Nothing to fear but fear itself

Tomorrow is the graduation ceremony for TRSi. I will be part of the largest group that the school has graduated since opening its virtual doors in March 2007. As I look back at where I was a little more than a year ago and where I am now, I am truly amazed. This learning opportunity has opened the door to a great and wonderful profession that will challenge me every day.

About a week ago I almost let fear get the best of me. I started having those 'what if' moments that I had read about my fellow classmates having. What if I'm not good enough? What if I'm not fast enough? Did I do the right thing by quitting my office job? I went through a couple of days thinking that this was just the phase that the instructors said all MTs go through. I was just having these feelings after I had completed the course, and it scared the living daylights out of me!! (Mom always said I was a late bloomer!) A few more days went by, and the feelings of doubt and fear weren't going away. In fact they were getting worse! I told Tamara, the supervisor of the transition program, how I felt. She told me that what I was feeling was normal and that these thoughts tell me that I'm now thinking as an MT. They tell me that I know how important my role is in the healthcare process and that I really care about putting out the best quality reports that I can. She also told me not to let these thoughts cripple me but to always strive to do my best. And she said that all MTs go through this and that it would be worrisome if I didn't feel this way. Whew!! I sure felt better after hearing that! I know firsthand that it sure feels like I'm all alone out here doing my job and that I feel disconnected sometimes. But you know, I'm never alone. My supervisor is a mouse click away. So are the other recent graduates that are in the transition program with me. I've even started to network with some of the other TRS employees. They have welcomed me with open arms, and I know I can go to anyone with a question and they will not make me feel like an idiot for asking it. I truly feel that I have not just found a job, but I have found a new home!