By Janice Lovekamp, BS, CST/CSFA, CSPDT, FAST, Program Director Surgical Technology, Lincoln Land Community College
Serving as a site visitor for ARC/STSA has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career as a surgical technologist. I started my career as a surgical technologist in 1994 and would have never imagined that I would be where I am today or where my career would take me. I have never been afraid of change or a challenge and have explored nearly every career path available for surgical technologists.
Several years ago, I was looking for a change. I had been a sales representative for an orthopedic company, and the travel and long hours were starting to take their toll on me. A community college in the area was starting a new surgical technology program and was seeking a program director. I was intrigued by the position but was also afraid to apply because I had no background in education. I didn’t let that fear stop me but rather was up for the challenge of learning something new. I was hired for the position, and I couldn’t be more grateful to my employer for taking a chance on me. It has been a wild ride and an opportunity for which I will be forever grateful.
As a new program director, I quickly found out there is so much to do and learn! Just like there are acronyms and lingo of the OR, there is the same in education. Whether you are stepping into an existing program or starting a new program, the feeling of being ov