Web Version Update preferences | Unsubscribe Like Tweet Forward IN THIS EDITION • 2014 AST Annual National Conference • CST Spotlight • Announcements • Certification Renewal THE BACK TABLE Marketing Tip: Promote your certification with the hospital by talking to management about creating a Wall of Distinction for Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) and Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFAs). Post pictures of each individual along with the number of years they have been certified to set them apart from non-credentialed individuals and to acknowledge their commitment to the profession. Study Tip: Try studying in 20–50 minute increments. It takes time for your brain to form new long-term memories, so studying tirelessly for hours on end is not as effective. Break up your study sessions with 5 to 10 minute breaks and get up and walk around. For more useful study tactics, be on the lookout for the NBSTSA’s latest webinar on examination preparation strategies, available later this year. Statistic: The NBSTSA recently surveyed OR Nurse Managers at AORN’s Annual Surgical Conference & Expo and found that 87% said that having the CST credential would influence hiring and/or promotion decisions at their hospitals. Calendar of Events: National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) Congress, Orlando, FL , May 14–16, 2014



Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN , May 14–17, 2014



Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Annual Conference , Denver, CO, May 26–30, 2014



Colorado Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Annual Meeting, Snowmass, CO, June 11–13, 2014



Florida State Assembly Meeting, Tampa, FL, August 2, 2014



American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting , Nashville, TN, August 9–12, 2014



Concorde Career College, Portland, OR, August 19, 2014 2014 AST Annual National Conference The NBSTSA is even more excited than usual for AST’s Annual Conference this year. Why? Because it will be held in our backyard! As most of you are already aware, this year’s Annual Conference will be held in Denver, CO. Below are a few tips that will help you to get the most out of your time at the conference and your trip to the NBSTSA’s beautiful home state.



Attend sessions: AST has a great line-up this year – take advantage of this. Utilize this opportunity to earn as many credits as you can for your CST and/or CSFA renewal. Four years comes around faster than you might think and conference is great way to earn CEs that will be accepted by AST. Make sure to keep a copy of the documentation from the sessions you attend in case there are questions or errors in your CE Report later down the road.



Network: Attend after-hours events like the Community Outreach Scavenger Hunt, the NBSTSA/AST/ARC STSA Headquarters Tour, the Opening Night Reception and Closing Night Party to meet fellow surgical professionals in a more relaxed environment. Use the time in between sessions to mingle and share knowledge and ideas. Some of the most valuable information can be gained not in sessions, but rather in your networking time.



Explore the trade show hall: The NBSTSA will have an information booth as well as a regular booth space at #806. Stop by to get all of your certification and renewal questions answered and to meet the NBSTSA staff and volunteers. The NBSTSA will also be selling CST and CSFA logo wear and will also have giveaways. Take time during the trade show hours to visit all the vendors. You might learn things you didn’t know about new products and services and, of course, get complimentary promo items.



Dining out in Denver: Denver has one of the best restaurant scenes in the West, so avoid the chains and try some of the off-the-beaten-path local places. Here are a couple of websites to check out for some top notch local cuisine: www.5280.com and www.denver.org.



Sight-seeing in Denver: Make the most of your free time in Denver by exploring some of the many activities right downtown or just a short drive away. Hiking in the foothills, catching a Rockies game or shopping on the 16th Street Mall - there are many activities to enjoy outside of the hotel. Try following Downtown Denver, 5280 and Westword on Facebook to learn about activities and events taking place. Also take advantage of the Denver Visitors and Convention Bureau and visit www.denver.org.



The NBSTSA hopes that everyone will be able to attend AST’s Annual Conference this year and looks forward to welcoming you to Colorado. Click here to register. Photo credit: flickr.com/photos/dagpeak ................................................................................................................. CST Spotlight In this edition of the NBSTSA’s CST Spotlight we are proud to feature Ms. Joyce Berardi, a graduate from Long Island University who became certified in 2012. When Ms. Berardi is not in the OR she stays busy entertaining family and friends with her cooking and baking skills and enjoys playing with her dog, exercising, crafting, reading, dining, traveling and going to concerts with friends. Dive into her interview with us to find out what her experience as a CST has taught her about the profession. NBSTSA: Why did you decide to pursue a career in surgical technology?



Berardi: I always had an interest in the medical field, yet I had never heard of the position of a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). A medical assistant told me that I would be great in this position; so I did my research and found it to be an interesting and challenging career.



NBSTSA: What is the most important thing you've learned from your experience as a CST?



Berardi: Every doctor is different and have their preferences. Remember what they prefer to have on the field in the operating room. Remember the patient's safety is of the utmost importance - if you are asked to break scrub and help transfer the patient to the bed, then do so because you are part of the team. Keep diligent notes after each surgery. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you are not sure of something because even a routine surgery may change that day. NBSTSA: What has been the most rewarding experience for you in the surgical technology field? Berardi: I will name a few—Scrubbing in for the first time alone was amazing and my first highlight of being a CST. When a surgeon complimented my work to my supervisor and myself, I knew that I had gained his respect for the work that I delivered and being part of the surgical team. It was one of my proudest moments. NBSTSA: Is there anything else you would like to share? Berardi: There might be people who say that you shouldn't be in the OR when you know that you could achieve this goal. Go toward your dream anyway, as I did, and make it happen. I am also forever grateful to the administration and my wonderful, supportive teachers at Long Island University for believing in me and giving me their utmost support.



................................................................................................................. Announcements Do you know of an individual or program that could use CST and CSFA reference textbooks? The NBSTSA will be raffling old editions of the textbooks used to create the CST and CSFA examinations. Stop by the NBSTSA booth, #806, at AST’s Annual Conference May 26–30, 2014 to drop your business card and enter for a chance to win.



The NBSTSA will be raffling old editions of the textbooks used to create the CST and CSFA examinations. Stop by the NBSTSA booth, #806, at AST’s Annual Conference May 26–30, 2014 to drop your business card and enter for a chance to win. The NBSTSA is proud to announced the reappointment of several volunteers in addition to welcoming new volunteers to the Examination Review Committees. The CST Examination Review Committee (ERC) welcomed new volunteers Chante Yearby, CST from Romeoville, IL and Julie Vance, CST from Aurora, CO. The CST-ERC also welcomes back Larry Gereau, CST and Jocelyn Maxwell, CST. Finally, Kerry Swecker-Schroeder, CSFA was selected for another term on the CSFA Examination Review Committee.



The CST Examination Review Committee (ERC) welcomed new volunteers Chante Yearby, CST from Romeoville, IL and Julie Vance, CST from Aurora, CO. The CST-ERC also welcomes back Larry Gereau, CST and Jocelyn Maxwell, CST. Finally, Kerry Swecker-Schroeder, CSFA was selected for another term on the CSFA Examination Review Committee. Have you heard about the NBSTSA’s state assembly program? The NBSTSA will send a speaker and/or materials to your local state assembly meeting. The schedule for Fall 2014 is filling up fast, so if you are interested, please contact Cara Stan at cara@nbstsa.org for more information. ................................................................................................................. Certification Renewal When it’s time for your certification renewal, please remember to include an updated photograph to the NBSTSA along with your application and payment to the NBSTSA. 2" x 2" passport style photos can be taken at home or purchased at walk-in locations such CVS, Walgreens and Rite-Aid for a low cost.