Advice for New Surgical Scrub Techs: What Every Scrub Should Know

Advice for New Surgical Scrub Techs: What Every Scrub Should Know

Congratulations, newbie! You’ve just joined the wild, exciting world of surgical scrub techs. Whether you’re fresh out of school or transitioning into the OR from another healthcare role, being a scrub tech is a unique journey—full of intense moments, high stakes, and a lot of "hurry up and wait." If you're feeling a mix of excitement, fear, and "what have I gotten myself into?"—don't worry. You're not alone.

To help ease your transition into the operating room, here’s a list of advice every new scrub tech should know. From avoiding common pitfalls to mastering the art of the sterile field, consider this your unofficial survival guide.

1. Sterile Technique is Life

First things first: if there's one thing that should be burned into your brain from day one, it’s sterile technique. Break the sterile field, and you'll quickly earn the stink eye from every surgeon and nurse in the room. No pressure, right? But seriously, mastering sterile technique is your top priority. Keep those hands up, don’t touch what you’re not supposed to, and practice your draping like it’s an Olympic sport. The more confident you are with the basics, the more you’ll be trusted in the OR.

Pro tip: Always double-check your sterile field. If you're ever unsure, ask. It's better to speak up than compromise patient safety.

2. Be Ready for Anything (Literally, Anything)

Scrub tech life is unpredictable. One moment, everything’s calm, and the next, you’re in a trauma case that feels straight out of a medical drama. Flexibility is key. Learn to expect the unexpected and stay calm when chaos hits. You never know when a procedure might go sideways or when a surgeon will suddenly need an instrument you haven’t prepped. That’s where your quick thinking and ability to adapt will come in handy.

Advice: Have backups for your backups. You don’t want to be the tech scrambling for a tool in the middle of a crisis.

3. Develop Spidey Senses

A seasoned scrub tech seems to always know what the surgeon needs before they ask for it. That’s because over time, you develop what we like to call “scrub tech spidey senses.” You’ll learn to read the room and pick up on subtle cues that tell you when a surgeon’s about to ask for an instrument or when things are about to take a turn. This comes with time and experience, so don’t stress if you’re not there yet. But trust me, one day, you’ll be handing over a tool before anyone even says a word, and it’ll feel like magic.

Quick tip: Watch and learn from your fellow scrubs. Mimicking their actions and responses can fast-track your spidey-sense development.

4. The OR is a Team Sport

Yes, you’re a scrub tech, but you’re also part of an OR team. The surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and fellow scrub techs rely on each other to make surgeries run smoothly. Communication is critical. If you’re unsure about something, speak up. If a nurse is struggling with something, offer to help. A strong team makes a strong OR, and trust me—when things get hectic, you’ll appreciate that team spirit.

Team player tip: Building good relationships with your coworkers is just as important as sharpening your technical skills. A well-oiled team can get through even the most stressful cases.

5. Stay Organized, Stay Sane

A cluttered mayo stand is a disaster waiting to happen. Staying organized is one of the best ways to keep control in the OR. Everything should have its place, and you should be able to grab an instrument without even looking. This will save you from fumbling during critical moments and make you look like a total pro.

Organization hack: Arrange your tools logically based on the sequence of the procedure. It’ll make your life easier and the surgeon’s too.

6. Ask Questions, But Don’t Annoy the Surgeon

As a new scrub tech, you're probably full of questions—and that's okay! Surgeons actually appreciate curious, eager-to-learn techs, as long as you don’t pester them during critical moments. Find the right time to ask questions, like between cases or after a procedure. Most surgeons are happy to explain what they're doing and why when you show genuine interest.

Pro tip: Watch and learn first. Sometimes, observing will give you the answers you’re looking for without needing to ask.

7. You Will Sweat. A Lot.

Scrubbing in isn't glamorous—especially when you're stuck under hot lights in a gown and mask for hours at a time. Get ready to sweat, and I mean sweat. Hydration is key, and so is keeping an extra pair of scrubs handy for those long, hot cases. It’s all part of the job, but once you’ve survived a few grueling procedures, you’ll wear your sweaty scrubs like a badge of honor.

Pro tip: Keep a small towel and deodorant in your locker—you’ll thank me later.

8. Every Surgeon is Different

Just when you think you’ve figured out what one surgeon likes, you’ll work with someone else who does things completely differently. Some will be relaxed and talk you through the entire procedure, while others expect you to already know what they want before they say it. The best advice? Be adaptable. Learn each surgeon’s quirks and preferences, and tailor your work style to fit them.

