Her Story
About Toriann
I've been in healthcare for 26 years since 2000, and I currently work at Inova Fairfax Medical Center in Fairfax, Virginia as a Level 4 Surgical Technologist, which is the top tier before becoming a surgical tech lead. I perform every surgical service offered except cardiac, including trauma at our level 1 trauma hospital, neuro, orthopedics, and every surgery you can think of. I started my career in labor and delivery, but after doing so many C-sections, it got redundant and boring, so I transitioned to the main operating room where I'm exposed to more difficult surgeries that enhance my critical thinking skills. I love that I never get bored because I'm learning something new every day, and each doctor does things differently, which challenges me. Beyond my surgical work, I teach both surgical technologists and nurses on the job, helping nurses learn to scrub and assist doctors during surgery. I've been at Inova for 2 years as of September, and I love taking care of people, which is what initially drew me to healthcare and what keeps me passionate about my work to this day.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Toriann
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to my mom, because without her I probably wouldn't be where I am currently right now, and without God, of course, first. But my mother, because she supported me by helping me take care of my children while I went to work and while I went to school. She made it possible for me to pursue my education and career while raising my family.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was to pursue leadership and climb the clinical ladder. This guidance pushed me to advance in my career and reach for higher levels of professional achievement in my field.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them that yes, it is hard in the beginning, because learning something new is always hard. It's like reading and writing, they go together. You can't read without knowing how to write, and you can't read without knowing how to comprehend. They all work together. It may seem hard in the beginning, but it gets easier as you go. Don't be afraid to step out and learn something new. Don't specialize in one thing. Learn various things, because you're more marketable. The more you know, the more marketable you are.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.