Best student training techniques for trainers

wvaio · Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 82

I have just recently started to train students and I have a question. Do any of the students out there have an experience that they would share on how their clinical instructor helped you learn something.

For example, as a student I had a tech tell me that, "if they don't have time for you to put on gloves, they don't need your help". That was something that has always stuck with me, and I live by that rule.

If there are any great C.I.'s out there that have something to add, I would appreciate any tidbits that you have, too.

Thanks
Wvaio
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“Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right.” --- Henry Ford

traineetech · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 15

As a trainee tech, of course, one of the first examinations we get to carry out are chest X-Ray's.

Obviously, amongst other factors, you must included the apices of the lung fields when performing an erect PA chest X-Ray.

I, and many other students, were, at first unaware that in order to include the apices on the X-Ray, you must make sure that a shadow of the tops of the shoulders and base of the neck are cast onto the image receptor before taking the X-Ray as marked with the crosses on this image:

It's surprising how many students at first fail to understand how an X-Ray image is formed, and what must be included/displayed on the receptor prior to taking the X-Ray itself in order to produce a competent image.

Simple really, but make sure your students understand this otherwise they'll be producing images without the correct anatomy displayed.

hjhogle · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:37 pm Post subject:

This is a beginner's positioning tool, only. When used, you are focusing on the shadow of light bulb, not on knowing the underlying anatomy.

hjh, RT

hjhogle · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:42 pm Post subject:

One of the best things I've learned is to keep in mind that every student in your class or group is not the same. Some are visual learners, some physical. Their motivations are different and some will be suprisingly needy.

My knee-jerk reaction was to believe that the needier learners would not make good radiographers - while that was generally true (they were simply not as mature as the others), one of my favorite successes was a student who lived in my pocket for two years who now teaches in a program in another state.

And - NEVER NEVER lose your sense of humor!
hjh, RT

traineetech · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 15

wvaio · Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 82

I appreciate the input!

I will NEVER lose my sense of humor. Smile

Funny that you mention that. Quick story:
Today was day one for a new batch of students. Their very first day of clinicals. I'm not great with introductions, so to introduce myself I decided to have some fun. I sent them on a mission to IVR to bring back the film stretcher! We were fresh out of 14x17 film in the digital printer, therefore it was necessary to get the film stretcher to stretch a few 10x12's into freshly squeezed 14x17's. Smile

I taped a sign onto an old utility cart that firmly stated " for film stretcher transport only!!" That cart squeaked like crazy. It was so hard to keep a straight face as they walked, as a team, down the hall, with that old raggedy cart that sounded like a one man band! They were none too impressed when they returned. When they returned I took them into an empty room and introduced myself formally. Gave them my top 10 keys to success in clinicals. Then I let them ask any questions in the world that they had on their mind.Later on in the day, I gave them a 45 minute lesson on how to shoot a chest X-ray. As they left, at the end of the day, they each told me that they looked forward to learning from me. Best day I have had in a long while.

Anyone else out there sent the students to grab the fallopian tubes out of the store room? I would love to hear some stories, if any would share.

Good day to all!

Wvaio