How will a Surgical Tech grads gain required or perfered experience If a hospital will not hire them? ?

In response to: "I think scrub4u is affiliated with promoting ST schools...." from OSTVAMPCO.

You should not make assumptions when you do not know the facts! I can't speak for surgrygurl, but I do not work for nor receive any money or other compensation whatsoever from ANY technical school. I just happen to believe in the one I went to, the AST and what it does for our profession. And if you were even paying a little bit of attention, I POSTED a job opportunity I heard about from an associate of mine for a PT ST job right here in Newport a couple weeks ago. Shame on you for your less than professional behavior. I await your apology.

Scrub4U in Los Angeles, California said: Shills? You being realistic, really? For one, I have no agenda, and I have not promoted any specific school by name. On the contrary, I have encouraged people to check out ALL schools and to make their own decisions based on the information they obtain on their own accord. I have provided useful information for anyone to use to interview the schools. Myself and others on this thread have given excellent advice, avenues of information, ways to make contacts, and yet ovstampco in Orange stomps on all of it; calls us shills and uneducated. By the way, a bachelors outside of the medical field means nothing in the OR. I call sour grapes because of his choice in schools is coming back to bit him. Not all schools are created equal and it is up to each person to do their homework before making such a large commitment. IF I had one student worth hiring, I would make a pitch for them to management, but not one student, who has come through my hospital in the last 2 years, has proven they are worth hiring.

Watch out fellow prospecting students who wish to linger and dip into the Surgical Tech field. If you do not meet up to the so-called expectations as a newbie in your clinicals, you will here this from a preceptor. Ouch. Clinicals, choose wisely and stay sharp.

My advice to anyone trying to go to school to become a surgical tech is TO NOT DO IT!! There are no jobs out there. Your best bet is to become an RN. Plenty of jobs out there for that and more pay. Don't waste your time and money for something you will not find a job in. I went to school for two years,earned my associate dergee and now I owe back over 20 grand in student loans. I was very upset when I found out the truth about everything. I worked so hard at obtaining my degree, took my time away from my family because I was so devoted to school and now here I am having to do this all over again so I can become an RN. SO TO THE PEOPLE OUT THERE WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THAT FIELD...DO NOT DO IT AT ALL, DON'T LISTEN TO THE SCHOOL WHEN THEY SAY THEY HELP FIND YOU A JOB. ALL THEY HELP YOU DO IS SEND YOUR RESUME TO HOSPITALS THAT YOU ALREADY SENT IT TO.

This is to Scrub4u... What I noticed in my externship is that the preceptors were afraid of us new students coming in and taking there jobs from them. You said you haven't came across any students that have proven they are worth it in the last 2 yrs. People like you in the O.R. have no right to say that, is it because maybe you didn't take the time to see that you had a good student that can do the job just as good as the older techs because you are to busy trying to find things wrong, you guys are hoping we come in and contaminate everything? When I was in my extern I had surgeons requesting me to scrub with them, I had the heart team request for me to second scrub with them in an open heart. I was a very good student and they knew it. The problem was that people like you were being what you call HATTERS!! You people need to stop being so click tight and allow us new grads to come in. Don't worry we are not here to take your jobs. Most of you don't event know what the hell is going on.

To Telisha in Gary, Indiana... Hatter? No I don't make hats, and no I do not hate either. For you to make rash and presumtive judgement statements, is irresponsible and short sighted. I very much enjoy working with students, and do take my time to look and encourage them at every step of the way. It so happens that the issues I have with the students coming through my facility stem more from the lack of effort on the schools side, rather than the students themselves. I and the other techs patiently went out of our way to encourage and educate the students with the information that was not emphasized or provided at all from their school. I even took my concerns to the clinical instructor who, with no more than a hat full of excuses, dismissed my observations. One of the surgeons even called the school himself to post a complaint. Unfortunately, the bottom line, is that the students coming to our facility are not properly trained or prepared, which unfortunately, is a serious detriment to the students. Sure some students had potential, but not enough time with us to prove it due to the schools short comings.

I'm glad to hear you had surgeons requesting you during your extership. Did you get any letters of recommendation? However,by what I am seeing and hearing, by way of you postings, is alot of attitude. Attitude does not fly in the OR, and using your name and location on a public board, where anyone can see, may not be in your best interest.

