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Education Spotlight
Insights, stories, and surgical skill-building from real professionals.
Mastering Operating Room Etiquette: A Guide for Newcomers
Operating rooms have their own unique culture and set of expectations, with etiquette that every team member should know, especially newcomers. Respecting this environment isn’t just about following protocols—it’s about contributing to a safe and efficient space for everyone. First, recognize the roles of the circulating nurse and surgical tech. These are the people who keep the OR running smoothly. Introduce yourself, communicate your needs, and respect their expertise. A sm
No, I Don’t Want to Be a Nurse — And That’s Okay
Let me go ahead and say this loud and clear: Tatyana does not want to be a nurse. (Yes, I third-personed that. 😂) Now before anyone gets it twisted — this is not a post bashing nursing. This is about being honest with yourself, your passions, and the path that’s right for you. There’s this unspoken assumption in healthcare that surgical technology is just a stepping stone — something you do until you become a nurse or go to med school. And for some people, it is. And tha
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Jan 12 min read
Sundays in Surgery: The Importance of Monocryl Sutures
If you’re in surgery, Sundays aren’t for rest — they’re for sutures. Spotlight on Monocryl Sutures Today’s spotlight is on Monocryl (by Ethicon), a popular absorbable, monofilament suture typically used for skin closure . If you’re more familiar with Medtronic/Covidien products, Monocryl is comparable to Biosyn or Caprosyn . Because it’s used to close the incision at the end of a procedure, Monocryl is usually the last suture passed . This also means it’s the last one coun
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Dec 4, 20253 min read
Mastering Instrument Counting: A Guide for Surgical Technologists
Instrument counting is one of those fundamental skills that often gets rushed or glossed over — but trust me, getting it right matters. Not just for the case, but for the culture of safety and trust in the OR. The Importance of Accurate Instrument Counting Accurate instrument counting is crucial in the operating room. It ensures that all instruments are accounted for before, during, and after a surgical procedure. This practice not only safeguards patient safety but also fos
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Nov 6, 20253 min read
Mastering Exam Prep: A Guide for Surgical Technologists
The Importance of Practice Questions When preparing for exams in surgical tech school, practice questions are more than just a way to test what you know — they're a way to learn what you don’t. As a student, before our break, my instructor handed out three practice exam packets — 553 questions in total. Instead of just flipping through them casually, I created a system that helped me actually absorb the material. My Proven Study System Here’s how I do it: Step 1: Take the Q
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Oct 2, 20252 min read
AV Fistula Setup: The Vascular Case Everyone Should Know
If you’ve been around here a while, you know I love a good vascular case — even the smaller ones like an AV fistula setup. It might not be as intense as a big bypass or endovascular repair, but arteriovenous fistulas are crucial procedures for dialysis access, and they show up often in both general and vascular specialties. That means whether you’re deep into vascular or just rotating through general surgery, knowing how to set one up is a valuable skill. Here’s what you’
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Sep 4, 20252 min read
Self-Sufficiency in the OR: Why You Should Always Be Ready to Open Your Own Room
Here’s a truth they don’t always tell you in school: you won’t always have someone helping you open your room. And that’s especially true in high-stakes environments like open heart surgery. I recently opened every supply and every suture for a cardiac case — solo. Scrubbed in. Set it all up. No assistant, no backup. Just me and my preparation. It’s not about ego. It’s about reality. Operating rooms are often understaffed. Circulators are juggling their own pre-op checklist
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Aug 7, 20251 min read
How to Drape a Mayo Stand Like a Pro
One of the first sterile skills you’ll learn — and use almost every day — is how to drape a mayo stand. It’s one of the three main sterile surfaces you’ll rely on in surgery, along with your back table and ring stand. But the mayo? That’s your ride-or-die. It’s where all your immediate-use instruments and go-to supplies live. As the case evolves, so will your mayo stand setup — short instruments become long ones, and the surface stays dynamic and central to the case. Here’s
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Jul 3, 20251 min read
Going Back to School Isn’t Easy — And That’s Okay
Can we talk about how hard it is to go back to school when you’re already building a life? It’s one thing to head into a program straight out of high school — when everything is new, and your world is still wide open. But when you’re juggling responsibilities, work, maybe family, and then adding school on top of it? That hits different. Don’t get me wrong — I absolutely love what I’m in school for. I love surgery. I love the rhythm of setting up a back table. I live for that
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Jun 19, 20251 min read
You Don’t Need a Title to Lead in the OR
There’s a belief that leadership in the operating room starts and ends with the surgeon. That the one holding the scalpel holds all the authority, all the weight, all the credit. But every time I step into an OR, I see leadership take on dozens of forms — and almost none of them require a title. It’s in the Surgical Technologist who anticipates what’s needed before it’s asked for. In the nurse who quietly advocates for a patient no one is talking about. In the resident who ha
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Jun 5, 20251 min read
Mastering Operating Room Etiquette: A Guide for Newcomers
Operating rooms have their own unique culture and set of expectations, with etiquette that every team member should know, especially newcomers. Respecting this environment isn’t just about following protocols—it’s about contributing to a safe and efficient space for everyone. First, recognize the roles of the circulating nurse and surgical tech. These are the people who keep the OR running smoothly. Introduce yourself, communicate your needs, and respect their expertise. A sm
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Dec 12, 20241 min read
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance: Use Your PTO and Live Fully
Creating a healthy work-life balance isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially in the demanding medical field. With the constant pressure to perform, it’s easy to feel drained if you don’t take the time to recharge. That’s why paid time off (PTO) exists—to help you balance work with time to reconnect with yourself and the people you love. Yet, so many people let their PTO pile up, convinced they’re “too busy” to
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Dec 5, 20242 min read
AfroTech X Healthcare
This past week was indescribable! With AfroTech being in Houston for the first time, I knew it would draw incredible people to the city. Being that I work in healthcare, I was very intentional about the events outside of the conference that I attended. Healthcare and Technology sit at a unique intersection. I first attended STEM So(ul)cial which was founded by Camille Smith . STEM So(ul)cial is an organization dedicated to connecting, developing, and backing aspiring and est
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Nov 18, 20242 min read
Controlling Your Counts in the OR: 5 Key Strategies for Surgical Techs
For any surgical tech, managing your counts accurately and efficiently is a crucial responsibility. This task can feel overwhelming when you’re new to the OR, often leaving you unsure about the best time to initiate a count or just hoping your circulator will cue you in. With practice, however, you’ll develop the confidence to handle counts like a pro. Here’s a breakdown of some essential tips to help you keep control and avoid any missteps. Stay in Sync with the Procedure Fl
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Nov 14, 20242 min read
Suture Sunday: How to Read a Suture Package
The first installment is all about suture and how to get comfortable with them. When it comes to understanding suture packages, it’s essential to decipher the information listed on them accurately. Let’s break down the key elements you should pay attention to: First and foremost, take note of the type of suture being used. While names like Vicryl, Prolene, and Monocryl might seem like mere brand distinctions, it’s important to recognize that Prolene and Surgipro, for instance
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Apr 21, 20242 min read
Types of surgical facilities to work in
Remember, as a Surgical Tech, you don't have to choose just one! Navigating the landscape of surgical facilities is a crucial step for any surgical tech or healthcare professional. Let’s delve into the key aspects of different types of facilities, their nuances, and the pros and cons associated with each: Types of Facilities : Hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and private practices each offer unique environments for surgical work. Differences in Facilities : Hospitals
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Apr 20, 20242 min read
Associates vs Diploma vs Certification
Will you choose between an associate's or diploma for your career path. Both need certification exams.
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Apr 4, 20242 min read
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