Why did you choose to study
surgical technology?
I chose to study surgical
technology because as a
young girl I always was
interested in the medi-
cal field. The Discovery
Health Channel was a daily
ritual, especially when it
was a show taking place in
the operating room. Later,
I worked for a gastroen-
terologist that gave me the
chance to observe in the
OR. It was an amazing op-
portunity and that is where I learned that the surgical tech-
nology field existed. After tons of research, the appreciation
and passion grew. I started the program alongside 19 others a
year later.
What are your future career aspirations?
My future career aspirations are to be the best surgical
technologist I can be! I definitely want to go to first assistant
school, keep being involved in the AST and explore my career
options from there.
Who is your biggest influence?
My biggest influence in my life is my younger brother, Jeffrey
Rivera. I like to think we influence each other. He pushes me
to do my best and helps me create and achieve my goals. I’m
so proud of him, and, ultimately, I want to make him proud of
me, too. Thank you, Jeff, for always sticking by my side.
Favorite app?
My favorite app is Instagram. Follow me @missmindey! I love
looking at photographs and staying connected with friends.
Favorite subject to study?
My favorite subject to study is science. I was always the first
one to want dissect a frog, or do any science experiment. Sci-
ence is so incredible to me!
Hardest thing about school/clinicals so far?
The hardest thing about clinicals/school was not being able
to balance a school life versus a personal life. Having to accept
this program really takes up a lot of your time and it can also
be extremely mentally draining.
What is/was your biggest hurdle with school and how did you get
over it?
My biggest hurdle in school was not getting approval from my
instructor. No matter what I did, it was never enough. I over-
came this hurdle by accepting this realization and becoming
my own support system. Later on in the hospital atmosphere,
I realized I didn't need that approval. I had to prove my worth
in the OR and work as team. At the end of the procedure, the
patient is what matters the most, more than anything else.
What has been the greatest reward of your surgical technology
program so far?
The greatest reward of my surgical technologist program has
to be the first time I saw a baby take their first breath. To see
life start outside the womb was incredibly amazing!
Words to live by:
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” - Walt Disney
What advice would you give to new students?
The advice I would give new students is research the quality
of school you are choosing. This career is very intense and you
need a very good education. And above all, when the times get
tough and you think all hope is lost, never quit and always smile!
A Complimentary Quarterly Publication from
AST for Students of Surgical Technology
ASTSA STUDENT
ASSOCIATION
Association of
Surgical Technologists
Q&A with Mindey Rivera
MINDY RIVERA, ASTSA VICE PRESIDENT
NEWS
ASTSA
Summer 2015 Volume 22 Number 1
Information on the AST Study Guide app – a great
way to prepare for the CST exam
Two pages of photos from this year's ASTSA Student
Day at AST's national conference in San Antonio
INSIDE
one
The Foundation for Surgical Technology awarded
15 scholarships to a diverse range of applicants
two
With MySurgeon app, you can:
• Eliminate outdated paper preference cards and
store your surgeons’ preferences on your cell!
• Create, save, edit, update and access surgeons’
contact information, preferences and procedures
• Upload and share photos of setup, instruments,
positioning, etc. from the Procedures Tab
• Create and save appointments with notes to
iPhone Calendar
• Search any information saved within the app
bykeyword
• Access and manage content through web portal
that syncs with the app in real-time
• Non-iPhone or Android users can use the portal
with the same available features
• Android version coming Summer 2015
AST in partnership with MySurgeon is offering this reduced price to a select group of members for a limited
time who will provide feedback to AST on their user experience. Take advantage of the savings and sign up
today with AST online at www.ast.org or by calling AST member services, 800-637-7433.
Be part of the “A-Team” — Know what your surgeon needs
before they arrive in the OR withMySurgeon!
Improve your work
in the OR with a click!
MySurgeon: $10 for One-Year Subscription!
EXCLUSIVE LIMITED
TIME OFFER FOR AST
MEMBERS: SAVE 75%
iOS 8 compatible. Android version coming in Summer2015.
three
• • • • • ••• • • •
|
The Surgical Technologist
|
191
Application Form 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120-8031
❑
Yes, I would like to save $10 and order the Certifying Exam Study Guide at $55 (plus $7.50 shipping).
Savings for current and joining AST members only.