Scrub4u, ya try to save face...save face, 2 years you wouldn't hire these students during their clinicals. Say the name of this school sending students you would never hire these 2 years. For 2 years, its a shame. Hey you said this so called school sent you externs for 2 years, who aren't worth hiring. What school is this? I'm curious. I want to know. You can say all you want, like I went to that school, whatever. Name that school. I'll alert potential students, maybe students attending that the school's instructors/program is not competent. I don't want these students wasting their money. Name the school.

in the cut in Pomona, California said: Watch out fellow prospecting students who wish to linger and dip into the Surgical Tech field. If you do not meet up to the so-called expectations as a newbie in your clinicals, you will here this from a preceptor. Ouch. Clinicals, choose wisely and stay sharp.

Bump, watchout for this scrub4u. I wouldn't let you scrub4me if I was double gloved. Hell no.

To "in the cut," If I wished to be sued for a littany of charges I would happily name the school. By the way, that school has been given notice and is leaving, and a new school (yet TBD) will start next year. There is no face to save my dear. I have stated only the facts whether people like them or not.

To "in the cut," guess you don't like top notch people then. When I get a perfect score on my review from my peers, and also get the top raise possible, it means I sure must be doing my job with a team approach, care, dedication and a surgical conscious.

Scrub4u wrote :I POSTED a job opportunity I heard about from an associate of mine for a PT ST job right here in Newport a couple weeks ago. Shame on you for your less than professional behavior. I await your apology.
I told people about numerous sites that advertise literally hundreds of jobs for ST's - but none of them have hired a new grad . I have asked you previously about companies that have hired NEW GRADS !!!! Did this company fill the vacant position with a new grad ? I think not.....
I never said you were paid to shill or promote any school . Though I'm sure since you have been posting here since I was looking for work as an ST ( over months ago ) that you either have an affiliation with the school or some other reason to spend your spare time encouraging people to pursue the field , when it has been proven that even the best new grads are not getting hired .
In eight months of posting on this thread its about 100 to 1 of frustrated new grads - only once has there been a new grad that said he was getting hired but no one knows if he ever did get the job.....
I'll say it again , you are doing a disservice to people considering this field at this time to go to ST school as there are no jobs for new grads ( and a glut of unemployed ST's that would take 5 years to deplete - if there were no more new grads from this point forward...) It's not like it was a few years ago , and by all accounts many if not most of the new grads are perfectly capable of doing an excellent job - if only someone would give them a chance.

scrub4u in Monterey Park, California said: To "in the cut," guess you don't like top notch people then. When I get a perfect score on my review from my peers, and also get the top raise possible, it means I sure must be doing my job with a team approach, care, dedication and a surgical conscious.

Quite impressive, might I say. So which hospital are you at so I can do my clinicals there?

ovstampco i was seriously thinking about going to school for this but with the economy the way it is and your experiences i decided not to go into debt for a job that isnt out there. i just want to thank you for all your post and for keeping it real with all of us intrested in a job as a surgical tech.

i am taking myself out of the run so i guess "scrub4u" will not be getting any of my money for the school that she recruits for. srry

jondoe I do think before you make that choice you talk to the employers in your area , I don't know how things are there in Texas there may be jobs there - but I do know in southern california the situation is bleak . scrub4u has an interesting way of getting around reality - by blaming certain schools for putting out bad ST's - she makes it sound like the only people not getting hired are the ones that went to the one or two "bad" schools - NONE of these schools (either 'good' or bad)here is so cal are getting their students hired . And a few years ago All of these schools were getting their new grads hired (the accredited schools) the key factors were how hard the students tried and how they did in their externs. There are a lot of unemployed - capable ST new grads here in so cal - unfortunately they all are working at Wal mart.

