Niels Tobiasson
Operating Room Circulator
Baylor Scott & White Health
Temple, TX USA
“We limit ourselves. If you can remove that wall in your own mind, you can accomplish anything.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationNiels Tobiasson
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
When I was young, I volunteered at the Humane Society—I got funneled into the clinical side of the organization and became very interested in surgery and medicine.
I initially thought I’d become a veterinary technician, but a friend of mine recommended I study human medicine instead so that I’d be better able to support a family.
I didn’t think I was smart enough to go to nursing school, so I decided to work toward becoming a surgical technician instead.
When I first started working as a surgical technologist, I saw becoming a nurse as an unachievable feat for me but eventually I gained more confidence after working alongside the nurses.
I decided to attend an associate's degree program for nursing—but it was difficult because I was balancing school, work, and my new family.
I realized that I didn’t want to sacrifice time with my kids while pursuing my bachelor’s degree as well, so I figured Western Governors University's online program would be the best fit for me.
While completing my bachelor’s degree, my mentor encouraged me to also go for my master’s because it was just as doable—so after earning my BSN, I completed my MSN in nursing administration.
I currently work as a circulator in the operating room, but it’s my goal to work my way out of a bedside role and move into more of a leadership role where I can teach other nurses.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Associate's Degree
Nursing
College of Southern Idaho
Nursing
College of Southern Idaho
Career
Operating Room Circulator
I prepare patients for heart surgery and help during post-operation.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Day to Day
As a circulator, I work on the outside of a patient's surgery. I gather the supplies for surgery, position the patient, and make sure all the paperwork is correct. I also complete all of the charting for the patient and prepare medications.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Before you go to college, I recommend trying to figure out what major you want to pursue and how it will apply to potential careers in the future before you actually dive in. If you don't know what you want to do, I suggest taking a bunch of different classes to figure out what you're interested in before you put a ton of work into the one subject you declare for your bachelor's degree. I also highly recommend shadowing someone who works in the field or position you want to pursue.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"You're not smart enough to become a nurse."
Challenges I Overcame
Mental Health Issues
Self-Esteem Issues
Work-Life Balance
