Surgical Technology

by Vickie Jenkins – Writer/Photographer

Meet Lakiea McCaslin, whom works as a part-time scrub tech in the OR for several hospitals in Oklahoma City, OK and is also the manager of a woman’s clothing store, Dress Barn. Lakiea’s personality seems to scream outgoing and fun for this active mom of two.
Growing up in Denver, CO, Lakiea moved here to Oklahoma City in 2006. She received her associate’s degree in surgical technology in 2014. “I started out as a CNA and knew that I wanted to do something in the medical field. The first job I had was working at a full body donor facility. It was a year later that I started my job as a CNA at several hospitals and went to college, receiving a degree in Surgical Technology. “My uncle was a scrub technician, so that is when I became interested in being a scrub tech. There was one special teacher in school that seemed to go out of her way to help me. She was the one that believed in me the most. It was one of my teachers in school that persuaded me to move along with my medical career. I could always count on her to answer my questions, etc. about any and everything and have wise words of wisdom along the way. Ever since then, I am a little more convinced that I can do anything I want if I give it my all in my work.”
A scrub technician has a very important and interesting job, kind of like a behind-the-scenes person. “A scrub tech needs to work well under pressure. The tension can get high in an operating room with all of the doctors and nurses and I’ll have to admit, it is easy to pick up on that. Lots of concentration is needed in an OR. We all have to remember not to take things personal. That means everyone has to do their best and each individual needs to know that,” Lakiea said.
“A good thing to remember is the fact that we are taking care of the patient. They are putting their trust in us. A scrub tech has an opportunity to learn something new every day. On a personal note, I absolutely love working in the OR, working with the doctors and nurses. There is always something new to learn,” Lakiea commented.
Lakiea’s favorite part of her job is helping people. “It gives me such a great feeling to know that I had a big part in that person’s life. I will always do my best in what I set out to do,” Lakiea said. “I love people and I get along with everyone. I’ve never met a stranger that I didn’t like,” she added.
I asked Lakiea to describe herself in 3 words. After a little pause, she announced with enthusiasm, ‘hardworking, bubbly and easy going.”
Lakiea wears many hats when it comes to her busy life. Working as a scrub tech, she is also a manager of a women’s clothing store, Dress Barn. “I enjoy both jobs because they are so different. I take pride in each job that I accomplish.”
Lakiea enjoys spending time with her husband and her two kids; a 16- year-old daughter and an 11 year old son. Her spare time is spent with her family which keeps her busy. Her hobbies include drawing and painting, one of her relaxing passions in life.
“In both of my jobs; scrub tech and manager at Dress Barn, I will be sure to put my best effort forward, doing my best to help others and make them happy,” Lakiea said.