I think scrub4u is affiliated with promoting ST schools , along with surgerygirl I remember when I was still looking for a job as an ST (I'm not anymore) they were always trying to knock my posts about the folly of people going into the ST field , they speak as if you try hard you will get a job as an ST as a new grad - almost no one is , actually you have a better chance of winning american idol.....
Its ok if you don't believe me , and I'll say right up front...most of the accredited schools DO A GOOD JOB of preparing the students to do the work of an ST..its not their fault people are not getting hired - there are not any jobs, so many that even good ST's with years of experience are not finding employment -
I am going to repeat what I was saying before in my posts - IF YOU ARE considering going to an ST school before you sign away 16 months of your life , your dreams and get $25k in debt...DO YOUR HOMEWORK and talk to hospitals , HR depts , surgery centers , private surgeons etc. and ask them if they will hire a new grad , if they have hired any new grads and when was the last time they hired a new grad as an ST - they will tell you right up front ... not to persue this field !!!! If anything they will tell you to become an RN if you want a chance to get a job - NOT an ST , not an ultrasound tech , not a phlembotomist none of the allied positions have openings for new grads - Again, I apologize to you people affiliated with the schools and the AST... but I'm trying to protect the innocent people that have been misinformed about the hiring prospects for the allied health occupations - it has caused grief and misery to countless people over the last year or two - Do your homework - don't believe the schools - ask the employers FIRST before you take the expensive and possibly regretful decision to enroll ....

I hate that there are people here crushing the thoughts of other people. I know for a fact you can get jobs right out of school, NO I am not in the OR...YET! BUT I have several other friends that graduated from school and have gotten great jobs in great facilities! YES do your homework!! When it comes down to getting those jobs...YES talk to your clinical sites...GET REFERENCE LETTERS FROM SURGEONS YOU WORK WITH AND THEY LIKE YOU!!! Alot of people from my school got jobs, one actually relocated to NH for a great Opportunity!! TAKE CHANCES!! REMBEMBER THIS IS A RECESSION too, everyone is looking for work!!

I hate that there are people here crushing the thoughts of other people. I know for a fact you can get jobs right out of school, NO I am not in the OR...YET!Im in a SPD dept! BUT I have several other friends that graduated from school and have gotten great jobs in great facilities! YES do your homework!! When it comes down to getting those jobs...YES talk to your clinical sites...GET REFERENCE LETTERS FROM SURGEONS YOU WORK WITH AND THEY LIKE YOU!!! Alot of people from my school got jobs, one actually relocated to NH for a great Opportunity!! TAKE CHANCES!! REMBEMBER THIS IS A RECESSION too, everyone is looking for work!!

Grnidsurgtech;
Congrats , I glad to hear that you and your friends have just got jobs as new grads ... did you say you got them recently ?
My comments were for southern california...I said in previous posts that I don't know how good or bad it is for new grads in other parts of the country . Here in so cal , from the two accredited schools I'm familiar with out of 30+ new graduates over the last 10 months not one has gotten a job in any related medical field , neither "SPD" ST or anything .
Based on those numbers in this area its not something worth pursuing at this time , IMHO

Grnidsurgtech in Dumont, New Jersey said: You got it right on!!

It is true...YOU CAN GET JOBS!I know people who got hired out of school NOT EVEN CERTIFIED YET as ST! You have to sell yourselves. Apply for any and every opportunity you can find in your area, send the resume, call them about the job. BE ASSERTIVE IN YOUR FUTURE. Those 6 mo of experiences count and get references from your preceptors and doctors who liked you and anyone who will give you one. SELL YOURSELF! You would be surprised.

Hmmm...who are you really? Can I trade in my clunker.

Grnidsurgtech said: I have to share...I took a different route....I am a recent grad and I have gotten a job in a hospital in the SPD. NO its not the OR, BUT....they are big about hiring from within and I am now IN the DOOR!! I graduated top % of my class and I did great in my clinicals too. Very few get hired out of school into the OR I am finding. I do know a few who have and some of those are people who did clinicals there. Look into SPD/ST....GET in the door and tell them you eventually want to work in the OR as a tech. I am not going to sit around and get broke and not work. I am making this a GREAT OPPORTUNITY and I am still going to keep looking for jobs. Theyre out there. GOOD LUCK.

Hmmm...

good for you in the cut!
I am sorry that alot of people are not getting the jobs. I am one of those who was god damn frustrated that people who barely passed classes got great OR jobs and I who graduated with HONORS is not. But hey if all works out the way this is supposed to..I WILL BE IN THE OR!! People have to go out there an fight for what you want....alot of places here in NJ have hired people fresh out of my school! My career placement said be a pest!! Email your resume, DROP OFF a HARD COPY, and if you really want the Job CALL in a few days and let them know, HEY I just recently dropped off my resume for the position you have open, is it still available? Let them know how interested you are!!

