Preceptors play a critical role in the OR, helping ensure students are set up for success while learning on the job. Before a student sets foot in the OR, however, educators must also do their part and serve as a conduit between student and preceptor. The relationship among these individuals requires thoughtfulness, clear communication and an understanding of expectations.
Many of our students struggle to use their imagination to visualize, understand and memorize information. While traditional teaching methods (books, PowerPoint presentations) have a place, they do not always help students retain information. My father was an “inventor” of sorts and taught me how to find extraordinary use for ordinary items. Over the years I have successfully used his outside-the-box mentality to bring new concepts to students. Here I’ll share a few ideas that have been fun for our students and helped them retain information.
As a surgical technologist, I am constantly aware of the diversity of our patients. As an educator, I realize the diversity of the students I teach. As a citizen of the world, I understand how we must educate ourselves of the difference and similarities in people around the world.
