Happy National Surgical Technologists Week

A.W. Beattie Career Center and students in its new Surgical Sciences program, the first of its kind at the high school level in Pennsylvania, would like to thank surgical technologists across the region!

Surgical Sciences instructor Mrs. Olszewski and her students sent handmade cards of appreciation to 17 OR's around the Pittsburgh area in celebration of National Surgical Technologist Week. They used laptops for graphic design, markers, cardstock and other art supplies to make their creations. The cards included the letter below, written by Mrs. Olszewski.

To our heroes in scrubs,

    Hello, my name is Mrs. Olszewski, and I am the instructor for a brand-new program offered to high school students in the state. I teach Surgical Sciences-Operating Room Technology at A. W. Beattie Career Center in Allison Park. Pennsylvania has never experienced a program of this nature, and it is because of you, our Surgical Technologists that we have this opportunity. My students and I can break new ground educationally because of the impact YOU make in the healthcare field. The impression that you are making in your facility is initiating conversations around the area of how to educate more people about Surgical Technology and encourage individuals to pursue the incredibly difficult task of the role. Hospitals want more Surgical Technologists like you, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to have a role in that process for our students.

     This week is about YOU. The hours you work, standing in one spot, giving the surgeon what he needs, not what he wants. The call shifts, holidays, weekends, and nights you spend working on patients to give them a chance to return home to their loved ones. The incredible customer service skills that keep an operating room filled with people who want different things at the same time, happy. Add-on cases, emergencies, unexpected events, contaminations, missing instruments and any of the other stressors of the job that are taken in stride because the patient comes first. ALWAYS. You made masks and gloves cool way before Covid-19 did. When the pandemic struck us all, you were front line, in your PAPRS or N-95's ready to work. Your worth is INVALUABLE.

     My students and I wanted to send you a small token of appreciation for all that you do all year round. Though the students are just learning the effects Surgical Technology has on medicine, I have a deep and profound love and respect for the career we have all chosen.

     I hope you know that light is being shined upon what you do. One student at a time.

     HAPPY SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST WEEK!

     Sincerely,

     Mrs. Vincenzina Olszewski, CST

     Surgical Sciences-Operating Room Technology, A. W. Beattie Career Center

     Senior Surgical Technologist, UPMC St. Margaret