For Pete's sake! I do not recruit. I only insist that people do their homework before they choose a school, IF they decide to pursue ST as a profession!!!! Jeesh. Quit putting words in my mouth and defaming me "jondoe in Round Rock, Texas"

I am sorry that alot of people are not getting the jobs. I am one of those who was god damn frustrated that people who barely passed classes got great OR jobs and I who graduated with HONORS is not. But hey if all works out the way this is supposed to..I WILL BE IN THE OR!! People have to go out there an fight for what you want....alot of places here in NJ have hired people fresh out of my school! My career placement said be a pest!! Email your resume, DROP OFF a HARD COPY, and if you really want the Job CALL in a few days and let them know, HEY I just recently dropped off my resume for the position you have open, is it still available? Let them know how interested you are!!

Grnidsurgtech in Dumont, New Jersey I thank you for your post. Not everything is as bleek as some would have everyone think.

ovstampco in Huntington Beach, California said: Grnidsurgtech;
Congrats , I glad to hear that you and your friends have just got jobs as new grads ... did you say you got them recently ?
My comments were for southern california...I said in previous posts that I don't know how good or bad it is for new grads in other parts of the country . Here in so cal , from the two accredited schools I'm familiar with out of 30+ new graduates over the last 10 months not one has gotten a job in any related medical field , neither "SPD" ST or anything .
Based on those numbers in this area its not something worth pursuing at this time , IMHO

I know Cali is in quite a financial disaray, AM I RIGHT? SO, I can see why you all are having a tough time out there too. Although youre posts are very strongly ANTI-SurgTech and for the successful ones you sound like sour grapes. My school graduation had probably 50+ grads for ONE year. Alot are working, in hospitals, surg centers, L&D depts, spd, Same day surg units. NJ is no easier, its all in the self sell! Seriously!! You can not depend on the schools to find you a job, hunt on your own, if you have nothing keeping you apply in different states...tell them you are willing to relocate...YOu may be surprised. Yeah, all these people I know just graduated with in the last 6 mo to 1 yr!

ovstampco in Huntington Beach, California I must disagree with your statement that you have been referring to So Cal only. In previous posts I clearly remember you saying to people outside of CA to forget about becoming and ST and go for the RN. Not all areas have the population density we have, so it stands to reason that the opportunities for specialized skills are more accessible. It seems contrite to say, but things will get better.

Being the only one working in my family, my husband has chosen an interesting option. An EMT-B program through ROP (Regional Occupational Programs). It was $750 plus labs for titers and a BLS card. After completion and passing a national test, you can work as an EMT or ER Tech. You might even be able to get into an ER as an ST (not sure, but worth looking into).

Again, I'm always looking for ways to help not hurt anyone.

in the cut in Pomona, California is your glass always half full? Not all areas are like So Cal.

in the cut in Pomona, California.... at least they are trying and being positive. What about you?

Grnidsurgtech in Dumont, New Jersey in response to the below... I have been saying the same thing for months! My hat is off to you and wish you the best.

ovstampco in Huntington Beach, California said: Grnidsurgtech;
Congrats , I glad to hear that you and your friends have just got jobs as new grads ... did you say you got them recently ?
My comments were for southern california...I said in previous posts that I don't know how good or bad it is for new grads in other parts of the country . Here in so cal , from the two accredited schools I'm familiar with out of 30+ new graduates over the last 10 months not one has gotten a job in any related medical field , neither "SPD" ST or anything .
Based on those numbers in this area its not something worth pursuing at this time , IMHO

I know Cali is in quite a financial disaray, AM I RIGHT? SO, I can see why you all are having a tough time out there too. Although youre posts are very strongly ANTI-SurgTech and for the successful ones you sound like sour grapes. My school graduation had probably 50+ grads for ONE year. Alot are working, in hospitals, surg centers, L&D depts, spd, Same day surg units. NJ is no easier, its all in the self sell! Seriously!! You can not depend on the schools to find you a job, hunt on your own, if you have nothing keeping you apply in different states...tell them you are willing to relocate...YOu may be surprised. Yeah, all these people I know just graduated with in the last 6 mo to 1 yr!