Quick advice: Take notes on each surgeon’s preferences (mentally or on paper) so you’re always prepared.

9. Mistakes Will Happen

I hate to break it to you, but even the best scrub techs make mistakes. Whether it’s contaminating the field or handing over the wrong instrument, you’ll mess up at some point. The key is to learn from your mistakes, own them, and move on. Don’t dwell on it—mistakes are part of the learning process. The more you grow, the fewer mistakes you’ll make.

Pro tip: When you make a mistake, communicate it quickly and clearly to the team so it can be fixed immediately.

10. Celebrate the Wins

The OR can be a high-pressure environment, and the days can be long and tough. But you’ll also experience moments that make it all worth it—like when you assist in a life-saving procedure, or a surgeon praises your work. Celebrate these wins, no matter how small. They’re what keep you going on the rough days.

Final advice: Keep a journal of your milestones as a scrub tech. It’s a great way to reflect on how far you’ve come.

Conclusion: You're Ready for This

Starting as a new surgical scrub tech can be nerve-wracking, but with time, patience, and practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Keep learning, stay flexible, and don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way. Before you know it, you’ll be the one showing new techs the ropes, passing on your own hard-earned wisdom.

Good luck, newbie! You’ve got this.

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Fall Into Self-Care: Why Every Scrub Tech Needs a Self-Care Box This Season

Fall Into Self-Care: Why Every Scrub Tech Needs a Self-Care Box This Season

Ah, fall! The season of pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and crisp autumn air. While most people are breaking out the flannel and sipping hot cider, scrub techs like you are still clocking in and hustling hard in the OR. But here’s the thing—just because you're busy saving the day doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the best of the season. In fact, fall is the perfect time to focus on self-care, and a self-care box is your ticket to embracing autumn while also taking care of YOU.

1. Fall is for Cozy Vibes (and Scrub Techs Deserve Them)

Fall brings all the cozy feels—warm blankets, fuzzy socks, and toasty drinks. Imagine coming home from a long shift and wrapping yourself up in a fluffy blanket, lighting a fall-scented candle, and sipping a hot cup of spiced tea from your self-care box. It’s a vibe, and it’s one you’ve earned after a hard day in the OR.

Pro tip: Look for self-care boxes that come with cozy fall essentials like pumpkin spice candles or chai tea blends for the ultimate post-shift relaxation.

2. Autumn is the Season to Recharge

As the days get shorter, it’s time to slow down and recharge. In the OR, you’re constantly on your feet, managing stress, and assisting in critical procedures. A self-care box gives you the tools you need to take a much-needed break when you're off duty. This fall, focus on recharging your batteries with items like essential oil rollers for relaxation, foot soaks for those tired legs, and soothing skincare for that post-mask glow.

Bonus: Use the changing season as a reminder to make self-care a habit. Create a fall routine where you pamper yourself after every shift—whether it’s a quick face mask or a calming cup of herbal tea.

3. Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice—For Your Skin

Pumpkin spice isn’t just for lattes; it’s a fall staple that also happens to be amazing for your skin. Many self-care boxes come with pumpkin-infused beauty products, like face masks and scrubs that help you glow even after the most grueling OR shifts. Scrub tech life is tough on the skin, with constant hand-washing and wearing masks for hours on end. Treat your skin to some autumn TLC with a self-care box that includes seasonal skincare goodies.

Skin-saving tip: Try a pumpkin spice face mask for a fall-inspired self-care routine that leaves your skin soft and radiant.

4. Sip, Relax, Repeat: Fall Drinks to Warm You Up

What’s fall without some hot drinks to warm your soul? After a long day in the OR, nothing feels better than wrapping your hands around a warm mug of cocoa or spiced tea. Many self-care boxes include seasonal teas, hot cocoa mixes, and even specialty mugs that make your autumn evenings extra cozy. Sip, relax, and let the day’s stress melt away with every sip.

Fall drink idea: Pair a spiced tea or pumpkin-flavored hot chocolate from your self-care box with a good book or your favorite show—it’s the ultimate fall evening.

5. Fall is the Best Time to Prep for the Busy Holiday Season

As a scrub tech, you know the holiday season can get intense. Between on-call shifts, holiday cases, and personal obligations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why fall is the perfect time to invest in a self-care routine. A self-care box filled with calming products will help you build a habit of unwinding before the holiday chaos hits.

Prep tip: Start your self-care now with fall-inspired goodies like lavender pillow sprays or cozy socks to get into a relaxation groove before the holiday rush.

