EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion Advice for someone new to the job.

A possible problem is that there are just too many "accredited courses" in engineering and technology that overlap each other and do not give enough thought to accrediting any prior learning. This can naturally put some experienced "old toms" off being taught to suck eggs once more. It may well be that the Medical Equipment Technology course does give credit to prior learning. I certainly hope so, since I would suggest that anyone with a BEng (such as Den) would have more than adequate knowledge of Engineering Maths and Principles etc. to be exempt from those parts of the syllabus. Many of the new courses of today are fine for new recruits into an industry but many "old Toms" that have gained much previous knowledge and experience should be encouraged to add to their skills without repeating prior learning. Let's hope the Avensys course recognises prior learning.

Hi All, thanks for all of your replies! I feel quite reassured by what you have said. I'm very keen to learn, and I'm not precious about asking questions - I'm really looking forward to learning the new job!

Dave H - regarding my locality to the job, it is in Whiston Hospital near St Helens, and I can walk there in less than 10mins, so it's absolutely ideal for me! The only downside is that I bought a motorbike to commute to my (soon to be) previous job and I love it, but my Missus will probably make me sell it now!

Kit, I will definitely take your advice and take things slowly at first - I am aware that the consequences of any mistakes I make could be extremely serious, so I'm going to be VERY careful!My new Manager has given me some notes on anatomy/physiology to look at while I'm waiting for my start date, so I have been reading them with interest. I am also going to be picking my Son's brains, as he is a recently qualified Nurse. Bit of a role reversal thing here, as he will now be helping ME with my homework!

Natalie, regarding interview advice, I would say that you need to prepare thoroughly. Don't just go in and wing it, read the job Spec and the person spec and try and think of responses to questions they might ask regarding these. They will almost certainly base the interview questions around the job and person specifications. I spent a good few hours preparing, and it's worked! I'm pretty sure that some of the other candidates for my post had previous experience and I have none, but they have opted to take a chance and appoint me, so that's my advice. To be honest, I'm still pinching myself that I got the job!

Thanks again for all of your replies folks! I'll keep you posted on how I get on - This is the ultimate challenge for me, working on equipment that will keep people fit and well - I can't wait to start!

Thanks again Guys - Cheers - Den.

Don't touch anything, green, blue, looks like it's going to be or has been used at the table in theatre. Be very aware of sterile fields, scrub staff will not like you if you foul(contaminate and therefore de-sterilise it) particularly in orthopaedics. You might see some gross or disturbing things occasionally. I would say that personally I have seen more gross things in the last 12 months than the rest of the clin eng department put together, however that is not the norm (goes with the territory when you spend most/all of the working day wearing scrubs).

Hi CEng Trainee - thanks a lot for the tip! My Son spent some time as a Theatre Nurse, and he has also given me that warning - Apparently I will become very unpopular VERY quickly if I contaminate stuff in the Sterile field! I'll do my best not to touch anything! Thanks!

To all old toms, accreditation for prior learning is given on the new Avensys diploma course. If someone has already completed an appropriate engineering course at level 5 or higher then a number of the engineering modules will not have to be repeated, maths, electronic engineering and mechanical engineering.

Hello Rob, that is indeed good news and should encourage those with prior learning to consider complementing their existing qualifications by completing the Avensys Medical Engineering Diploma course.

All a guy with Den's qualifications and obvious enthusiasm needs is a bit of mentoring (where necessary) by the "Old Tom in the corner" (assuming, of course, that Old Tom is still around).

Thanks for the reassurance Geoff - I intend to do my best! I Start the new job on 2nd Jan next year because I have to work my notice in my present job. I Can't wait to get (carefully) stuck in!

Thanks again for your reply, cheers!

Den.

A bit of mentoring !!! Unfortunately, I have to strongly disagree Geoff, your own generic certificated course via Arborfield (many moons ago) gave you excellent grounding in medical engineering, without which you would not have been allowed anywhere near a military hospital wksp, so why should it be different for anyone else. Once you have achieved a level of approved generic training in medical equipment, then I agree having some old Tom (in your case Sgt Wally-A) undoubtedly helped you enormously. But first and foremost all medical engineering staff ( in my opinion) require approved generic and specific technical training on medical devices, combined with in house support from the more experienced engineers. This is of course in addition to approved academic technical training such as Certificate/HNC)/Diploma/Degree in electronic engineering.

It just so happens, that in January 2015 Avensys will be offering a range of distance learning, online courses for the medical engineering community, from level 3 to Hons degree in medical engineering, electronics, mechanical engineering and mathematics. Accreditation to prior learning and experience is allowed wether your 18 or 65. There can no longer be any excuse stating "such courses are simply not available". They are....soap box/sandbags away for the night.

I think that you may be a little too defensive Rob; concerning the promotion of the Medical Engineering Course you are involved with. However it does appear to be a very worthwhile and well designed course presented by experienced Med Engs (possibly including some "old Toms"). Alas I believe, together with his future employer, that Den is adequately qualified for the role he has been selected for. No doubt he would also benefit from your course if he chooses to study it and in an ideal world all would benefit from vocational training devoted to each engineering specialism, but capable and experienced staff can also quickly adapt to new challenges without the luxury of completing such training.