We can learn a lot from others experiences. Take a minute to read through these tips from fellow clinicians.
Do not be afraid to call for help, even if you keep doing it, it's better to be safe. It's better to get shouted at for asking "silly questions" than not call for help and get shouted at if something goes wrong!
Prioritise your workload. Reviewing a patient with a fall or an ECG in a patient with chest pain takes priority over prepping a TTO, for example.
Remember you're entitled to your break, always take it ensuring it is safe to do so.
Leave on time. Out of hours is there for a reason but you must consider what jobs you are handing over, and which can wait until tomorrow
Set yourself up for success by downloading apps that will help you access guidelines or other useful information while on-call. Induction (a directory), MicroGuide, and BMJ Best Practice can allow you to get information quickly from your phone. It is also a good idea to save some common guidelines from your trust on your phone/ take a photo of it.
Learn how to do a bit of triaging over the phone when you get bleeps. For example, if you get called to put in a cannula, it’s useful to know what the cannula is for (ie. Time-critical antibiotics?). That way you can work out how urgent the job is. If you get called to review the patient, asking some basic questions such as how their observations are can be useful to help you prioritise jobs.
- 1. Apply for self-assessment tax rebates on expenses such as BMJ, GMC, exams or courses.
- 2. Have a clear one-line question or differential for any referral.
- 3. Sign up for conferences, and use all your study leave.
- 4. Look at the higher learning objectives - think about what kinds of scenarios you have on your rotation that could be utilised to achieve these.
Ten top tips for starting your career as an F1:
- - Ask lots of questions
- - Start your portfolio early
- - Do what you can
- - Be organised
- - Get involved
- - Arrive on time and hand over to leave on time!
- -Learn a little each day
- - Keep up any hobbies/sport
- - Look for opportunities to support future training applications
- - Enjoy it!
- Think about what area you would like to specialise in and attend relevant conferences. Remember that medical students can get discounted entry! When it comes to boosting your portfolio take a look for essay competitions. These are usually under-entered by students, so you have a chance to win a prize!