Of Friendship and Mentoring

Have I told you how much it means to me to be a protege of a seasoned Radiologic Technologist. No? Then let me explain: I volunteer approximately once a week at an x-ray department in an inner city medical center.

It's been wonderful, working side by side, with an example of a complete professional of her field, J, the x-ray technologist. She's been in the field over forty years.

It's more than an educational experience. J. has taken me under her wing, so to speak: She's taught me how a medical center works, politically and logistically, including the dynamic of staff relations and how to listen to patients and coworkers. I've seen the big picture of interdepartmental interactions and the small picture of localized departmental work.

She's been able to give me a complete verbal description of a chest x-ray, for example, while doing it. This has been very valuable. Generally, I was her assistant in the room. It's been very exciting not just observing, but operating equipment under direct supervision, of course. I feel that I'll have a great advantage when I begin my RT program this July.

I was able to get into my RT program because of my volunteer work with J. What I've learned, is to trust yourself and your instincts. Mind you, I have little experience to base my instincts on; But I'll learn.

At times, I've said to patients and staff, “I'm just the volunteer.” J. says, “You're not “just” anything,” meaning that she values my contribution, how ever small. She introduces me as an x-ray student.

I've enjoyed working with her very much, not just because she is a massive figure, in my mind, of her art, but also because she's a fun person to be around. And she makes my experience enjoyable.

Moreover, any professional that seeks out opportunities to educate, train and mentor beginners in her field, has reached outside of herself, showing the highest examples of occupational altruism. We as students, often see the reverse in other clinical educators. In contrast, my observations show me that J. sees her work with students as a duty and a privilege.

It's been wonderful to be in this environment to listen and observe the art, practice and philosophy of patient care in the RT field. It's really a gift, one that I appreciate very much.