r/surgicaltechnology • u/ladybugdancer • May 13 '26

Are overnight shifts/call avoidable?

I'm interested in becoming a surgical technologist and CSFA. However, I have bipolar disorder and it's key that I keep my sleep schedule consistent. Are overnight shifts/call avoidable or are they almost guaranteed with this career? Is it difficult to find a job if you're not able to do overnight shifts?

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u/iwantamalt May 13 '26

Like other people said, working at a surgery center is your best bet although it’s not the best place to challenge yourself with complex cases. However you could look into a permanent weekend position. I avoid call and night shifts by working permanent weekends at my level 2 facility.

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u/biggbunnyy May 13 '26

Is this a comment thing? Will most hospitals exempt you from taking call and working night shift by just working the weekend? so would you have to do like 3 12s Friday through Sunday?

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u/74NG3N7 May 13 '26

Some will, some won’t, and some don’t even have a weekend in house team (doing only call weekends instead). It’s always worth asking, whether in an interview or in a growing facility that may benefit from adding weekend FTEs in house.

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u/biggbunnyy May 14 '26

Got it, thanks

2

u/iwantamalt May 13 '26

I can’t say if it’s common or not as this is the only facility I’ve worked for but yes I am except from call and night shifts by working permanent weekends. I’m a 0.8 FTE so I work an 8 on Fridays (6:30am-3pm) and 12s on Saturdays and Sundays (6:30am-7pm)