My Introduction to the Surgical World
Audrey
Experience Information
Employer: Spectrum Health Butterworth Surgical Center
Job Title: Nursing Technician
Major: Allied Health Sciences
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Spectrum Health is a thriving health care provider in the State of Michigan. With multiple campuses and a wide variety of services offered it is no wonder as to how this organization is among the top 10 providers in the country. As part of their main hospital, the Surgical Center is an outpatient surgical facility where a wide range of surgeons perform an even wider variety of surgeries. The goal of an outpatient center is to have people heal in the happiness and safety of their own home.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As a nurse tech in the surgical center there are a variety of patient care tasks associated with pre-operative and post-operative care. When patients come in for surgery we are responsible for picking the patient up from the waiting room and introducing them to the center and the rest of their day. We take a base set of vitals on the patient, perform the necessary tests such as; blood sugar tests, EKGs, Urine Analysis, and/or pregnancy tests. For hysterectomy and ortho patients, nurse techs scrub the patients down with a CHG disinfectant while. We also assist the nurses in whatever other tasks they need help with pre-operatively and in caring for total care patients. After surgery the patients return and a new set of tasks is assigned to nurse techs. We welcome patients back from their procedure, very often still groggy from anesthesia, and take sets of vitals as the doctor has ordered. We also provide patients with their first chance for food and water in 24 hours. Pain management and communication with the nurses is also a big role of the nurse tech. We also complete bladder scans, blood sugars, urine assessments, discontinuing IVs, and getting patients up to the bathroom. The number one goal throughout the whole center is patient care, so above all you make exceptions for your patients and make sure they are receiving the best care you can possibly give them.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
The surgical center taught me how to handle issues with diversity. Working here also showed me how vital teamwork and communication throughout the health care field. On this floor of the hospital I learned how to perform EKGs and how to discontinue IVs.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of working in the surgical center is the amount of knowledge I learn on an everyday basis. The nurses here are all extremely knowledgeable and love to share this knowledge with me. I have learned a lot of information about what certain surgeries do, anatomy and physiology behind the surgeries and pain associated with them, and also how to handle emergency situations.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has taught me a lot about how to become a better PA, but also a lot about myself. I learned that this field is ever-changing and incredibly vast, there is always something new to learn. I love this about the Health Care field and am happy to know I can be learning no matter how long I have been in the field for. This experience showed me that I am a leader, but a silent leader. I like to lead by example and I take pride in this. While surgery may not be my emphasis when I become a PA, I know that this is the right place for me to pursue my career.