Sponsored by ReNew Biomedical
“Life’s never been boring; I’ve gotta give it that.” Isabelle Gibson, CABT at ReNew Biomedical, sat down to speak about her first-year experience as a Biomedical Technician.
Her journey exemplifies the resilience, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of knowledge that define the spirit of being a biomedical technician. Her determination to create a better life for herself and her son is an inspiring tale of self-transformation and professional growth.
“At first, I wanted to be in the Air Force. I passed everything but the final exam for Air Traffic Control. I’d finish the rest and begin the process after I finished MEPS—however, just before I was about to leave I found out I was pregnant with Jude. And that’s a lot for anyone, let alone an 18-year-old.
I had to make a decision then and there. I had to choose whether or not to go to basic training and be absent from my son or not to go and be more present and make a better life for us both.
I’ve rarely taken a break when it comes to education and training. While it may not have been towards a degree, I have continually achieved more certifications.
After I left the Air Force, I took up the time I had waiting for Jude to be born working at a daycare (What better way to get practice than with childcare?), and there I received my first certifications in child care, First AID, and CPR.
There I learned the basics of what it takes to take care of my son, and from there, I looked to find some more work.
I found work at a pool cleaning facility and practiced some chemistry and electrical work with the pool devices. You could consider it my introduction to “technology” work, eventually leading me to the biomedical field.
When I started at ReNew Biomedical, I wasn’t a technician. There weren’t any benches open; instead, I was a service coordinator. I organized jobs and ensured the paperwork was organized so we could work as efficiently as possible.
I’ve never been the best suited for paperwork, and I have always preferred working with my hands to think outside the box when solving a problem. Not that paperwork doesn’t have those challenges, but I prefer solving an issue by pulling something apart instead of using key and mouse clicks.
On the other hand, I lacked the training and the time to be able to learn these biomedical skills. Trying to achieve the certification on top of upholding my responsibilities as a service coordinator proved to be quite a challenge.
ReNew created the “ReNew Biomedical Training Academy” to help guide new biomedical technicians toward their certifications in the Healthcare Technology field. An experienced Journeyman would come alongside new students and offer guidance and hands-on experience outside the classroom. Time outside of the classroom that I didn’t have.
I studied during my free time and worked with biomeds on our slower days. I worked consistently to put myself on par with those who had more time on the bench than I did.
After passing my CABT exam and becoming a full-time biomed six months ago, I can say that training and education pay off. Our technicians created an environment where learning from each other and sharing tips and tricks with our equipment is a breeze. Now some of us are becoming journeymen and stepping into mentorship roles like those that helped us not too long ago.”
Isabelle is currently attending college to gain even higher certifications in biomedical technology. Currently, she is working on the prerequisites for her CBET certification.
Her journey exemplifies the essence of a trustworthy biomedical technician—a lifelong learner, a problem-solver, and an individual dedicated to making a positive impact in healthcare technology.
Isabelle Gibson, CABT
ReNew Biomedical
