Name and how long you have been in the industry
My name is Nicole Ruffin and I have been in the HTM field approaching three years
Short background bio – How did you get into the industry? Anything that drew you in?
I entered into the industry by invitation from my Community College of Philadelphia Professors. They asked if I would be interested in the Biomedical Equipment Technology degree program, after I first enrolled to become a Diagnostic Medical Imaging Technician. What drew me in, and ultimately resulted in me changing majors, was the opportunity to help others, while working with my hands servicing the equipment. I jumped at the chance to work behind the scenes, while learning something new every day with ever changing technology!
What milestones or contributing factors helped elevate you to where you are today?
One milestone in particular, that has contributed to elevating my career, was my internship at The Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania. Being given the opportunity to shadow all of the technicians there ignited my passion to be the best HTM professional I can be. The wealth of wisdom they shared, in there lived experiences in the industry, was priceless. I discovered my dream job, and joined like minded professionals that cared for others like I did!
What roadblocks did you have to overcome?
The roadblock I had to overcome was wanting to repair devices in the first attempt. Some service calls require more time to troubleshoot, acquire parts, and even require vendor service. I had to learn that some repairs take more time than others.
What do you feel makes a great leader in this industry?
What makes a great leader, to me, is someone who is selfless, confident, and humble. A leader with a servant’s heart. A leader who wants to see each member of their team succeed.
What advice to you have for the other women in HTM?
I encourage other women in HTM to build a network of successful professionals, including mentors. I have found having a mentor is imperative to stay grounded, and accountable, to be my very best. Stay teachable, and never give up!