Everyone within the Biomed field is faced with multitudes of decisions on a daily basis. We constantly have to face making due with minimal resources, information, support, and so forth. As a Biomed you are expected to continue honing your craft whether its seeking further education, getting OEM training, obtaining certifications, and that list goes on. This is the career we chose regardless of all those expectations because we wanted to make an impact in healthcare without having to directly care for a patient. There are so many career paths we can take today that lends to the transient nature of Biomed retention. With all that under consideration I frequently am ask about moving into management within the Biomed career field. Today I'm going to share my thoughts on the matter.

I've been in management for several years and it comes down to a few questions to help get you an answer. Do you love mentoring, training, coaching technicians? Does management of expenses, timeclocks, reports, TJC/DNV surveys, service escalations, hiring/firing sound enticing and/or worth it to you? I will say a lot of things are great about management but it does not mean its for everyone. You above all else must be patient with people and processes even though you know they are jacked up. You will have the opportunity however to leave your mark on those you manage and implement systems to create positive change that you may otherwise not have the ability to as a tech. I will also say just cause your management doesn't mean you will be the highest paid 100% of the time. I also would ask are you a person that is willing to put others before yourself. A manager should be someone that looks after their techs both professionally and personally. Are you willing to set them up to grow and possibly assume your job if you happen to move up or leave? Are you willing to do check ins to ensure they aren't disgruntled? My thoughts on management of technicians breaks down to are you looking to be a leader or a supervisor, there is a difference! A leader "LEADS BY EXAMPLE" and strives to uplift those under them. 

Management is NOT sunshine and rainbows. There will be days where you question humanity. I've pondered on multiple occasions: "is this person actually an adult?" "Why didn't they think to do this?" Technicians and/or clinicians will test you across the spectrum of points. No matter how much time, effort, and will you put forth towards a person you can never make a carbon copy of yourself. You have to accept that you can set them up with the tools to be successful and guide them to be the best technician they can be. If they obviously don't meet the job description or are under performing that is one thing, but don't get bogged down by them replicating your work ethic or drive. You have to search within yourself and ask "do I want sift through loads of crap to find glimpses of gems?" 

My overall take on management is I enjoy it and see the value in it. It will test you and require patience, care, and for me tequila, lol. If you decide to traverse this route look into getting a Bach degree and attain the CHTM! Lastly, learn from your leadership and ask what you need to go after or consider as well. You have accessible wisdom at your fingertips. If for some reason you don't have that support structure then you might not be with the right organization. I wish you the best into your transition into management and I'm always hear to lend an ear as well folks. "May The Beard Be With You"