Grnidsurgtech in Dumont, New Jersey said: I know Cali is in quite a financial disaray, AM I RIGHT? SO, I can see why you all are having a tough time out there too. Although youre posts are very strongly ANTI-SurgTech and for the successful ones you sound like sour grapes. My school graduation had probably 50+ grads for ONE year. Alot are working, in hospitals, surg centers, L&D depts, spd, Same day surg units. NJ is no easier, its all in the self sell! Seriously!! You can not depend on the schools to find you a job, hunt on your own, if you have nothing keeping you apply in different states...tell them you are willing to relocate...YOu may be surprised. Yeah, all these people I know just graduated with in the last 6 mo to 1 yr!

Congrats on finding an SPD job. You have stated "probably 50+ grads, a lot are working, ok. Pretty vague, but ok. I hardly see any New Jersey grads who found work right away posting here, but ok. You were one of the honor students in your class, and you have felt that frustration where the "barely passed" have found a great OR job. Your frustration may be the only thing that stands out, genuinely. I realize we, as ST's, should help each other ST's out, but, at times its divide and conquer. More so, simple misunderstandings. We want to state facts, and the fact is, students have been, and may still being told that there are 80-90% of grads finding jobs in the OR, right out of school. You do sort of fit this criteria, although you have only said "a lot" have found jobs. That is why I challenge what you say, not to be negative, but just to state facts. Your uncanny positivity in finding a job as an ST, seems too in-genuine.

IN GENUINE? You are just negative! I had a friend who had 3 job offers! One right out of school went to Stryker, one to NH, ONe in a L&D dept in NYC, one moved to MD and got a job in THE OR there, 2 work in a prominent hospital in my area, 2-3 got jobs in UMDNJ and 3 of us where I work...YOU are fixated on facts instead of worrying about you getting a job. YOU need to not sit on this site and rant about 80-90% getting jobs....every school says it...Im not sure if 80% of grads got jobs! But I sure do know a good number of them did...If you find that my being a positive person in trying to find a job IN GENIUINE you said, you have a slight issue. As much as I was frustrated, I am damn glad people got jobs doing what we do! Makes me feel more positive I will get that job! My # of grads may be wrong...WHO CARES....really! I dont care how many graduate and got jobs...i cared that I graduated and I got a job! I am closer to being in the OR than you are sitting here whining about it.

"scrubs the floor" just admitt it your on this site just to try to recruit for your school it obvious. im not going to put you down for doing your job heck you guys are being more creative now a days instead of just doing commercials you guys are actually on websites acting like your actually a sergical tech. wow you guys are good. im impressed.

TO: jondoe in Round Rock, Texas....

I can't say that I have seen any schools named by name here. It is my belief that you think someone is promoting a school by being positive about the profession. Why can't anyone be positive/enthusiastic about being a CST/ST? What is wrong with that?

I have been trying, for months, to help others answer questions they have had regarding being an ST (to the best of my ability), and how/where one might look for a job. I have not seen any posts by "scrubs the floor," so I can't say I know what you are referring to with regards to "being paid to promote your school."

And by the way, we all, as ST's, scrub the floors, steel, beds, lights, etc. It's part of the job. Oh, and we also take out the trash.

ovstampco in Huntington Beach, California said: Scrub4u wrote :.....I told people about numerous sites that advertise literally hundreds of jobs for ST's - but none of them have hired a new grad . I have asked you previously about companies that have hired NEW GRADS !!!! Did this company fill the vacant position with a new grad ? I think not..... I never said you were paid to shill or promote any school . Though I'm sure since you have been posting here since I was looking for work as an ST ( over months ago ) that you either have an affiliation with the school or some other reason to spend your spare time encouraging people to pursue the field , when it has been proven that even the best new grads are not getting hired.. .