❑
NONMEMBERS: Certifying Exam Study Guide $65 (plus $7.50 shipping)
Name
______________________________________________________________________________
Address
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
City
_____________________________________________________________________
State
____________
ZIP
________________________
E-mail
______________________________________________________
Phone
____________________________________________________
School
_________________________________________________________________________________
Graduation Date
_____________________
I am paying by ❑ Check enclosed ❑ VISA ❑ MasterCard #
______________________________________________________________
Expiration Date
_________________
Total enclosed
________________________
Signature
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Now it pays even more to be a
member of AST—especially
for students.
Your savings begin right away when
you apply for the special student
membership rate, $45 (a $35
savings). Save $10 with the member
discounted price of the examination
study guide, $55 and save $100
when you take the national certifying
examination.
Enjoy the benefi ts of membership
in the premier national professional
organization for surgical technologists.
Join online at www.ast.org; by phone
at 800-637-7433; or by mail (fi ll in
the application below).
JOIN AST
AND SAVE $100 ON THE CST
®
NATIONAL CERTIFYING EXAM
NATIONAL CERTIFYING EXAM
is a registered trademark of the National Board of
Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Benefits include:
✔
student rate
discounts
✔
scholarship
opportunities
scholarship
opportunities
scholarship
✔
access to the most
up-to-date information
about the profession
up-to-date information
about the profession
up-to-date information
✔
insurance discounts
✔
education and
employment
opportunities
employment
opportunities
employment
✔
access to a website
that connects you to
nearly 37,000 other
that connects you to
nearly 37,000 other
that connects you to
surgical technology
nearly 37,000 other
surgical technology
nearly 37,000 other
professionals
surgical technology
professionals
surgical technology
Member price: $190
Nonmember price: $290
2015 CERTIFYING EXAM FEES
Now it pays even more to be a
member of AST—especially
for students.
Your savings begin right away when
you apply for the special student
membership rate, $45 (a $35
savings).
discounted price of the examination
study guide, $55 and
when you take the national certifying
examination.
Enjoy the benefi ts of membership
in the premier national professional
organization for surgical technologists.
Join online at
at 800-637-7433; or by mail (fi ll in
the application below).
JOIN AST
AND SAVE $100 ON THE CST
CST
is a registered trademark of the National Board of
Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Member price: $190
Nonmember price: $290
2015 CERTIFYING EXAM FEES
JOIN AST
Application Form 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120-8031
❑
Yes, I would like to save $10 and order the Certifying Exam Study Guide at $55 (plus $7.50 shipping).
Savings for current and joining AST members only.
❑
NONMEMBERS: Certifying Exam Study Guide $65 (plus $7.50 shipping)
Name
______________________________________________________________________________
Address
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
City
_____________________________________________________________________
State
____________
ZIP
________________________
E-mail
______________________________________________________
Phone
____________________________________________________
School
_________________________________________________________________________________
Graduation Date
_____________________
I am paying by ❑ Check enclosed ❑ VISA ❑ MasterCard #
______________________________________________________________
Expiration Date
_________________
Total enclosed
________________________
Signature
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Now it pays even more to be a
member of AST—especially
for students.
Your savings begin right away when
you apply for the special student
membership rate, $45 (a $35
savings). Save $10 with the member
discounted price of the examination
study guide, $55 and save $100
when you take the national certifying
examination.
Enjoy the benefi ts of membership
in the premier national professional
organization for surgical technologists.
Join online at www.ast.org; by phone
at 800-637-7433; or by mail (fi ll in
the application below).
JOIN AST
AND SAVE $100 ON THE CST
®
NATIONAL CERTIFYING EXAM NATIONAL CERTIFYING EXAM
is a registered trademark of the National Board of
Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Benefits include:
✔
student rate
discounts
✔
scholarship
opportunities
scholarship
opportunities
scholarship
✔
access to the most
up-to-date information
about the profession
up-to-date information
about the profession
up-to-date information
✔
insurance discounts
✔
education and
employment
opportunities
employment
opportunities
employment
✔
access to a website
that connects you to
nearly 34,000 other
that connects you to
nearly 34,000 other
that connects you to
surgical technology
nearly 34,000 other
surgical technology
nearly 34,000 other
professionals
surgical technology
professionals
surgical technology
Member price: $190
Nonmember price: $290
2014 CERTIFYING EXAM FEES
Now it pays even more to be a
member of AST—especially
for students.
Your savings begin right away when
you apply for the special student
membership rate, $45 (a $35
savings).
discounted price of the examination
study guide, $55 and
when you take the national certifying
examination.
Enjoy the benefi ts of membership
in the premier national professional
organization for surgical technologists.
