Happy Spring!

NBSTSA BEGINS NEW PROCEDURES FOR SENDING OUT CERTIFICATES

Due to COVID restrictions in our office for most of 2020 we have been unable to produce and send out certificates. As a result, we have implemented new procedures we feel will be more efficient going forward.

You may still renew your certification up to 6 months before you expire.  Within a month after your approval to renew OR, within a month after you have passed your exam, you will receive an email from theawardgroup.com/NBSTSA. That email will direct you to a website and give you the log-in information you will need to verify the information and spelling on your certificate and order it. While the original certificate is complimentary you will have to place the order and verify your shipping address. The website also includes some optional items for purchase should you choose to do so. You will need to maintain the log-in information provided for future use should you ever need to order an additional certificate, ID cards, etc.

If you need verification of the currency of your certification before receiving your new certificate, you, or your employer, may check it on our website nbstsa.org/verify-credentials. You may also request an Official Verification letter at that same site and it will be emailed to you.

We understand change can be challenging but hope this information will be helpful for you as we all move forward with these new procedures.

As always, we appreciate each and every one of you and everything you do on a daily basis to promote patient care and safety in the OR.

VACCINATION CLINIC HELD ON-SITE AT NBSTSA HEADQUARTERS

The NBSTSA was pleased to partner with LifeHealth, Inc. to sponsor a COVID vaccination for employees, families and friends of NBSTSA, AST and ARC/STSA. The 1st clinic was held on April 12 with the follow-up for the 2nd dose on May 5.

With our office not having staff on-site for so many months it was fun to see so many and have the activity in the office. LifeHealth was able to administer vaccinations to 37 people – It was a good clinic and partnership with them.

SPOTLIGHT

Libby McRae, NBSTSA Board of Directors

Hello, my name is Libby McRae. I am so excited to introduce myself as the newest member on the Board of Directors for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

I live in central Washington state, the shrub steppe desert and agricultural farming part of the state, not the rainforest part! I am a mother of four and my favorite thing to do is to go enjoy live music. Though I love dogs, I'm definitely a cat person. As far as pets go, however, the most interesting venture I've had is dairy goats. There's nothing like fresh cream in your coffee!

I am invested in this profession in as many ways as possible! From 91D10 school in the Army (operating room technician) in 1991-92, to still working at the mayo stand, teaching for the past 16 years, enjoying 6 years on the Education and Professional Standards Committee with AST, and serving with other great members of Washington state, I LOVE what I am so blessed to do.

I have been mentored on every level and it is a passion of mine to do the same for others. I believe that right now, the surgical technologists in this great country have the greatest opportunities ever afforded members of this profession. The amazing partnership among leadership organizations is evident by how well we are supported.

I love people and I look forward to getting to know more of you throughout this next journey!

Libby McRae, CST, FAST

We want to hear from YOU!

We want to hear from you! What would you like to share with the NBSTSA and your peers? You have stories, and a passion for your profession that we would love to hear about, and share with our community!

These stories may be about your career experiences, about your OR, or about other CSTs and CSFAs that you’d like the world to know about! So send us your human interest pieces, tell us about your unusual hobbies that make you tick, or share with us a tribute to someone who’s had a great impact on your life or profession. 

Please email your stories to Linda Stewart at linda@nbstsa.org along with expressed permission to share. Keep an eye out for future issues of Scrub Buzz, you may get published!

We look forward to celebrating you, your profession, and all of the amazing things each of you do on a daily basis!

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