It feels good to know that you are a part of something that helps better someone's life. I am still learning, but when I'm involved in a difficult case and see the positive end results, it is a huge confidence-builder.

I work in orthopedics at Methodist Hospital. I work from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and then I'm on call overnight. I may be assigned to an operating room (OR) or to provide breaks to other surgical technologists through the day. When I am assigned an OR, my job is to prepare the table and the sterile field, drape the patient with sterile cloths, assist in surgery and hand instruments to the surgeons. We use a lot of equipment, such as artificial joints, drills, surgical equipment, operating microscopes, monitors and cameras. The OR is a highly stressful environment. When things need to be done, they have to be done right away and accurately. When something is wrong, you have to speak up immediately and offer solutions to fix it.

In order to enjoy this work, I think you definitely need to care about people and want to help people. I'm pretty sure that almost everyone that goes into health care has that same desire, to help and care for people.

I wish I knew about this career right out of high school. I was all over the place. Try to figure out what kind of a person you are and what you enjoy doing and then explore those career interests. Gather as much information as possible, then make educated decisions.