Join online at
at 800-637-7433; or by mail (fi ll in
the application below).
JOIN AST
AND SAVE $100 ON THE CST
CST
is a registered trademark of the National Board of
Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Member price: $190
Nonmember price: $290
2014 CERTIFYING EXAM FEES
JOIN AST
AST_JoinAST_Ad_Rev_Jan2014.indd 147 1/10/14 2:24 PM
four
ASTSA
Forum
Roundup
The 2015 ASTSA Student
Day at AST's national
conference in San An-
tonio in May brought
students, educators and
surgical tech advocaters
from around the country.
From sessions on how
to study for the national
certification exam to how
to prepare resumes and
get ready for the work-
force, students embraced
the knowledge and the
networking.
ASTSA President:
Mauricio Lafuente
ASTSA Vice President:
Mindey Rivera
ASTSA Secretary:
Mikaela Munger
ASTSA Treasurer:
John Hardie
First place:
Virginia College,
Columbia, South Carolina
Second place:
Horry Georgetown
Technical College,
Georgetown, South Carolina
Third place:
Southeast Community College,
Lincoln, Nebraska
Three schools were awarded
prizes in the annual Student
T-shirt contest
New ASTSA officers were
elected as well
five
six
The Foun-
dation for
Surgical
Techn ol ogy received numerous applications from pro-
g rams nat ionwide. Many applicants expressed a desire
to help others , make a commitment to contr ibute to
t he welfare of others , and most importantly, m ake a
difference.
The diverse ra nge of applica nts included young st u-
dents em barking on their first career; pa rents seeking
additional income or a more stable job environment;
older student see king a career cha ng e; vet er ans hop-
ing to continue usin g their talents and skills; a nd the
nearly-retired, who are intent on giving back.
We applaud all applicants who represent the best of
t his profession and symbolize what su rgical te chnolo -
g ists have been practicing d aily for 45 yea r s! The com -
mitt e e commends the members of A ST for committing
to helpin g these recipients with the burden of student
loans , loss of sal ary a nd the hurdle of star ti ng a new.
$1,000
BoB Caruthers
sCholarship
Sponsored by the
Texas State Assembly
Holly Nicely
Tarrant
County College
Fort Worth, Texas
$1,000
Foundation
sCholarship
Taylor Slone
South Plains College
Lubbock, Texas
$750
Foundation
sCholarship
Christopher Grzych
Robert Morris
University
Chicago, Illinois
$750
Foundation
sCholarship
Steven Haddicks
American
Career College
Anaheim, California
$500
Foundation
sCholarship
Bridget Crandall
Seward County
Community College
Liberal, Kansas
$750
Catherine Moore
award
Tracy Gunkle
Chattahoochee
Technical College
Acworth, Georgia
$750
GeorGia state
asseMBly
sCholarship
Donna Harrison
Chattahoochee
Technical College
Acworth, Georgia
$1,000
south Carolina
state asseMBly
sCholarship
Jessica James
Florence Darlington
Technical College
Florence,
South Carolina
$1,000
Foundation
sCholarship
Lauren Craig
Chesapeake College
Wye Mills, Maryland
2014
-
15
SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS
seven
$500
Foundation
sCholarship
Darren Dinubilo
GateWay
Community College
Phoenix, Arizona
$500
Foundation
sCholarship
Joseph Paganoni
Platt College
Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma
$500
Foundation
sCholarship
April Slayton
Western Dakota
Technical Institute
Rapid City,
South Dakota
$350
MiChiGan state
asseMBly/
Foundation
sCholarship
April Pierce
Baker College
of Cadillac
Cadillac, Michigan
$500
north Carolina
state asseMBly
sCholarship
Brittney Lee
Miller-Motte College
Wilmington,
North Carolina
$500
Foundation
sCholarship
Catherine Lewis
Wharton County
Junior College
Wharton, Texas
Studying for the CST Exam?
There's an App for That!
This AST Study Guide app is the only AST-endorsed study guide for the
National Surgical Technologist Certifying Examination. Authored by
fellow surgical tech educators, it features nearly 1,400 questions that
have been constructed to represent the national content outline.
The app includes six tests, two bonus science review sections, the
ability to select the number of questions to practice from and instant
answers to test your knowledge.
Study with confidence whenever and wherever you are!
