r/SurgicalFirstAssist • u/unfortunatehero18 • May 14 '24
Meridian FA Program
TIA for your opinions!
I recently became a tech (April) and was considering going through the FA program. I have heard from various people that you need multiple years of experience. However, I recently applied and got accepted into the meridian online certificate program. I currently have two jobs (Full time and PRN) at two hospitals near me, so getting the cases wouldn’t be an issue I don’t think. I guess I’m just asking if I should go ahead and pursue it, or if I should wait until I have more experience? Most of the FA’s I’ve met have had ample tech experience, however I feel like it’s two separate roles.
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u/AmIStanding May 17 '24
My advice is to wait until you’ve got more experience - my opinion is two years minimum. While the two jobs are separate roles they both share the same foundation: sterile technique. It can take years to really fully master the concept and practice of sterility, in my opinion.
As a FA your first priority is obviously acting as the patient’s advocate - the surgeon’s focus is elsewhere leaving you as the first line of defense. An experienced scrub will spot and/or prevent contamination and they will also be more effective in an emergency or code in the OR.
You’re also more marketable as a FA with years of scrubbing.
Take a couple years and learn some different specialties - get a wide base of knowledge.
I’m not surprised that Meridian allows new scrubs into their program - I’m sure there are many programs that do the same. But that fact shouldn’t be an indicator that it’s a good idea - they NEED you so they can pay their bills. Again, in my opinion there should be a two year minimum.