Wednesday, I went to observe a Surgical Technologist class day at Pima's NE location. The experience gave me a greater insight on what it takes to become a surgical tech.
The class puts a great emphasis on anatomy and physiology. The day began with a review of the upcoming test on the digestive system. With my limited knowledge, I was only able to answer one of the questions asked: What is a liver disease that can be classified as either A, B, C, D, or E? Hepatitis, of course.
Later came a demonstration of some of the duties of a surgical tech. When I had asked Trudy (program instructor) as to whether I could observe the class for a day, I was promised a "dog and pony show" of the students' abilities. Here's what I observed:
Surgical Hand washing, or "scrubbing out"
Putting on a Gown
Proper application of clean gloves, making sure hands do not contaminate the outside of the gloves
Draping the patient: Only the location of the surgery will be visible
Performing "the count" of the necessary tools. Note: the Circulator (student not dressed in gown) is not sterile and does not contact the patient or tools.
The "incision". This part is only simulated because students can't actually cut the surgical dummy.
The "operation"
Handing off a tool to the surgeonA simulated suture, or stitching
"Federico"
Some of the tools students are trained to useI came across a few issues during my experience. One student asked me if I actually knew what it was like to work in a hospital, if I could handle blood, and if I really knew if I actually wanted the job. The troubling thing was that I could only answer "I don't know" to all the questions. I will have to learn more before I sign anything.
The surgical technologist students had some concerns about the job program. Some students were worried about the availability of jobs once they finished the program. One student said that she would be moving to Phoenix once she completed the program to take advantage of the greater job market there. Virtually all of the students I spoke to had originally wanted other health care jobs such as radiology technology and nursing, but settled for surgical technology because of the speed of the program and a smaller waiting list.
One student was worried about her inability to memorize the ton of vocabulary necessary to finish the course. I can identify with that concern. In my PSY 101 class, test material included the anatomy and function of the brain. I was easily able to learn most of the other topics of the class, but had trouble memorizing brain structures such as "hypothalamus" and "amygdala". But in the Surgical Tech class, memorizing complex body systems is par for the course.
In the end, though, I liked what I saw and think I can enter the class and pass it with a considerable measure of effort. Most notably, I liked the hands-on nature of the work and the camaraderie that I assume is also present in the actual work environment. I also appreciated the time instructor Trudy and the students lent me to observe their class. This class observation will positively influence my decision on whether to join the class or not.
The surgical technologist students had some concerns about the job program. Some students were worried about the availability of jobs once they finished the program. One student said that she would be moving to Phoenix once she completed the program to take advantage of the greater job market there. Virtually all of the students I spoke to had originally wanted other health care jobs such as radiology technology and nursing, but settled for surgical technology because of the speed of the program and a smaller waiting list.
One student was worried about her inability to memorize the ton of vocabulary necessary to finish the course. I can identify with that concern. In my PSY 101 class, test material included the anatomy and function of the brain. I was easily able to learn most of the other topics of the class, but had trouble memorizing brain structures such as "hypothalamus" and "amygdala". But in the Surgical Tech class, memorizing complex body systems is par for the course.
In the end, though, I liked what I saw and think I can enter the class and pass it with a considerable measure of effort. Most notably, I liked the hands-on nature of the work and the camaraderie that I assume is also present in the actual work environment. I also appreciated the time instructor Trudy and the students lent me to observe their class. This class observation will positively influence my decision on whether to join the class or not.
Nice images and videos! I think this was a well worthwhile experience for you.
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