Enhancing the profession to ensure quality patient care
Since 1969 the Association of Surgical Technologists has sought to bring together surgical technologists and other healthcare professionals and organizations to promote quality patient care by developing educational programs, promoting professional standards and credentials, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, monitoring the changing healthcare environment, and fostering other opportunities for the personal and professional growth of all surgical technologists and surgical assistants.
Our Mission Statement:
Our mission is to provide surgical technologists the opportunity to grow through continuing education, legislation, and marketing. By networking with other health care professionals, we will ultimately contribute to the care of our surgical patients.
Members of the INAST raised $1135 for Special Olympics!
Tech Spotlight
Welcome to the Indiana State Assembly's Tech Spotlight. This is where we will visit one member of the state assembly each month to find out a little more about who we are here in Indiana.
edited for length and clarity
Who are you: Samantha Stevenson BS, CST,CFA, CRCST
Where do you work and what is your specialty: Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Director of Central Supply Also, Adjunct Faculty at Ivy Tech State College.
How did you choose your specialty: I needed a job after working as a CST/CFA for 13 years. I saw the job posting in the Lafayette newspaper and thought it sounded really interesting and challenging. Plus, I felt ready to move into a supervisory position. I also teach at Ivy Tech in the Health Divisions section . I love teaching, especially when you see a student who finally "gets it"! It can be so rewarding for both the teacher and the student.
What tech school did you attend and what year did you graduate: Ivy Tech State College, Lafayette IN 1992. Also graduated from Indiana State University in 2005 with a BS in Education
What AST positions have you held?: ISA-ST BOD since 2005
What is your biggest joy as a tech: I love working with our docs in figuring out the best way to fix complex orthopedic cases. I also like seeing an immediate positive outcome, regardless of the task at hand.
Where do you see our future: I see Surg Techs gaining ground as being recognized by their employers and peers as educated professionals. I envision seeing CST's as equally educated as what nurses are. I have always said that I don't want to be the least educated person in the OR. Knowledge is everything! It will be nice to see a generation of techs who not only know how to do something, but why they do something.
Hobbies, interests, etc: Reading fiction, gardening, triathlon training
