Medely for Surgical Techs: My $61/Hour Shift Got Canceled

Can surgical techs really make good money picking up shifts through Medely? Well, I was supposed to make approximately $61 an hour working as a Surgical First Assistant. But things didn’t exactly go as planned.

I’ve been a Surgical Technologist and Surgical First Assistant for over 20 years. At this point in my career, I’m not necessarily looking for another full-time job. I’m looking for opportunities that allow me to use my experience, make good money, and still have control over my time.

That’s one reason I’ve been exploring platforms like Medely.

Recently, I accepted a five-hour Surgical First Assistant shift at a surgery center where I’d previously worked as a surgical tech. I was excited because the facility had requested me, the pay wasn’t bad, and I was getting an opportunity to work with a surgeon I’d interviewed with for a part-time position.

The only problem?

I drove all the way to the surgery center before realizing my cases had been canceled.

So, let’s talk about my experience, how Medely works for surgical techs, and whether picking up freelance healthcare shifts is worth it.

What Is Medely for Surgical Techs?

Medely is a healthcare staffing platform that connects qualified healthcare professionals with facilities looking for temporary or per diem staff.

For surgical technologists, that can mean opportunities to pick up shifts at surgery centers and other healthcare facilities without committing to a traditional full-time schedule.

Depending on your credentials, location, and available opportunities, you may find shifts that fit around your existing work schedule.

That’s what makes this type of work interesting to me.

I’ve spent enough time in the operating room to know that I don’t necessarily want to be there five days a week anymore.

That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy surgery. It means I want to have more control over when I work.

And there’s a difference.

With per diem work, I can potentially pick up a shift when I want additional income and leave the rest of my schedule available for other things I’m working on.

Of course, there’s a downside to that flexibility, too.

And I got a reminder of it during this particular experience.

Interested in Trying Medely?

If you’re a surgical tech or another eligible healthcare professional interested in picking up local per diem shifts, you can explore Medely using my referral link.

Sign up for Medely using my referral link

Through the referral offer shared with me, we can both receive a bonus of between $50 and $100 after you sign up and complete three qualifying local per diem shifts.

Referral disclosure: This is my referral link. I may receive a referral bonus if you meet the program requirements. Bonus amounts, eligibility, and availability are subject to Medely’s current terms.

My $61-an-Hour Surgical First Assistant Opportunity

Let me tell y’all how this day started.

I had accepted a shift from approximately 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. working as a Surgical First Assistant.

The pay was around $61 an hour.

Now, was that the rate I originally asked the facility for?

No.

When I interviewed with them about a part-time opportunity, I requested a higher rate because of the commute.

The facility is approximately 30 minutes from my house, and if you know anything about me, you know I’m not a commuter.

I don’t like spending unnecessary time driving to and from work.

So when I’m considering an opportunity, I’m not just looking at the hourly rate.

I’m also looking at how much time the job is going to require.

But this was an opportunity to work with a surgeon I hadn’t assisted before. I’d already worked at the facility as a surgical tech, so I was somewhat familiar with the environment.

And honestly, I was excited.

I was expecting pain management cases, possibly procedures involving spinal cord stimulators or SI joint fusions.

Based on my understanding of the cases, I anticipated assisting with positioning, prepping, draping, and closing.

Nothing about the expected responsibilities was particularly concerning to me.

However, when you’re working with a new surgeon, you still have to learn their preferences.

That’s true whether you’ve been in surgery for two years or twenty.

Preparing for a Freelance Surgical First Assistant Shift

Even though I’ve been working in surgery for years, I still prepare when I’m going into an unfamiliar situation.

Before this shift, I spent some time practicing my suturing techniques.

I have a suture practice kit at home, and I used it to get comfortable with the instruments and review the techniques I thought I might need.

I wasn’t necessarily nervous about whether I could perform the job.

It was more about working with a new surgeon and learning how they wanted things done.

Every surgeon is different.

One might prefer a running subcuticular closure. Another might want interrupted sutures or a different technique.

As a first assistant, part of your responsibility is adapting to the surgeon’s preferences while maintaining safe surgical practices.

I wanted to walk into that facility feeling prepared.

And I did.

Getting Ready for Work

Now, y’all know I can’t just tell a story without bringing you along for everything else.

Before heading to the surgery center, I needed gas.

My car was showing about 22 miles until empty, so that was the first stop.

Then I decided to run into Walmart.

I wanted some earrings, a smaller nose ring, and a few things to make myself lunch.

I also needed something for menstrual cramps because, of course, my cycle decided to show up right before I had to go to work.

By the time I finished shopping, I’d spent $45.80.

Not all of that was directly related to working, but it was still money I spent while preparing for my day.

I went home, got ready, and headed toward the surgery center.

Or at least I thought I was heading in the right direction.

Because I also managed to take a longer route than necessary.

Instead of driving approximately 30 minutes, I ended up driving more than 40 minutes.

And when I finally arrived?

The cases had been canceled.

My Medely Shift Was Canceled Before I Arrived

Here’s where things got interesting.