There is nothing wrong with having a positive outlook on LIFE or my career choice. You have to take the good with the bad, and it seems all you see is bad, so that is all you will get. Yes you absolutely said I was a "shill," and you stated "you thought I was affiliated and/or being paid by a tech school." Read your own posts. You can't handle the fact that I'm proud of the profession, my school, AST and that I LIKE speaking about. Your inability to obtain employment as an ST has more than slightly skewed your point of view. As for speaking to the accuracy of companies hiring or not hiring new ST grads; I cannot as I do not work for them nor do I have access to their personnel records, AND NEITHER DO YOU! So stop all your speculative spewing already. I am positive your "statistics" are far from accurate. I am also saying that I'm sure the ST employment data from the schools is not accurate either. I AGAIN encourage everyone considering a career as an ST to check each school out thoroughly, and to check prospective employers out and ask what their projections for hiring new STs near the time of your grad might be. As to the ST job opportunity I posted, I will be speaking with my contact tomorrow, so we will see.

scrub4u,

I sooooooooo appreciate your positive posts on here. It has been too depressing for me reading this forum ever since I joined last month. I spoke to the HR rep of Centura Health out here in Denver yesterday. She did concur that most hospitals right now are most likely not hiring new grads as the recession has left plenty of experienced ST's out of work too, so they will naturally hire those w/experience. BUT as the economy gets rolling again they will hire new grads. IT IS JUST EXACTLY what is happening with all careers right now.

I also mentioned that after I do the schooling I will be more than willing to move ANYWHERE for a few years to get the experience; she said that would be a huge assest.

Just my 2 cents.

dorothy

Projecting a positive attitude and philosophy towards whatever life throws at you will get you through far more than the doom and gloom others toss out willy nilly.

Kudos to you Dorothy!!!!

I can respect that scrub4u, is the breadmaker. Handling her family situation. Grnidsurgtech, doesn't care who graduates or got jobs, exactly. He cares that he got a job, and wants to name call me a whiner. I'm just stating facts, but true colors show. You don't care. Yeah, that was my point. Hows that for a positive, for the people you don't care about.

scrub4u in Anaheim, California said: Projecting a positive attitude and philosophy towards whatever life throws at you will get you through far more than the doom and gloom others toss out willy nilly.

Kudos to you Dorothy!!!!

I don't subscribe to the power or positive thinking ala Norman Vincent Peale by any stretch, but I am w/u scrub4u that having a positive attitude will get you through tons of grief in this life. Myself, I know that the Lord is sovereign and is working out all things for His glory and my good, so I will not lose hope that if I am to be a Surg Tech I will be a Surg Tech.

As the HR rep said, once the economy gets rolling again the ST hiring picture will clear up too. PLUS keep your options open if you can -- that is, take a job in Oshkosh if needed!! Get your foot in the door. I believe that if you are truly passionate about doing ST work, and I mean truly passionate -- then you will eventually be hired.

At least you are not this alone. I graduated 4.0 GPA perfect attendance and did great on my extern. But i feel three months isnt enough time to get the proper amount experience you need for surgical tech. We need more experience and these so call tech schools know this and should have made sure we get that. but they got the money! But, Im not going give up, just work harder. I went through too much to become at Surgical Tech, and that what Im going be. Im going every surgery center and hospital in my area until hire me. Im going to do this so much that someone is going to give a job. i will going do this every month.

in the cut in Pomona, California said: I can respect that scrub4u, is the breadmaker. Handling her family situation. Grnidsurgtech, doesn't care who graduates or got jobs, exactly. He cares that he got a job, and wants to name call me a whiner. I'm just stating facts, but true colors show. You don't care. Yeah, that was my point. Hows that for a positive, for the people you don't care about.

First of all....HE IS A SHE THANK YOU!! Second do not turn what I said into something it is not! I DO CARE!!! I CARE ALOT!! I HELPED A MANY OF PEOPLE IN MY CLASS TO GRADUATE TO GET OUT SO THEY COULD GET JOBS! YOU MY "Friend" I find to be OVERLY CONCERNED about the wrong things...I cared alot about people i was with getting out of school and getting jobs, but when they were getting OR jobs and I didnt and started to get frustrated, I knew I had to stop focusing one EVERYONE ELSE!! WHY? Well since your so smart and think you know me enough to know how I think and feel you tell me? Let me give you one clue...THEIR LIVES DO NOT IMPACT MINE IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM!! I can't sit here and care about what everyone else is doing and getting that I didnt...it will make you stressed out and crazy...you my "Friend" are almost there it seems...you care too much about your posting of these rediculous statements about the career choice you seem to regret, slamming the ones who are working, and making these insaine accusations of being "RECRUITERS" for schools. Stop being so focused on the world that affects you NOT! Worry about yourself, getting a job, and start being happy. I will say it again, I am not in an OR, I am glad I am working making money to pay my bills(im my own breadwinner thank you), and I am still closer to that OR job I plan on getting than you. Yes you do sound like a whiner...because all you do is complain about the SAME THINGS EVERY TIME YOU ARE HERE! Stop thinking about those % the school gave you..they all use them, it got you to enroll.

