r/surgicaltechnology

Hey all, so I work at trauma1 unit and some days are good and some days are beyond exhausting. I've recently argued with my boyfriend about me not wanting to do anything on my days off. He thinks its laziness and I think its just not having the energy to want to be around people. But I realized its not healthy either to not go outside and get sunlight, even a walk at park. But most days I really dont want to. I just want to be alone in my silence. I work 4 10's im off at 9p. I wanted to know if anyone has felt like this? Is it normal? I dont think im depressed, just dont have the motivation to do more on my days off but now its affecting my relationship. Im only 3 yrs in and my coworker who's done this since 04' told me its normal and to pick up a hobby. But is it really that easy? Any advice or wisdom is appreciated thanks.

I’m not huge but I’m 5”10 200 pounds and I have a big butt and larger shoulders. My butt always makes gowns poke open in that area, regardless of if it’s a 2X or 3X . It seems like the larger sizes really give more room in the shoulder area which is nice because it’s easier to glove up without struggling to keep my hands in the sleeves. Anyways, in ortho cases especially I’ve experienced certain circulating nurses and one doctor that demand that my back be taped or clamped closed. I tried a couple of times to let them know that our backs are not at all sterile, no matter how covered they are, but that was futile and felt like I was being combative, so I let it go and just accept it. It’s really confusing though. I can’t get a solid answer on why it becomes such a big deal to some people. I honestly feel like it’s a dig at my weight because most of my coworkers are very thin and not shapely. Can someone explain what the importance is of having my back extra secured to be closed?

Hello!

What is the pathway from being a medical assistant to a surgical first assistant? Would I need to become a surgical tech first or could I start a certified surgical first assistant right away? I’ve been told that being a medical assistant is a stepping stone and not a life time career, so I’m just trying to think ahead. Is a first assistant also just a stepping stone or could that be my job for a while? TIA!

Hello! I am a CNA on a surgical unit and I am interested and in becoming a surgical tech. I was wondering what shift options are available. Do you guys typically work 12 hour shifts or are there options to do 8 or 10 hours? Do any surgical technologists ever work swing shift? Any info would be appreciated:)

Hi, I have completed surg tech program and looking for externship opportunities in bay area. Any suggestions?

How long have you been scrubbing and how long do you plan on scrubbing? People always say this job is a step stone but I know folks doing it until retirement.

Ortho surgical assist here. I’m still pretty new to the FA role (started late 2024), so I still have much learning ahead.

Real question: what’s your go-to technique for irrigating screw holes without spraying NaCl everywhere (including the surgeon… and yourself)?

Edit: I’d like to give more info on these sites were irrigating. Im talking about incision sites that are more like TFN insertion sites and incisions where we place the screws, ex fix pins, etc.

Any tips on positioning, angling, pressure control, etc.? I know this is a basic skill, but I’d love to hear what works for people.

It doesn’t happen often, but I’d like to avoid the occasional pressurized fountain to someone’s face. One of the surgeons I work with has shown me his method, and it’s helped reduce the spray—but I’m curious what others do. TIA 🙂