When I arrived at the surgery center, I found out that my cases weren’t happening.

Apparently, the shift had been canceled the previous evening.

Medely had sent me a cancellation notification.

I just didn’t see it.

And that’s an important part of this story because I don’t want to make it seem like Medely never notified me.

They did.

I’d received confirmation messages when I accepted the shift, and I had also been receiving notifications about other available shifts.

Somewhere in all those messages, I overlooked the cancellation.

So I drove all the way to the facility expecting to work a five-hour shift that was no longer scheduled.

Was I disappointed?

Absolutely.

Was I upset with the facility?

Not necessarily.

But I definitely wished I’d seen that notification before leaving my house.

How Much Money Did I Miss Out On?

Let’s do the math.

At approximately $61 an hour for five scheduled hours, I was expecting to earn around $305 before taxes or other deductions.

Shift details	Amount
Scheduled hours	5
Approximate hourly rate	$61
Expected gross earnings	$305
Actual shift earnings	$0

That’s $305 I had mentally planned on earning that day.

Now, I hadn’t actually worked those hours, so I don’t consider that money I lost.

But it was income I expected to have available.

And that’s one of the things you have to think about when you’re relying on per diem work.

An available shift isn’t the same thing as guaranteed income.

Cases get canceled.

Schedules change.

Patients may not be cleared for surgery.

And sometimes the facility simply doesn’t need the additional staff.

Those are realities of working in surgery, regardless of whether you’re a full-time employee or a freelance healthcare professional.

The difference is how those changes affect your income.

Is Medely Worth It for Surgical Techs?

I don’t think one canceled shift is enough for me to say Medely isn’t worth using.

I’ve successfully worked at this facility through the platform before.

And I still like having the option to pick up additional shifts.

However, I think surgical techs should consider a few things before accepting per diem opportunities.

1. The Hourly Rate Isn’t Everything

I know we talk a lot about surgical tech pay.

And I understand why.

We’re trying to make more money.

But after working in surgery for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the hourly rate is only one part of the equation.

Let’s say you accept a five-hour shift paying $61 an hour.

That’s approximately $305 in gross earnings.

Sounds pretty good, right?

But what if the facility is 45 minutes away?

Now you’re spending another hour and a half commuting.

Your five-hour shift requires approximately six and a half hours of your day.

If you divide $305 by 6.5 hours, that’s approximately $46.92 per hour of total time committed.

That’s still good money, but it’s not the same as earning $61 for every hour you dedicate to that opportunity.

And we haven’t accounted for gas, vehicle expenses, or taxes.

That’s why I consider the commute when negotiating my rate.

I don’t want to spend half my day getting somewhere, especially if I can find opportunities closer to home.

2. Check Your Shift Status Before Leaving Home

This is probably the biggest lesson I took away from this experience.

Check your notifications.

Check the app.

And if you have any uncertainty about whether the shift is still scheduled, contact the facility or staffing platform before leaving.

I received the cancellation notification, but I overlooked it.

That’s something I can correct moving forward.

It would have saved me gas, driving time, and the disappointment of arriving at a facility where I wasn’t needed.

3. Don’t Depend on One Platform for Income

This is something I’ve been learning outside of surgery, too.

When you’re working through a platform, you’re relying on another company to connect you with opportunities.

That company doesn’t control every part of the process.

And neither do you.

The facility determines its staffing needs.

The surgeon’s schedule can change.

Patients can cancel.

That’s why I don’t think it makes sense to depend entirely on one source of income if you’re trying to build more flexibility into your life.

For me, Medely is one option.

My existing surgical work is another.

And outside the operating room, I’m exploring other ways to earn money using the experience, skills, and resources I already have.

The goal isn’t necessarily to work all the time.

The goal is to create options.

Why I Don’t Want Another Full-Time Surgical Tech Job

This experience actually made me think about something bigger.

Over the last several weeks, I’ve been considering different surgical opportunities.

Some of them offered good money.

Some required more hours.

Others required more commuting or committing to a particular schedule.

And after going through the process of considering those opportunities, I’ve realized something.

I don’t think I want another full-time job.

At least not right now.

It’s not that I don’t want to work.

I actually enjoy the surgical work I’m currently doing.

I have a part-time position where I can work approximately two days a week.

The schedule is familiar.

I know the surgeon.

I know the procedures.

And I don’t necessarily have to be at work early in the morning.

That arrangement gives me something I value more now than I did earlier in my career.

Time.

More Money or More Time?

This is a question I’ve been asking myself a lot lately.

Would I rather make more money by working more hours?

Or would I rather figure out how to make better use of the money, skills, and opportunities I already have?

Because those are two different things.

When I was younger, I was more willing to take whatever opportunities were available.

Overtime?

Sure.

Extra shifts?

Absolutely.

Another job?

Why not?

But now I’m looking at things differently.

I’m not trying to spend every available hour in the operating room.

I have other things I want to accomplish.

And those things require time, too.

That’s one of the reasons I started Surgical Tech Career.

I wanted to share information about the profession, but I’ve also started exploring how surgical professionals can leverage their experience beyond their regular jobs.

