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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
Suture Sunday: Let’s Talk Monocryl 🪡
If you’re in surgery, Sundays aren’t for rest — they’re for sutures. Today’s spotlight: Monocryl (by Ethicon), a popular absorbable,...
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Dec 41 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 63 min read
How I Turn Practice Exams into Study Tools
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...
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Oct 21 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...
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Sep 42 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...
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Aug 71 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...
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Jul 31 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...
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Jun 191 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...
Tatyana L., CST, CCS
Jun 51 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,...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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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