"During my (X) years working as a surgical first assistant, my department saw several leadership changes. With each leadership change came a change in philosophy on how the work schedule would be made and worked. During that time, I've worked 8, 10, and 12 hour shifts. I've worked straight day shifts, straight evening shifts, straight night shifts and swing shifts from week to week. Each change in work schedule had an effect on my life at home due to childcare and being available for my children's school and recreational events. With planning and communication, I was able to embrace each change in schedule and I learned over time that being flexible to these changes was extremely vital to both my personal and professional well-being."

The healthcare industry is always in a constant state of change. Organizations merge, laws change and new technology and process are always emerging to better care for a patient. To succeed as a surgical first assistant, you need to be able to demonstrate that you can navigate change with ease in the workplace and this is your chance to give a specific change you have dealt with that had a positive outcome.

"In my last job, my organization went through a buyout. When this occurred, so many things changed. We were working on a new EMR, our pay structure changed, our benefits changed, our leadership structure changed and some of our work processes did, also. Knowing about the buyout ahead of time, I was able to prepare myself under the notion that I can't control everything. Instead of worrying about the changes, I controlled my attitude and embraced the changes. Learning a new EMR and learning new work processes taught me the importance of patience and helped me to gain even more skills that are beneficial in my work even today. For that, I am grateful."