Hospitals across the U.S. are dealing with a shortage of surgical techs. Even locally, there is a shortage, but to solve the problem SIH is looking internally.
HERRIN, IL (WSIL) - Hospitals across the U.S. are dealing with a shortage of surgical techs.
Even locally, there is a shortage, but to solve the problem SIH is looking internally.
It's time to scrub in for some surgical technologists in training at SIH’s Herrin Hospital. The surgical techs in training were learning how to put their gown and gloves on in a non contaminating way.
Christina Elbrecht is one of eight externs learning how to ensure a sterile and organized surgical environment.
“I wake up every day like, beyond blessed and I look forward to coming in every day,� Elbrecht says.
Karen Geittmann is the externship’s program director. She says that all of the externs were already employees of SIH, and they're getting paid right now to learn.
Geittmann shared that people in the program came for different departments including housekeeping.
“It's on the job training and there's also other opportunities that we can afford later. They can go on to become first assistants or we can get them into the nursing program,� Geittmann says. “So, there's a variety of things that this can open their world up to.�
Geittmann says the program takes nine months in total to complete and they are already three weeks in.
“We're teaching them anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and surgical instruments,� Geittmann says. “And, then they're going to be doing skills and passing instruments and learning all about surgical instruments before they go onto their clinical practicums.�
This is SIH’s first round of externs, and Elbrecht says it's like working with a team.
“I feel like the teamwork has been like something that I definitely was looking for that I didn't have at my last job. So I feel like the teamwork and coming together as a unit has been really awesome to watch,â€Elbrecht says.
Elbrecht worked in medical billing for SIH, but is now fulfilling her dream.
“I have two little girls at home, so I'm just glad that they get to see me following my dream regardless of what age I am or that I have kids and a husband,� Elbrecht says.
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