Bobbi Watson says she heard about Pima Medical from friends. After graduating from the Surgical Technology program at the Denver campus, she says she now loves going to work every day.
Here is her story.
“I had been working at an assisted living facility for a number of years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP.) I had worked my way up to management, but was feeling burnt out. I had a few friends who had attended Pima Medical Institute and spoke very highly of it. I began researching the programs and Surgical Technology captured my interest, so I enrolled.
Most of my classes were online, because of COVID, but I found my instructors to be knowledgeable and encouraging, even from a distance. For clinicals I was placed at Denver Health. I was terrified, but both my clinical director and operating room (OR) educator were always available for questions and upon completion, they offered me a job. I absolutely love going to work and am fascinated by every part of my job! Plus, I get to work with lots of other Pima Medical graduates.
Here’s what my typical day might look like: I check the board for my first assignment, do my first surgical scrub, begin preparing the OR. I gown and glove then prepare the back table and appropriate instruments for that surgery. After the patient and surgeon come in, I help gown and glove the surgeon, drape the patient, and set up suction, cautery, and instrumentation, keeping everything sterile. During surgery I anticipate the needs of the surgeon, often helping with retraction or bleeding. After, I help clean up the OR and begin preparing for my next surgery.
I cannot tell you how much I love being a Surgical Technologist. My husband sees how happy I am and he is considering attending the same program. I’m thankful for Pima Medical and the education and support I received from my instructors. I recommend it all the time.”
Does surgical technology sound interesting to you? Take the first step toward a rewarding career now.