6. Give Your Feet Some Love—They Deserve It

Let’s not forget about your feet! Standing all day in the OR is no joke, and by the time fall rolls around, your feet are begging for some attention. Self-care boxes designed for healthcare professionals often include foot care essentials like soothing foot soaks, exfoliating scrubs, and moisturizing creams. After a long shift, treat your feet to a relaxing foot soak with scents like cinnamon or clove to get in that autumn mood.

Foot care idea: Add some warm fall spices like cinnamon to your foot soak for a seasonal twist on your post-shift relaxation.

7. Seasonal Stress Relief

Fall brings not only the changing leaves but also changing stress levels. The upcoming holidays, busier OR schedules, and colder weather can add to your mental load. A self-care box is like a seasonal reset button for your mind and body. Look for boxes that include stress-relief items like journals, aromatherapy rollers, or mindfulness exercises that help you reset and recharge.

Mindfulness tip: Start a fall gratitude journal to keep your spirits high during stressful days. Write down one thing you’re grateful for after every shift—it’s a quick and easy way to stay positive.

8. Treat Yourself—Fall Edition

Let’s be real—after everything you do as a scrub tech, you deserve to treat yourself. A self-care box is the ultimate way to reward yourself for your hard work. Whether you’re celebrating surviving a busy shift, acing a difficult procedure, or simply making it through another day in the OR, you’ve earned some pumpkin spice and self-care goodness.

Remember: You’re not just buying a box—you’re investing in your own well-being this fall.

Conclusion: Fall is the Best Time for Scrub Tech Self-Care

Fall is the season of change, and as the leaves turn and the air gets cooler, it’s the perfect time to focus on yourself. As a scrub tech, your job is demanding, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take time to unwind and enjoy the best of the season. A self-care box filled with fall-inspired goodies is exactly what you need to recharge, de-stress, and give your mind and body the break they deserve.

So, if you haven’t already, treat yourself to a fall self-care box and enjoy all the pumpkin spice and cozy vibes that come with it. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you!

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How Scrub Techs Can Balance Work and Self-Care: Tips from the OR

How Scrub Techs Can Balance Work and Self-Care: Tips from the OR

Let’s face it—being a scrub tech is no walk in the park. Long shifts, standing for hours, and the mental stress of keeping the OR running smoothly can take a serious toll on your body and mind. If you're constantly feeling like you're on call even when you're off, it’s time to hit pause and focus on self-care. In a profession where you're always putting the needs of others first, it’s essential to find ways to recharge.

Here’s how scrub techs can balance their work in the OR with some much-needed self-care, because even you need a break sometimes!

1. Hydrate Like a Pro: Bring Your Tumbler Everywhere

The OR is a high-pressure environment, and it's easy to forget to stay hydrated when you're in the zone. That’s where your trusty tumbler comes in. Get a personalized tumbler—yes, with your name on it—and make sure you’re sipping water throughout your shift. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it’s a little slice of personality in an otherwise sterile environment. Bonus points if it’s a fun design that makes your coworkers jealous!

2. Take Micro-Breaks: Stretch and Breathe

We get it, scrub techs don’t exactly get luxury breaks. But even a minute of stretching in the scrub room can make a difference. Shoulder rolls, neck stretches, and some deep breathing exercises can help reduce tension and fatigue, especially after long cases. It might not be a full yoga session, but every little bit helps to keep those aches and pains at bay.

3. Self-Care Boxes: Treat Yourself at Home

After spending all day on your feet, why not reward yourself with a self-care box tailored specifically for scrub techs? Imagine a box filled with items like bath bombs, cozy socks, candles, and stress-relief goodies to help you unwind after a long shift. These boxes are designed to give medical professionals like you the mental reset you need, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good mystery box of surprises?

4. Set Boundaries: Work-Life Balance Isn’t Just for Office Jobs

One of the hardest parts of being a scrub tech is the unpredictability. On-call shifts can disrupt your personal time, but it’s important to set boundaries when you can. Make sure you're taking your days off seriously. This means no checking work emails, no mentally prepping for the next week’s cases—just downtime. Use that time to relax, recharge, and do things you enjoy outside of work.

5. Prioritize Your Sleep: Yes, Even During On-Call Nights

Scrub techs know that getting a full night’s sleep can be a challenge, especially when you’re on call. But sleep is vital for your mental and physical health. If you’re heading into a stretch of long shifts or on-call duty, try power naps whenever possible. Keep your bedroom free of distractions and make your sleep environment as restful as possible with blackout curtains, comfy bedding, and perhaps a white noise machine.

