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Lisa Brown, Surgical Technologist, Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Services, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
| Surgical TechnologistMeet a real Surgical Technologist, Lisa Brown
1. I chose this career because...
2. My typical workday involves...
3. What I like best/least about my work...
4. My career goals are...
5. When I'm not working, I like to...
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1. I chose this career because...
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Lisa Brown scrubs her hands and arms in preparation for surgery. She will wear a sterile gown and gloves before setting-up instruments and supplies for the case.
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I chose to become a surgical technologist because I entered a health occupations program as part of my high school curriculum, which I enjoyed very much. After completing high school, I entered the United States Air Force (USAF, http://www.airforce.com/). There were lots of career paths from which to choose. Since I enjoyed working with people in a healthcare environment, I chose to become a surgical technologist.
Training & Certification
After completing the first phase of military basic training, I attended the USAF School of Healthcare Services in Wichita Falls, Texas. This program provided all the foundation I needed to become a surgical technologist. Upon completion of the program, I received my certification in surgical technology. I did hands-on-training at the Montgomery Regional Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama.
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2. My typical workday involves...
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Shown are a Baer Hugger, Bovie Machine and Urimeter Set. Lisa Brown uses this equipment during surgeries (see "Equipment we use during surgeries").
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My typical workday involves providing assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. These procedures range from minimally invasive biopsies http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003416.htm to highly complex surgeries. Each procedure must be carried out in a sterile environment to prevent the spread of infection to the patient. I function as the primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. I prepare and maintain highly complex sterile environments. I also assist in the training of new staff members.
Equipment we use during surgeries:
- Baer Hugger – a device to warm patients, often used along with blankets
- Bovie Machine – a device used for cauterization and irrigation
- Urimeter Set – a sterile bag and tubing for urine collection and measurement
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3. What I like best/least about my work...
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Lisa Brown and her colleague, Dina Adu, perform and inventory on endoscopic instruments they will need for a surgery the following day.
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What I like best about my work is the complexity of some of our surgical cases. After working most of my career in a community hospital, I find it very interesting to work in the NIH research environment. I have worked on surgical cases here that I never knew existed.
What I like least about my work is that not all of my patients are going to have a great outcome. Because NIH is a research facility, many of the patients we see are very ill, and may have been unsuccessful with traditional treatments.
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4. My career goals are...
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Lisa Brown gets an update on cases from her colleague Maureen George, while reviewing the surgery schedule.
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My career goals are to:
- Go to nursing school – Eventually I would like to work as a labor and delivery nurse, or as a nurse in a cardiac catheter laboratory.
- Own my own plant shop – After retiring I would like to have my own shop specializing in exotic plants.
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5. When I'm not working, I like to...
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Lisa Brown enjoys a weekend with her friends in Atlantic City.
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When I’m not working, I like to spend a lot of time with my family and friends. I also like to garden and to decorate.
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