By Allison Woolford, M.S., CBET
Think back to the beginning of your biomedical equipment technician career. You were fresh out of school, full of energy and ready to take on the world. Everything felt bright and promising. You had conquered your coursework, brimming with technical confidence and prepared to tackle any medical device your new employer threw your way.
As a BMET 1, your early assignments likely involved the foundational devices that keep hospitals running smoothly: vital signs monitors, SCDs, thermometers, syringe and infusion pumps, scales, etc. These devices are essential for nurses to assess and care for patients. With hundreds in circulation, they break often.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to make sure that the broken equipment shelf is empty. Blood pressure cuff not inflating on a vital signs monitor. Boom! You replace the quick-connect fitting on the hose. The syringe pump does not recognize the syringe. Bam! Time to recalibrate the barrel clamp sensor. You’ve cleared the backlog of broken equipment, documented each repair with precision, and closed every work order.
Now what?
Well, that repaired equipment doesn’t belong in the shop. It needs to get back to the clinical floors where it’s needed most. So, you head to the ICU, NICU, or patient units to return the devices. And here’s where you face a choice:
Option 1: The Ninja Approach
Quietly place the equipment in the holding room and slip away unnoticed.
Option 2: The Professional Approach
Walk in with confidence. Greet the clinical staff. Let the unit secretary or charge nurse know you’re returning their suction pump or EKG machine. Briefly explain the issue. They especially need to know if it was user-related. And before you leave, ask, “Is there anything else I can assist you with?”
Hopefully, you choose Option 2.
Why? Because it shows you’re more than just technically skilled. You’re also building trust and rapport with clinical staff. And that’s where soft skills come in. But what are soft skills, really? Can they be taught, or are they innate? It’s the classic nature versus nurture debate.
IMPORTANCE OF SOFT SKILLS
In an article for Southern New Hampshire University, Joe Cote explains that as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, the value of human interaction will only grow. To stay relevant and resilient in our careers, we must develop our soft skills. Communication. Customer service. Teamwork. Problem-solving. Professionalism.
Think about someone you’ve met who just has it. That quiet confidence. The ability to walk into a room and instantly command attention. People listen when they speak. You might think, “They’re a natural-born leader,” or even, “I wish I had their charisma.” But here’s the truth: those skills were learned and refined. Just like your technical ones and your soft skills can be developed too.
Start by being honest with your manager. Tell them your career aspirations and ask for support. Many organizations offer professional development programs or mentorship opportunities. Shadow senior technicians. Watch how they interact with staff and leadership. Ask questions and request introductions to key stakeholders.
Yes, interacting with experienced nurses and managers can feel intimidating. They may have more education and years in the field. But here’s the truth: they’re human too. You don’t need to approach them like a close friend or sibling. Just speak to them with respect, empathy and professionalism. Maintain eye contact. Be present. They expect you to understand the equipment. They value honesty. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t deflect. Say you’ll find out. Ask for their contact information so you can follow up. That follow-through builds trust far more than having the perfect answer in the moment.
By engaging with compassion and integrity, you’ll earn respect. The nerves will fade, and your confidence will grow. That first step, choosing to speak up and connect, is always the hardest. But it also opens doors to incredible opportunities.
