You probably already know this, but it was the single most important thing I learned as an I&C tech (THANKS, DAVE S.
):
There are a TON of different instruments in a plant (or simulator). There is no way for a normal person to remember every detail about every calibration or PM on every instrument.
Therefore,
TAKE NOTES!
My system was to jot notes in the margin of my copy as I performed each procedure. Then, when I got back to the shop, I'd transfer all the notes (with step #) to the cover page, tear the cover page off, and stick it in a binder. This way, when it came time to re-perform calibration (many are done only semi-annually or annually), I still always had a few tidbits of information that made my life easier (even mundane things - such as exact location of instrument or exactly which wrenches are required - are a HUGE time-saver...and dose-saver...in the real plant.)
There were also some unanticipated benefits to my note-taking system:
First, since I always was playing with the procedures, it became common for the lead techs to ask me to submit procedure revisions when we got back to the shop. This is something I enjoy and helped keep me busy (which you mentioned you were worried about.) That in turn led to being given a couple of other great projects, because I had the reputation of enjoying, and being efficient at, paperwork.
And, when it came time to be fully qualified, I was the only one who could prove I'd already performed such-and-such surveillances, so was the first one to be pushed through.
Congratulations and Good Luck!