Whether that’s freelance work, education, content creation, affiliate marketing, or another opportunity, I think we should be having more conversations about our options.

Because the answer to making more money shouldn’t always be working more hours.

Freelance Surgical Tech Work vs. a Traditional Job

I think it’s important to understand that neither option is automatically better.

Some surgical techs prefer having a consistent schedule, predictable paychecks, and employer-sponsored benefits.

There’s nothing wrong with that.

Others prefer picking up shifts when they’re available.

That can work, too.

Here’s how I look at the differences.

Consideration	Traditional employment	Per diem or gig work
Schedule	Usually more predictable	More flexible, based on availability
Income	Generally more consistent	Can vary from week to week
Benefits	May include employer benefits	Depends on the arrangement
Shift availability	Regular assigned hours	Not always guaranteed
Work environment	Usually familiar	May involve different facilities
Cancellations	May still occur	Can directly affect expected earnings
Independence	Less control over assigned hours	More choice about which shifts to accept

For me, the ideal arrangement right now is maintaining the surgical work I already enjoy and occasionally picking up additional opportunities when they make sense.

I don’t need every available shift.

And I don’t necessarily need to accept every offer just because the hourly rate sounds good.

That’s something I’m learning to be comfortable with.

What About Surgical Techs Who Want to Try Medely?

If you’re considering using Medely, I would start by looking at what opportunities are available in your area.

Your experience may be completely different from mine.

Some markets may have more surgical tech opportunities than others.

And the hourly rates may vary based on location, credentials, experience, and facility needs.

Before accepting a shift, I would consider:

• Pay: Does the rate make sense for your experience and the work required?
• Distance: How far will you have to drive?
• Schedule: Does the shift fit your availability?
• Responsibilities: Are you comfortable with the procedures and expectations?
• Cancellations: What happens if the facility cancels your shift?
• Payment: When and how will you be paid?

I’d also recommend reading the platform’s current policies so you understand what you’re agreeing to.

Remember, a higher hourly rate doesn’t necessarily mean an opportunity is a better fit.

Medely Referral Bonus: We Can Both Earn $50–$100

If you decide to try Medely, I have a referral link you can use.

According to the referral offer shared with me, we can both earn between $50 and $100 when you sign up and complete three qualifying local per diem shifts.

Explore Medely and sign up with my referral link

Of course, I would never recommend signing up for a platform just because there’s a referral bonus.

Make sure the available opportunities actually fit your needs.

And remember that completing the required shifts is part of qualifying for the bonus.

Disclosure: This post contains my Medely referral link. I may receive compensation through qualifying referrals. Referral amounts and eligibility are subject to the program’s current terms.

What I Learned From My Canceled Shift

By the time I realized my cases had been canceled, I had already spent part of my morning preparing for work.

I’d gotten gas.

I’d gone shopping.

I’d practiced my suturing.

And I’d driven across Jacksonville.

Only to turn around and head home.

But you know what?

It wasn’t the end of the world.

I still had other things I could do with my day.

I considered picking up grocery deliveries because that would allow me to work closer to home and stop whenever I wanted.

And that got me thinking about flexibility again.

With some gig opportunities, you can decide when to start and when to stop.

With surgery, even when you’re working per diem, you still have to commit to the scheduled shift.

You’re working around the facility’s needs.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

It’s simply something to consider when deciding what type of work fits your lifestyle.

I also realized that I might be doing too much trying to find additional work when I already have an arrangement that works pretty well for me.

Sometimes we get so focused on finding the next opportunity that we don’t stop to evaluate what we already have.

And that’s where I am right now.

Final Thoughts: Is Freelance Surgical Tech Work Worth It?

I still believe freelance surgical tech work can be a good opportunity.

Especially for experienced surgical professionals who want to earn additional income without committing to another full-time position.

But I also believe you have to look beyond the hourly rate.

Consider your time.

Consider your commute.

Consider how much control you actually have over your schedule.

And consider what you’re trying to accomplish with the additional money.

For me, I’m not necessarily trying to replace my current surgical work.

I’m trying to build a life where I have more choices.

That might mean picking up a surgical first assistant shift occasionally.

It might mean working my regular part-time schedule.

Or it might mean spending that time building something outside the operating room.

The goal isn’t just to make more money. It’s to create more freedom with the experience and resources I already have.

And after more than 20 years in surgery, that’s becoming increasingly important to me.

Watch My Medely Shift Experience on YouTube

I recorded the entire experience, from getting ready for my first assistant shift to finding out the cases had been canceled.

Watch the video below to come along for the day and hear more about why I’m reconsidering taking another traditional surgical job.

Let’s Talk About It

Have you ever picked up a PRN or per diem surgical tech shift only to have it canceled?

Are you currently working full-time, part-time, or picking up shifts through platforms like Medely?

And if you’ve been in surgery for a while, have your priorities changed when it comes to money and work?

I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.

For more conversations about surgical tech careers, surgical first assisting, career opportunities, and earning money beyond the operating room, explore more articles at SurgicalTechCareer.com.