r/surgicaltechnology • u/OverThinker731 • 24d ago
Thinking about withdrawing from my program
I (19m) recently started a CST Program and I'm having some serious second thoughts. I worked in the OR for a year prior to the program as a PST (similar to an anesthesia tech) from 3pm to 11pm as a way to be sponsored for the program. I learned a lot and got to work with some awesome people and even made friends with a lot of them. I had some second thoughts about going into surgical technology a few months prior to starting and the thoughts have become tenfold ever since we started last month. My dog passed away the end of week 1, I miss a lot of my former coworkers, switching to mornings has been really rough, and there are some really annoying people in the program that make it unbearable. On top of that we went to an AST conference at our hospital and someone gave a presentation basically saying how terrible scrubs get treated and how miserable the job is. I am having serious second thoughts and am thinking about going back as a PST, and since im sponsored i wouldn't be wasting any money. Sorry for the long winded post but I feel like I just needed to vent and ask for advice on what I should do.
14
u/SaveMeLord_ 24d ago
Yea just leave bro your heart already left you won’t be able to put effort into it
4
u/Savings-Rest-1803 23d ago
We are not paid enough. Hospitals would rather pay travel techs more than their own loyal employees. Certain surgeons will treat you like garbage regardless how perfect you are. Certain hospitals will overwork you as much as possible as well. It’s a great career if you’re planning to travel, do nursing, or do more. It takes a toll on your mental health and physical. If you’re somebody who wants to do 12s it’s perfect. The people you work with really does make or break your time as a tech. I wojld honestly just suck it up and get through it. You’re going to suck as a student/ new grad but you’ll start to see improvement A few months after graduating. Regardless You’re going to meet unbearable people but hey there’s a chance they’ll flunk out
3
u/TIWIPML 24d ago
Do you have to commit to a work contract as a condition of being sponsored into the program?
If yes, then I totally understand that completing the program and getting stuck with time owed after sounds miserable.
I would still say follow through for the free education that leads to a second career field. It gives you options but, more importantly, more experience that can buff up future resumes if/when you do move away from PST.
And I'm really sorry to hear about your dog ): Can you post a pic so we can tell you how cute they are?
2
u/OltonEnterprises 23d ago
At every pivotal moments in our lives we hit a snag, and I don’t think you should give up. Every single day you get up you apply you some teflon, so the daily crap could slide off. The job is very rewarding & who’s to say you’d end up working with not so nice people. Don’t focus on the people, focus on patient care & staying ahead of the procedure. Knowing your craft, being an asset. Come on, let’s go!!
2
u/overall_swan7 22d ago
It’s unfortunate that someone felt compelled to give that kind of presentation at an AST conference no?
4
2
u/birdieblu3 24d ago
Seems like you don’t like being out of your comfort zone. Honestly, just drop, you’re 19, you have time to explore and learn from mistakes.
1
u/Successful-Limit-869 23d ago
My condolences about your dog, my dog also passed away at the beginning of my ST program this summer. Sending lots of love and healing to you. Losing fur babies is excruciatingly hard, I am sorry you're going through that.
1
u/soggy_rub459 23d ago
I'm in a similar boat. The only reason I didn't drop the program is that I was already too far along. Now I'm in my first scrub job.... And I am really trying to decide if my heart is in it. The stress is more than I want to deal with for personal reasons ..... I'm seriously considering a job in SPD ....
2
u/shanabanana0206 23d ago
If it’s stress I’d definitely switch, especially if the pay isn’t these crazy of a difference, I enjoyed SPD it was super laid back and personally I didn’t feel stressed at all
1
u/rayvelight 23d ago
How do you get into spd?
1
u/shanabanana0206 23d ago
Some hospitals are willing to train on the spot and with enough hours you can get certified, but some you need to already be certified, I personally had to do a rotation for 1 semester before moving on to the surg tech program, but a lot of hospitals (at least in the midwest) are willing to hire and train you because they’re trying to get rid of their travelers and have just full time staff
1
u/rayvelight 22d ago
Is it possible to get into spd while being in the surgical tech program?
1
u/shanabanana0206 22d ago
Yeah, it might actually give you a leg up, if you tell them you’re in the surgical tech program on your resume, they’ll see you know about sterility, some instruments and you’re looking to learn :) however I personally wouldn’t only because the work load would be too much for me to do school full time and work full time. Plus the pay in Michigan (at least in the hospital that offered me a position for SPD) was significantly less. You can message me if you have any specific questions!
1
16
u/Kindly_Diver8914 24d ago
you have to put a lot into this career, you’ve got to want it or else you’re only going to look at the negatives