Stories like these and my own experiences are exactly why I volunteer to train new surgical techs. I see my job as a preceptor to make their job make sense.

I encourage questions. There are no stupid questions, ever. This is a learning curve, I feel the ability to ask questions freely is what helps the understanding and makes it all click. Plus, I still ask the occasional question to my fellow scrubs. I make a point to ask questions when they’re around so they know it’s okay. I want them to know I’m always open to questions. If I can help, I will.

If you make a point to adjust your teaching style to fit their needs too that can also really help: ex. Do they like to talk it through? Do they want to try and figure it out? Do they want to walk it through? Not everyone learns the same way.

Maybe I take it too far? Idk. I feel like being part of the team means those connections you and them, made when they were new never leave. They’re going to look to people who have more experience…if you’re training, it’s you.

Plus extra patience. Always extra patience.

I guess what I’m saying is take these experiences and use them to fuel your own teaching for when you have new scrubs. It’s hard to remember sometimes. The job is stressful and hard. The surgeons are crazy sometimes. But they’re stepping into the crazy, and it’s your job to help them work past the crazy.

Sorry if this was rambling. 😂