Good for you...be persistant and you will get that job you are looking for.

theres nothing like the OR and your not dealing with to many peaple because there sedated.

LOL, sorry I love the sedated part you added. I don't want to have to deal with grouchy or difficult patients that may make me misserable. Sorry, but the less patient interaction, the better for me.

Want a little cheese with that whine? Sure I've whined before in my life. Don't misinterpret me as that negative person, always in the dark, not eating, listening to some 10cc - Lost out of love, like some heart-broken crying fool watching sad movies all day. Lol. I'll take being called "bitter", but if "whiner" suits you whatever. I will always continue to take action, in whatever I do. No obstacles, only challenges, as I always try to see it. I am grateful for people's "sincere" advice abouth the field, without them being too cheesy, aka blowin' smoke. You may have 1-up on me now, only time will tell.

Oh,now they are not obsticles they are challenges? Ok maybe not whine...you complain about things that you can not change, that have no bearing on what happens to you now, let go of the crap the school told you...Want a good one, here, My recruiter told me the program was ACCREDITED!! It wasn't not until my last 6 mo of school, were we all pissed...HELL YEAH! But the school was accredited and we all sat for the exam...Yeah she lied to me, Im passed it, they also gave us the crap about 80 to 90% placed, yeah well the program was only like 1 yr old when I started it... the first class hadnt even graduated yet!! So, that is why I dont care about who grads or gets work...#'s arent important to me...ME and MY FRIENDS WERE IMPORTANT TO ME! Yeah I do wish anyone and everyone to beable to get an OR job...I am so not who you think I am, I used to assist my instructors with NEWBIES in labs, I want to teach the job eventually and my instructors want me too!! I want to help people get in this field who WANT IT like ME!~

Grnidsurgtech in Dumont, New Jersey said: Oh,now they are not obsticles they are challenges? Ok maybe not whine...you complain about things that you can not change, that have no bearing on what happens to you now, let go of the crap the school told you...Want a good one, here, My recruiter told me the program was ACCREDITED!! It wasn't not until my last 6 mo of school, were we all pissed...HELL YEAH! But the school was accredited and we all sat for the exam...Yeah she lied to me, Im passed it, they also gave us the crap about 80 to 90% placed, yeah well the program was only like 1 yr old when I started it... the first class hadnt even graduated yet!! So, that is why I dont care about who grads or gets work...#'s arent important to me...ME and MY FRIENDS WERE IMPORTANT TO ME! Yeah I do wish anyone and everyone to beable to get an OR job...I am so not who you think I am, I used to assist my instructors with NEWBIES in labs, I want to teach the job eventually and my instructors want me too!! I want to help people get in this field who WANT IT like ME!~

Its always, in my eyes been: no obstacles, only challenges. We have also taken our own time to assist instructors, instead of studying for an upcoming exam, just to help, another student in Lab. When you say, you want to help people get into the field, maybe, one day, as a preceptor, you will still remember how it was like to be a newbie, starting clinicals/externships, and still have the patience and compassion, to teach, and never burnout.

Kathy in Los Angeles, California said: I graduated from Glendale Career College-Oceanside campus in 1998. I moved to Los Angeles and had a tough time finding a job because I did not have any "work experience". I finally gave in an applied for an orderly position. I told every Doctor that I came in contact with that I was a Surgical Tech and wanted to scrub. One Doctor listened to me a gave me an opportunity to scrub in. I transfered to a sister hospital that allowed me to "second scrub" so that I could get the "paid work experience" while I was working as a per diem Orderly/Transporter. I never gave up and also sent resumes to Plastic Surgery Offices. I ended up working (3) 12 hour shifts in Labor&Delivery and worked 1 to 2 days in Plastic Surgery. I have been working in Plastic Surgery full time since 2000 and LOVE IT! Yes, you will get needle sticks, unfortunately that comes with the job working with needles and blood.
If you want the job bad enough, you will do what it takes to get it!! Good Luck!

