed, as stated before, is being able to detach yourself and your emotions. That is not to say you can't feel bad/sad in certain traumatic cases you will deal with, but in the moment, your mind needs to be concentrating on how to help the patient get stable. Once the patient is in stable condition and the surgery is done, then you can let your emotions flood you and take time to process the situation. You will also have to keep up with new technology and lessons to keep your skills up to date.
What I wish I had known before becoming a surgical technologist is that the work can and will be draining, emotionally and physically. The hours will be long and you will experience things you have never experienced before, such as tragedies. You will have to learn to manage tough and stressful situations. You will also be exposed to all kinds of diseases, bodiy fluids, and situations,and be able to protect yourself properly. But overall you will fall in love with what you do and be glad that your were able to help people.
Pros of working as a surgical technologist include helping patients and making a difference in their life by assisting in their recovery; gaining new knowledge like learning how certain diseases can affect a persons body and steps to recovery; being able to explain to your family and friends how surgery is done if they have to go through it, aside from getting professional advice from a doctor; and job outlook in this field is always on demand. Cons of working as a surgical technologist include high stress in certain surgeries and situations, such as when a case goes downhill or traumas come in; there can be long work days as well as working odd shifts; being on your feet all day long can be exhausting; and being exposed to diseases and bodily fluids.
A typical day for a surgical technologist can include building cases carts for cases, getting equipment and supplies for your cases, stocking your room for supplies, setting up a sterile field and maintaining it, keeping your instruments clean, breaking down your sterile field once the cases are over, and assist in cleaning the room for the next case.
The biggest challenges are maintaining a calm and collective mindset in surgery even in trauma cases or when your cases go downhill; keeping track of your instruments and supplies on the field, so as to not lose any; being on your feet all day without proper breaks and meals; detaching yourself, such as your emotions, when dealing with death in the OR or a trauma case; and navigating a case you may have never seen or only seen once.
Advice for anyone looking to become a surgical technologist is to have a strong mindset. You will deal with cases that could lead to death, trauma cases such as abuse, and unseen tragedies like car crashes or shootings, etc. In those situations, you have to remain calm and collected to help the surgeons in giving the patient the care they need to get through the surgery. You will be standing on your feet all day and could end up skipping meals and breaks. Job shadowing is a great way to get in person experience and see how it is done to get a feel for it and know if you really like it or not.
Having quick reactions, anticipation, communication, organization, and good listening skills are crucial for this job. You need quick reactions for when things go downhill and a surgeon needs something right away. Anticipation is needed to make the surgery go more smoothly, such as knowing what the surgeon might need next before they even ask for it. Communication is needed to convey what the surgeons need or what you might need to help the surgery go more smoothly and lessen mistakes/errors. Good listening skills are a must need. Sometimes, the doctor will not be looking at you as they state what they need next because their attention is focused on the patient. Another skill needed, as stated before, is being able to detach yourself and your emotions. That is not to say you can't feel bad/sad in certain traumatic cases you will deal with, but in the moment, your mind needs to be concentrating on how to help the patient get stable. Once the patient is in stable condition and the surgery is done, then you can let your emotions flood you and take time to process the situation. You will also have to keep up with new technology and lessons to keep your skills up to date.
What I wish I had known before becoming a surgical technologist is that the work can and will be draining, emotionally and physically. The hours will be long and you will experience things you have never experienced before, such as tragedies. You will have to learn to manage tough and stressful situations. You will also be exposed to all kinds of diseases, bodiy fluids, and situations,and be able to protect yourself properly. But overall you will fall in love with what you do and be glad that your were able to help people.
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed response, Mai! May I ask couple more questions:
Is it possible to find surgical tech job with fixed schedule?
Over time, do you get used to witnessing traumatic experiences and become more detached?
How do you cope with emotional impact of the job?
Viktoriia
Of course. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have. I will try to answer to the best of my knowledge.
Finding a surgical tech job with a fixed schedule is definitely possible, but that would be best to discuss with where you decide to work in the future. When you apply for the job, you can ask about their work schedule and whether you can get a set schedule. You may not get your set schedule right away when you are first hired, because your employer may want you to get proper training and be able to adapt to the workplace and coworkers.
Mai Lee
I cannot say that you will get used to witnessing traumatic experiences, because there is never a traumatic event that is the same. But over time you will learn to train your mind and emotions to be able to detach yourself from the "what happened, why did this happen, how could this happen" to "what can I do to help this patient, how can I help this patient at this critical point in time."
Mai Lee
To cope with the emotional impact, you can always talk to a support person at your workplace or somewhere else. There are times where I will go home and cry about the situation of a patient and pray for them. I will also talk about it with my fellow coworkers because they can understand you, in that they are in the same field, do the same thing, and go through similar experiences as you. Just make sure that when you are talking to someone, whether a support person or a coworker, you are in a safe place, with no outsiders such as other patients or family members of patients, and you do not mention names or anything that could violate HIPAA. It's always good to let out your emotions after experiencing something traumatic so as to not stress yourself out or let it take a toll on your body.
Mai Lee