3 answers
Viviana
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What are some tips for a new grad CST Specifically, for getting lots of experience! Thank you.?
I am currently in a surgical tech program and have heard many opinions on what is the best route to take after graduation. However, I am very interested in gaining as much experience as possible and basically being a sponge. Would a hospital setting be the best for that goal? TYIA
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3 answers
Elyse Crotty
Certified Surgical Technologist
33
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Go to a big hospital, if you can. You will see a little bit of everything and if you want to, find your own niche or type of surgery to specialize in. I started at a large level 1 trauma hospital and now specialize in neurosurgery, specifically spine.
Pedro Olivo
Supervisor
8
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Pedro’s Answer
• Be a steady and reliable worker, and keep things simple. Every answer and approach has value!
• Learn new software skills and connect with your coworkers. Knowledge is your superpower!
• Get through your first semester by being ready and asking for help. Stay humble and remember, it's okay not to know everything—it's a chance to keep learning! 😊
• Pay attention to career advice from those with experience. When someone shares their wisdom, embrace it and put it to use. Don't let it slip away. You've got this!
• Learn new software skills and connect with your coworkers. Knowledge is your superpower!
• Get through your first semester by being ready and asking for help. Stay humble and remember, it's okay not to know everything—it's a chance to keep learning! 😊
• Pay attention to career advice from those with experience. When someone shares their wisdom, embrace it and put it to use. Don't let it slip away. You've got this!
Michelle M.
Actress
2660
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Viviana !
Well, part of the usual process during a Surgical Tech path is getting the extensive hands-on training and being Certified thereafter. You will be ready for employment at this point, so just apply for work. You should already have had the hands on experience through your program. Employers need Surgical Techs who are ready to work. Don't worry, we've all had our first career job. If there is anything that you are not sure of, you'll need to ask your Surgical Tech instructors at this time.
It goes without saying that you will be assisting at surgeries. As you probably already know, the places that do surgeries are hospitals or outpatient surgical centers. Choosing to work in a hospital might prove to be more exciting and pay better than an outpatient facility. But you will need to explore what you really want and decide for yourself. If you feel that you need more experience than what your program offered, ask your instructor if you can do the practicum over again. This career is not about getting better with "more experience". It's about being ready for employment after going through the program and then being certified.
I have a friend in Pasadena that is a surgical tech and she does very well with it, so it does pay well and is very stable.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best.
Well, part of the usual process during a Surgical Tech path is getting the extensive hands-on training and being Certified thereafter. You will be ready for employment at this point, so just apply for work. You should already have had the hands on experience through your program. Employers need Surgical Techs who are ready to work. Don't worry, we've all had our first career job. If there is anything that you are not sure of, you'll need to ask your Surgical Tech instructors at this time.
It goes without saying that you will be assisting at surgeries. As you probably already know, the places that do surgeries are hospitals or outpatient surgical centers. Choosing to work in a hospital might prove to be more exciting and pay better than an outpatient facility. But you will need to explore what you really want and decide for yourself. If you feel that you need more experience than what your program offered, ask your instructor if you can do the practicum over again. This career is not about getting better with "more experience". It's about being ready for employment after going through the program and then being certified.
I have a friend in Pasadena that is a surgical tech and she does very well with it, so it does pay well and is very stable.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best.