6. Make Your Breaks Count: Personalized Mugs and Tea Breaks

Even if you only get a quick five-minute break between surgeries, make it count. Bring a personalized mug filled with your favorite coffee or tea to help give you that boost you need. There’s something about drinking from a mug with your name on it that makes break time feel just a little more special. It’s your mini spa session between cases!

7. Lean on Your Tech Community: Share Tips and Vent!

Sometimes, the best form of self-care is talking it out with someone who gets it. Whether it's sharing study tips with newer techs or swapping stories with veterans, connecting with other scrub techs can be a huge stress-reliever. Social media groups, forums, or even a quick chat in the breakroom can remind you that you're not alone in this. Plus, it’s a great place to find and share self-care tips that have worked for other techs.

8. Celebrate Small Wins: Every Day’s a Victory

You might not always hear it from your team, but the work you do as a scrub tech is incredible. Celebrate your small wins—whether it’s getting through a tough case, helping a new tech nail their first scrub, or simply making it through a particularly hectic day. Treat yourself to something fun, like a badge reel in your favorite design or a surprise from a mystery box. Recognizing your own hard work is a form of self-care too!

Final Thoughts

Balancing your demanding career as a scrub tech with self-care is essential. Whether it's bringing a personalized tumbler to keep you hydrated, taking micro-breaks, or treating yourself to a self-care box after a long day, these little things add up. Remember, you can’t give your best in the OR if you're running on empty. Take care of yourself—because a healthy scrub tech means a healthy OR!

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How Did Your Facility Celebrate You During Surgical Tech Week? Let’s Rate the Love!

Let’s Rate the Love!

Surgical Tech Week might have come and gone, but let’s take a moment to reflect—did you feel the love? Or did your facility drop the ball harder than a tech who forgot to double-glove for a total joint case? If you’re like many scrub techs, this is the week you expect a little extra appreciation, maybe a fun badge reel, a personalized mug, or—dare we dream—a mystery box packed with scrub tech essentials. But not every facility delivers. So, let’s rate how much love you got during Surgical Tech Week 2024!

The Bare Minimum: "Did They Even Know It Was Surgical Tech Week?"

First off, if your department didn’t even mention Surgical Tech Week, we’re sorry for your loss. It’s like showing up to your own birthday party, and everyone’s like, “Oh, was that today?” A little recognition goes a long way, people! If you’re sitting there thinking, “Wait, was it Surgical Tech Week?” —we’ve got a problem. Rate it: 1 out of 5 “Where’s the Love?”

The Coffee and Donut Special: "We Appreciate You, Kinda!"

If you got a random box of donuts in the breakroom with a note that said, "We appreciate our scrub techs," hey, that’s something! Sure, it’s not the personalized mug or fun badge reel you were hoping for, but at least they thought of you, right? Just ignore the fact that everyone else in the hospital got donuts, too. It’s the thought that counts…sorta. Rate it: 3 out of 5 “Hey, At Least It’s Sugar!”

Swag Alert: "Oh, We Got You a Badge Reel!"

Now, we’re talking. If your facility gifted you something useful (and slightly stylish), like a cute badge reel or a cute tumbler for those marathon shifts, it shows they actually care. Extra points if they got your name right and didn’t recycle last year’s leftover swag. Rate it: 4 out of 5 “Finally, Something I Can Use!”

All the Bells and Whistles: "You’re Basically Royalty!"

If your workplace really went all out with gifts, recognition, and maybe even a self-care box or mystery box packed with scrub tech goodies (hello, OR essentials!), you’re living the dream. Free lunches, swag bags, and maybe a massage chair for those stressful days—this is what Surgical Tech Week should be all about! Rate it: 5 out of 5 “I’ll Scrub Here Forever!”

So, What Was Your Favorite Thing?

Did you get a cute badge reel? A personalized tumbler with your name on it? Or maybe just a lukewarm “Thanks for all you do”? Whatever it was, we want to hear about it! Drop your best (or worst) Surgical Tech Week gift in the comments below and let’s see how everyone’s facility rated on the love-o-meter.

Wrapping It Up

Surgical Tech Week is our time to shine, but not every facility delivers the appreciation we deserve. Whether you got all the goodies or were left staring at a sad donut, it’s always fun to reflect on how your hard work is recognized. After all, we’re the backbone of the OR! So how did your facility rate? Would you scrub in with them again next year, or are you side-eyeing that travel gig where they actually celebrate you?

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The Buzz on August: Sun, Sand, and Scrubs!

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