I have worked as a scrub since 1996 and have only been stuck with a needle one time...and that was from an assistant, in a plastics case who had a"known" history for doing it. Does he get fired...no. Just take the time to be careful and you will be fine.jag

mayra in West Palm Beach, Florida said: i am so glad i read about someone loving there job as a surgical tech. im am starting school in septmeber but everyone is giving me second thoughts. i kno this is something i really wanna do but do you get paid enough?

Scrubbing is very rewarding when in the event of trauma, when a life is saved--
one can leave that day from work, relax with feet up on the ottoman with a cool restorative (cocktail) and smile. I love my work, and now going into an RN program and I am looking forward to the OR or flight nursing...I love trauma, it is pretty crappy to be the patient; however, very rewarding knowing you did your very best to save a life. If I was younger...(TOO old) I would definatly join the Corp or Air Force. I have been traveling.... (there are not very many travel positions in this time of hardship because of budgets...but try it) ... for a few years and in some contracts make more than a New Grad RN. The more experience the more one can negotiate for salary!

GOOD LUCK !!

To scrub4u. First of all I have a wonderful attitude and everyone I work around can say that. It sounds like you are the one with attitude. Second og all we all know not to use our real names on the net, I am not stupid. My question to you is if the school keeps sending students that are not ready why keep taking them. I do understand that some students come in not knowing what they are expected to know, but for two years of not seeing a strong student something is not right with the school they come from. The school I attended was a two year program and they played no games. Yes i have a few letters of recommendation from my preceptor, a surgeon, and the OR manager. The problem is when HR glances at my resume they don't event give me a chance because they see I recently graduated. There is no job for us newbies in the tech field. And i doubt if you have came upon any rude post from me except that one. You upset me and others by what you said. Maybe it's your attitude that needs fixed. I see everyone bad mouthing you on here.

You are right , the thing about Scrub 4U is that there are many threads in this forum....this thread is basically asking "how will a new grad get a job without experience".Scrub 4U is very optimistic in saying that if you go to the wonderful unnamed school and graduate that you will get a job as an ST if you are persistent , have a good attitude and did well in your clinicals .
That is just not true in todays job market for ST's without a couple years paid experience. First, here in so cal , of the hundreds or so new grads over the last year - how many do you think are currently working as full time ST's ? That is the question that should be answered .
For ANYONE considering starting school , paying $25k , using a year and a half of your life you should want an answer to this question before making this important decision.
If you are motivated , smart , personable , well prepared and positive and graduate at or near the top of your class what chance of getting a job upon completion of your clinicals is reasonable ? What if you meet these qualities and your chance of getting that job withing 6 months of graduation is 2% ? Even if you offer to work in SPD ? Even if you offer to work for free for experience ? Would you still consider going into this field ?
What if the best and brightest a year and a half ago had almost a 100% chance of getting a full time job upon graduation but now it is 2% ? Would you still go through all the expense and schooling for a miniscule chance of getting a job ? That is the reality of todays job market for new grad ST's .Do your research , call the hospitals and surgeons , call the surgery centers and ask them about the prospects of being hired as a new grad ST , they will tell you slim and none - because now even the semi entry level jobs will get 50 or more applications from ST's with years of high quality OR experience applying - and are willing to work for entry level wages .

Romy in San Diego, CA in San Diego, California said: I graduated 5-months ago and recently pass the CST.I have applied online and applied going to the diff hospitals in my area like Kaiser Perm.,Sharp,Scrips,Polamar and many others. The problem is most hospitals required or prefered a min 1 yr exp. My only experience is externship which is very limited. How can a fresh surgical tech grad gain a year experience if hospitals will not hire them.

how that really sucks-out her my classmates who graduated haven't had a hard time finding jobs- some of them haven't even taken there cerfication test yet and still got hired - because the job gives them 6mths to take the test