6 practice exams, each featuring 175 questions
2 bonus science review sections, for a total of 330 additional review
questions
Study in whatever time you have by selecting a question range that
fits your schedule
Options include taking the exams in a random or chronological order
Get immediate answers and explanations to each question so you
can maximize your learning and determine which areas you might
need more review
AST Study Guide App Features:
eight
Congratulations to AST
N a tio nal Hon o r Society Inductees
June
Aneta Drake ..................AI Prince, Hartford, CT
Kesheena Carroll ..........Choffin School of Surgical Tech, Youngstown OH
Nicole Holt .....................Choffin School of Surgical Tech, Youngstown, OH
Wei Yuan ........................Gulf Coast Community College, Panama City, FL
Stephanie Condron ......James Rumsey Technical Institute, Martinsburg, WV
Belinda Wilmer ..............James Rumsey Technical Institute, Martinsburg, WV
Wendy Brooks ...............Brown Mackie College, Bedford, TX
Jessica Sekula ..............Brown Mackie College, Akron, OH
Lisa Odom ......................James Rumsey Technical Institute, Martinsburg, WV
Darren Dinubilo .............Gateway Community College, Phoenix, AZ
Stacy Hutton .................Gulf Coast Community College, Panama City, FL
Kerri Martindale ...........AI Prince, Hartford, CT
Robert Mongeon III ......AI Prince, Hartford, CT
Lisa Henne .....................Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences,
Reading, PA
Zachary Edinger ...........Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences,
Reading, PA
Elaine Nelting ................Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Jason Balonick ..............Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
D Ivette Kautsky ..........Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Kristen Chipman ...........Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Randy VanCouten .........Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Katia Nielsen .................Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Duyen Bui .......................Tarrant County College, Fort Worth, TX
Hugo Nieves ..................Tarrant County College, Fort Worth, TX
Theresa Andrews .........Concord Hospital Surgical Technology Program,
Concord, NH
Elizabeth Scarpinato ...Eastwick College, Ramsey, NJ
Sophia Welther .............Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Tina Andreozzi ..............Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Stacy Sainsbury ...........Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Stefan Shishmanian ....Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
Paul Galchus ..................Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
July
Leo Mazzella .............................Ulster Boces Adult Education, Port Ewen, NY
April McIver ...............................Virginia College, Columbia, SC
Keisha Winstead ......................Miller-Motte Technical College, Cary, NC
Christina Moriarty ...................Vincennes University, Vincennes, IN
Alyssa Williamson ...................Vincennes University, Vincennes, IN
Mary Hornaday .........................Ivy Tech Community College, Columbus, IN
Hollie Paul ..................................Ivy Tech Community College, Columbus, IN
Holly Nicely ................................Tarrant County College, Fort Worth, TX
Colvito Palmore ........................Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL
Christy Larson ..........................Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL
Liana Jawad ...............................Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL
Cheyenne Buskirk ....................St Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem, PA
Kelly Sawruk .............................St Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem, PA
Megan Rinker ............................St Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem, PA
Stephanie Schrader-Kotara ...St Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem, PA
Mandy Gamez ............................St Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem, PA
Tonya Bawcum ..........................Virginia College, Columbia, SC
Carmen Montes ........................Virginia College, Columbia, SC
Jada Pauley ................................Virginia College, Columbia, SC
Kimbelry Robinson ...................Virginia College, Columbia, SC
Rebecca Nichols .......................Concord Hospital
Surgical Technology Program, Concord, NH
Marlee Rater .............................Vernon College, Wichita Falls, TX
Misty Brown ..............................Vernon College, Wichita Falls, TX
Melanie Sefcik ..........................Vernon College, Wichita Falls, TX
Kelli Ferguson ...........................Vernon College, Wichita Falls, TX
Benjamin Hand ..........................Augusta Technical College, Augusta, GA
Brian Mead.................................Augusta Technical College, Augusta, GA
Kermit Sharpe ...........................Augusta Technical College, Augusta, GA
Chelsea Vandermark ...............Central Ohio Technical College, Newark, OH
Richelle Corriveau ....................Concord Hospital
Surgical Technology Program, Concord, NH
Jessica Geiger...........................Oakland Community College, Southfield, MI
Micheal Lane .............................Technical College of Lowcountry, Beaufort, SC
Karina Fox ..................................Maine Medical Center, South Portland, ME
Nicole Saavedra .......................Maine Medical Center, South Portland, ME
Kimberly Doyon .........................Maine Medical Center, South Portland, ME
Kellsi-Ann Kraft ........................Miller-Motte Technical College, Cary, NC
Mary DeBlois .............................Maine Medical Center, South Portland, ME
