ARMStaffing Surg Tech Story
Tabatha, a traveling Surg Tech for ARMStaffing, is our Traveler of the Month for August! In this article she describes how she began her career as a Surg Tech, how she began traveling, and the new normal that is post-pandemic traveling.
“I went to school for criminal justice early on when I was super young—I was like 20,” she begins, reflecting on her initial career goals. Years later, at 29, she found herself at a crossroads. “I decided I wanted to go back to school, so I took a personality test. I thought I wanted to do law because I love the complexity of law, and my background.” The personality test opened her eyes to a new path: surgical technology. “Surg tech came up after I took the personality quiz, and it was more positive. It was more towards helping others daily,” she shares. The opportunity to make a tangible difference every day drew her in. “It’s a thankless job, but it’s fulfilling in ways I hadn’t imagined.”
Tabatha’s career as a surgical tech has spanned 19 years. “It’s been a long time, but I love what I do, I absolutely love it,” she says with genuine enthusiasm. However, her journey wasn’t without challenges. “At that time, it was only a one-year program, and my program did not prepare me for the OR—not even the slightest bit. But I’ve been very blessed with the hospitals that I’ve worked at.”
Her first job was at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, a level one trauma hospital and teaching facility. “I had a good foundation. They were very good about their education with new staff. They didn’t allow you to join specialties right away, which I think is very wise in the beginning. You should not specialize. You really need to get your base because there are a lot of surgeries out there and a lot of specialties.” She recounted.
Now, after nearly two decades, Tabatha is ready for the next step in her career. “I’m getting ready to start my surgical first assist training. I start December 1st with that, and by November 31st, I have to get in 140 surgical cases. Basically, the difference between a First Assist and what I do now is that I’ll have more responsibilities. I’ll be able to suture, close, and just do a lot more.”
Taking the Leap into Travel Healthcare
Traveling has also become a significant part of Tabatha’s life. “I’ve always wanted to travel, but as a single mom, I didn’t think I could. Back in 2021, some things were going on, and the economy took a plummet. I was working my butt off, and the pay was garbage. That’s when I started thinking about traveling seriously,” she explains. “I didn’t think as a single mom that I could travel, but my hospital jobs have never been close to home anyway.”
Despite the challenges, Tabatha has found traveling to be incredibly rewarding. “I expect to be worked harder because there’s a perception that if you’re making that travel pay, you should be worked harder,” she says. “But that doesn’t bother me. I’ve had only great experiences as a traveler.” The flexibility and the opportunity to see new places have been life-changing for her. “I’m not killing myself. I’m enjoying my life. I still work at my casual job, and I still vacation with my children. We vacation all the time. That’s why I don’t have any money,” she laughs.
Being a part of the ARMS family
Her experiences with ARMStaffing have been overwhelmingly positive. “Faith, my recruiter, is wonderful. She really had my back during a tough assignment where things weren’t right. Not every company or recruiter is like that, but she is.” she explained.
Looking ahead, Tabatha has big plans. “When my daughter graduates, I have this little idea of traveling the country in a camper. I have a five-year plan,” she says with excitement. “This is what I want to do, and I’m happy that I’m able to do it and that there’s the opportunity to do it.”
Tabatha’s journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of what truly makes one happy. “I just encourage people to do what’s best for them and follow their dreams. Whatever makes them happy—be happy. Everybody should be happy.”
Keep up the great work and positivity, Tabatha!
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