Teaching from Experience: Preparing the Next Generation of Surgical Technologists

mitchell

Happy National Surgical Technologists Week! At Baptist Health Sciences University, we proudly celebrate the vital role surgical technologists play in patient care and the operating room. This week, we are honored to spotlight Rashari Mitchell, BS, CST, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator for Surgical Technology, who brings her passion and expertise from the operating room into the classroom as she prepares the next generation of surgical technologists.

Finding Her Purpose

Mitchell’s journey began in 2005. With a heart for service, she sought out a career path where she could make a meaningful difference. After exploring allied health professions, surgical technology emerged as the perfect fit.

Throughout her career, she worked across multiple surgical specialties. No matter the setting, she found herself naturally drawn to mentoring student surgical technologists. Her love of seeing students succeed led her to pursue higher education, where she could invest in the growth of future professionals.

“Because I love seeing students succeed, I knew I could be an asset to their growth in a higher education environment.”

For Mitchell, the most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing her students’ transformation. She guides them from foundational lecture courses to hands-on clinical training, watching them grow into professionals who deliver exceptional, patient-centered care.

Mitchell leverages her real-world experience to make learning meaningful. Using surgical videos and personal narratives, she helps students visualize procedures and better understand their role on the surgical team. This approach ensures that what students learn in the classroom directly connects to their practice in the operating room.

Why Surgical Technologists Matter

As Mitchell explains, surgical technologists are often called the “backbone of the OR.” They play an indispensable role in patient safety, maintaining sterility, and supporting the surgical team. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensure patients receive the best care before, during, and after procedures.

Advice for Students Entering the Field

Mitchell encourages her students to embrace the following:

  • Be flexible and positive. Surgery is dynamic, and adaptability is key.
  • Stay eager to learn. Healthcare evolves rapidly, with surgery often leading the way in adopting new technology.
  • Expand your horizons. Experience as many specialties as possible to strengthen and enrich your career.

The Rewards of Two Callings

Mitchell reflects on the two greatest rewards of her career:

  1. As a clinician: Knowing she has played a vital role in improving patients’ lives.
  2. As an educator: Seeing her former students thrive in the field, living out their own purpose of service.

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At Baptist Health Sciences University, we are grateful for Mitchell’s dedication to her students and the profession. During National Surgical Technologists Week, we celebrate her—and all surgical technologists—who protect patients, uphold sterility, and keep the operating room moving, often in ways unseen.