CAREER Mobilizing your Options to Become a CSFA

Jack Welch: “Control your own destiny, or someone else will.”

Where am I going?How do I get

there?

Steps• Self Analysis

• Establish where you want to go.

• Research Options.

• Identify your strategy.

• Commit resources!....TIME!!

• DO IT – STUDY-USE FLASHCARDS.

• Evaluate Success…

• Move…if you must!

How do we define a “Successful CSFA”?• Staff shows respect, appreciative of

assistance, or seems relieved to see the CSFA enter the room for difficult cases –YOU HELP.

• Able to give quality patient care, people listen and ask for answers and guidance regarding the case at hand. • Knowledge is apparent.• Willingness to share knowledge with the team. • Willingness to help…in any way needed to

expedite the case. • Flexible –Adjusts to the situation. Keeps

focused…• Holds a Nationally Accredited Credential

validating their knowledge base.

Going back to School…Can I Commit?• Motivation

• Do I really want this enough to sacrifice my “free time”?• Commitment

• Can I balance work, school and family? • Take a calendar block out all time required for work

and family. • What’s Left?

• How much time is sufficient time for studies? • For each course typically 2-3 hours per week

just to review online course resources/class.• Then 3-9 hours per week for study to learn

advanced anatomy and/or procedures• Then 2-3 hours per week to document clinical

experiences • Will my family support this?

• Time – Can I schedule some time every day?• Chores – Will they help?

Current Programs:• Current: Range from Certificate to AS Degree to Masters

Degree – What does your institution/state prefer or require?

• Delivery Method:• On-Site Traditional Program – FACE to FACE • E-Learning Program with Affiliation agreements for off-site

clinical and an on-site lab session.• Can you do clinical cases at their location if necessary as a

backup?

• Entry Requirements for different programs: • CST with no experience• CST with Diploma or Certificate• CST with 2 years experience• Non-experienced who completes the CST program and

continues additional term(s) to finish CSFA. • Degree level student with Bachelors degree or higher with no

previous healthcare experience

Going back to School...What type of program do you need?

• Make the right choice from all your options…Points to consider.

• What is the right program that will help you meet your needs and goals? • Online versus traditional on-site classes. • What do you need for your situation (state or

place of employment)? What can I afford? • A certificate, an AS degree, a Master’s degree

• Do I possibly want to advance to a PA program? Become a surgeon? If so, which SFA program will best transfer or prepare me for that eventuality?

Where to go for Information?• Research the internet regarding the

profession. www.surgicalassistant.org/

• Research for current accredited programs. www.caahep.org

• Research the colleges and institutions that offer the program. Obtain or print their information – COMPARE.

• Contact the Program director or faculty of the program.

• Pass rates? Completion rates?Sample syllabus?

• Credit for Experience Level?• Compare apples to apples.• Choose a program that fits.

Financial Aid – Make the right choice.• Financial Aid – Research your options.

• Visit the colleges financial aid page.• Look for scholarships offered that you can

apply for. • Does my institution provide tuition assist?• Look for their Gainful employment statistics

for the program.

• Follow the steps for Financial aid • Begin the process of seeing what you can

qualify for.• Starts with Filling out a FASFA Application.

This is the basis for all future applications. • Plan for entire course of study Fall, Spring

and Summer (if included). • If you qualify for FASFA, Save

enough/Divide to cover summer classes

You’ve chosen a program, prepared to fill out the application…Key Questions• Am I Ready for this?

• Surgical Technologist with Nationally accredited credential – Read the packet sent completely.

• Focus on the Target…Do I have the Time?• Do the Math on the planning page….

YOU MUST STUDY HARD AND DAILY TO PASS THE NATIONAL EXAM.

• Am I willing to sacrifice my personal life for the time it takes to complete the program and pass the certification exam…

• At least 6– 9 months (Full Time) or a maximum of 12 – 15 months (Part Time) –(depending on how many classes per term).

The Goal is to Pass The CSFA

Certification Exam. To do that you must move

that information from SHORT TERM TO LONG

TERM RETENTION… that takes TIME.

What do I need to Learn?Basics – SSI/Tissue Damage Prevention

• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY –Netters Plates• Knowledge of layers of entry and exit.• Knowledge of each organ and it’s relative

position to others in normal anatomy. • Ability to recognize abnormal anatomy,

understand common pathology.• Location of key landmarks – Able to start at a

particular site and locate key structures.• Key Nerves, arteries and veins (VAN)• Ligaments and tendons• Key Connective tissue used for manipulation

or that must be carefully moved – Safe to grasp

• Pathophysiology – Cause, Tx, Potential Complications.

What do I need to learn?• EACH Procedure - Research…

• Diagnostic tests and diagnosis• Knowledge of steps of procedure,

instrumentation.• Differences in approaches –

AnterioLateral vs posteriolateral; open vs robotic)

• LAYERS TO ENTER• KEY LANDMARKS – VAN, Ducts,

ligaments, muscles, lymph nodes, fascial sheaths, etc.)

• Key Structures to mobilize for exposure (Structures sacrificed or removed)

• Any Maneuver's used (Kocher, Cattle, Mattox, Pringle, etc.)

Organize for Success:• Organize a study area with computer, internet

access, and all books.• Develop a Daily Routine

• Set times to study daily. Weekend mornings/prior to picking up kids are good. (No more sleeping in.)

• Develop a plan B…Cook enough for two meals and freeze the extra

• Have a support system:• Network with your classmates…mutual. • Select a Mentor… a Role Model.• Ask for help…Delegate chores

• Clarify assignments…ask. Don’t overdo….or waste time.

• Calendar – Plan• Computer • Sugar to feed your brain cells. • Flash Cards to carry always in your pocket – red lights, waiting for Dr., etc.

Completing Assignments Successfully:• Organize your classes and your assignments

Use the calendar in CANVAS and PRINT the syllabus list of due dates at least. Read it.

• Take it one ASSIGNMENT at a time.• Do it early…don’t wait to the last minute.• Use the Assignment List: Take pride in

marking each assignment off–Strike it out. • Celebrate mini-goals reached. Reward

yourself as each course is completed. • Don’t Complain – Don’t whine… FOCUS.• Keep positive that you can do it.• Work on an Assignment everyday – 2

hours….SET a daily schedule and stick to it. If something interferes…Make up for it the weekend.

Study Skills for Success:• Research

• Use Technology/Library–search engines.• Learn to save articles and the APA format

• Taking Tests• Consider Practices as prep for exams which

are then preps for the certification exam• Study exams for RETENTION

• Spread it out – Don’t cram • Employ all senses -read/speak/hear• Make and Use Flash Cards-Carry them always

• Exams: Read it, mark it, move on• If you missed it-study the material-not the ?.

ASK WHY? Look up any words not known. Understand the reasons not just the answer. Certification variations.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO

HELPING YOU BE SUCCESSFUL.

If you find that our program meets

your needs and you are ready to

commit.

Follow the step by step directions in the packet. MAKE SURE YOU READ

EVERYTHING.

Lmcnaron@gulfcoast.edu

Choose a mentor wisely

Need Advice, More Information?• Preferred and quickest for questions:

• Send an email toLmcnaron@gulfcoast.edu

• Call 850-814-6675 if need response now.

• Text is difficult…but can work for yes or no or limited response questions