PGY-1 Support Thread

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Did you get a 4 day weekend, joe? :p
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GoldfishPharmD said:
Did you get a 4 day weekend, joe? :p
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Negative amiga, working. But I'm learning a lot and very excited about everything. I felt like during school that I was constantly doing things to help my chances of landing a residency but didn't really help me learn a lot. Its overwhelmingly satisfying to be able to just focus on learning at this point.
 
joetrisman said:
Negative amiga, working. But I'm learning a lot and very excited about everything. I felt like during school that I was constantly doing things to help my chances of landing a residency but didn't really help me learn a lot. Its overwhelmingly satisfying to be able to just focus on learning at this point.
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Awesome! I haven't done too much yet. Lots of orientation this past week, but this coming up week will have lots more to do. I'm still nervous, but I feel better about things. :D
 
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How's it going guy?

I can't believe the first month is almost over. So far, I've rounded on ID once, did a week of staffing and learning the computer system, this week I started in on one of my project, pain management, and nutrition. The last week of orientation is going to be in my area of interests, so I'm excited. I booked my hotel room for Midyear in December, so I can't wait for that either!

Hope everything is going well guys! :D
 
Residency has been moving pretty fast for me. I been trying to frontload as much as I can for my projects and so I been staying late everyday. Can't wait til orientation is over and we start rotations though!

Hope you guys are having fun learning the computer systems :)
 
I haven't had much chance to frontload. I'm at work at 7, and I work on my project. It's a project that has to be worked on day to day and can't be done in advance. My PD wants to meet after orientation to pick a project, so I haven't had that opportunity to start working on it.

Chillz, what's your first rotation? I'm doing ID first. :D
 
My major project is still in the works, so no chance to frontload that...yet :) Waiting for a lab test to be approved. I start with cardiology! Nothing serious like ID lol.

So has residency been everything you expected?
 
Chillz87 said:
My major project is still in the works, so no chance to frontload that...yet :) Waiting for a lab test to be approved. I start with cardiology! Nothing serious like ID lol.

So has residency been everything you expected?
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No. :laugh:

I guess it's too early to say. I've been spending a lot of time at the computer with training and reading articles. I think once I get started with rotations, it'll be closer to what I was expecting.
 
Don't you guys have MUE, topic presentation, journal clubs, drug info, monograph, etc. Front load these and get them writte while main research is caught in the red tape.
 
Front load yourself as much as possible. Most of the research projects don't start going anywhere until after Midyear.
 
Seriously, nothing for me to front load yet. I'm still doing another two weeks of staffing training before I start with my first rotation. I'm going to start discussing my research project, but that's it.
 
We have two major projects and the one presented at midyear needs to have result so a couple of us already started writing and submitted to mentor already.

I just got to say DAMN I LOVE MY JOB
being able to use a lot of what you learn in school, making interventions, having fun on the job because of the people you work with, a hour of lunch... sorry I'll take this job over any other job anyday.
 
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Has anyone ever dealt with a co-resident who pretends to know everything when he actually has no clue? I hate to bring this up, but it's getting a little annoying. Everytime when our preceptors ask us a question, someone would answer and he would then proceed to repeat the exact same answer. When the question is directed at him, he doesn't know. If somebody answers it wrong, he would say "yeah that's not right".
 
MackerelRun said:
Has anyone ever dealt with a co-resident who pretends to know everything when he actually has no clue? I hate to bring this up, but it's getting a little annoying. Everytime when our preceptors ask us a question, someone would answer and he would then proceed to repeat the exact same answer. When the question is directed at him, he doesn't know. If somebody answers it wrong, he would say "yeah that's not right".
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Yup I have that problem at my site. I just try to ignore it. I don't really think there is any use trying to get involved with it. Your preceptors will (hopefully) pick up on it in time.
 
+1 for no coresidents I guess. :p jk

But, I agree with pharmgirl333, I would think it'd be best to just not say anything and ignore it the best you can. The PD or preceptors should hopefully pick up on it.

How are things going guys?! Started rotations yet?
 
pharmgirl333 said:
Yup I have that problem at my site. I just try to ignore it. I don't really think there is any use trying to get involved with it. Your preceptors will (hopefully) pick up on it in time.
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:thumbup: yep trying!
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
+1 for no coresidents I guess. :p jk

But, I agree with pharmgirl333, I would think it'd be best to just not say anything and ignore it the best you can. The PD or preceptors should hopefully pick up on it.

How are things going guys?! Started rotations yet?
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Nope we're still doing orientation at the moment (hence we're together 24/7); my hope is that once we get on separate rotations this problem will solve itself. Other than that it's going great! Can't believe we're one month into it guys!
 
MackerelRun said:
Nope we're still doing orientation at the moment (hence we're together 24/7); my hope is that once we get on separate rotations this problem will solve itself. Other than that it's going great! Can't believe we're one month into it guys!
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I'm still doing orientation too. I'll start rotating on the 12th, and I'm excited, and you're right. I bet you'll see a lot less of him once you guys separate, so stay strong! :)
 
MackerelRun said:
Has anyone ever dealt with a co-resident who pretends to know everything when he actually has no clue? I hate to bring this up, but it's getting a little annoying. Everytime when our preceptors ask us a question, someone would answer and he would then proceed to repeat the exact same answer. When the question is directed at him, he doesn't know. If somebody answers it wrong, he would say "yeah that's not right".
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Your preceptors have probably picked up on this and are already annoyed by him. :) You can be smart without being a know-it-all. Some residents need to learn the difference....

I wouldn't say anything.
 
KARM12 said:
Your preceptors have probably picked up on this and are already annoyed by him. :) You can be smart without being a know-it-all. Some residents need to learn the difference....

I wouldn't say anything.
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:thumbup:
 
Orientation done! Starting my first rotation on Monday. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. So far, it's been a real eye opener. One day, I feel like I know my stuff and the next I feel like a dummy.

My biggest worries so far: staffing and having to go to a code...
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
Orientation done! Starting my first rotation on Monday. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. So far, it's been a real eye opener. One day, I feel like I know my stuff and the next I feel like a dummy.

My biggest worries so far: staffing and having to go to a code...
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My first solo staffing sucked. I've yet to work a code solo. Totally feel ya on hit or miss on knowledge base
 
joetrisman said:
My first solo staffing sucked. I've yet to work a code solo. Totally feel ya on hit or miss on knowledge base
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Lol, I always felt like codes were the best part, guess coming from an ED internship background, other things just felt tame.

Anyway, you guys should have gotten ACLS certified by now. Do as many simulated codes as you need to get comfortable, and have a cheat sheet of code meds and their typical dose can help to put you at ease.
 
I was training today where I normally will be on my weekends. She pretty much let me take reign answering phones and stuff. The calls I got, I was like what are you even talking about. I don't staff alone for another two months, so that makes me feel a little better.

I haven't been to any codes yet. I need to go when they have one, so I can observe.
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
I was training today where I normally will be on my weekends. She pretty much let me take reign answering phones and stuff. The calls I got, I was like what are you even talking about. I don't staff alone for another two months, so that makes me feel a little better.

I haven't been to any codes yet. I need to go when they have one, so I can observe.
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:thumbup:
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
I was training today where I normally will be on my weekends. She pretty much let me take reign answering phones and stuff. The calls I got, I was like what are you even talking about. I don't staff alone for another two months, so that makes me feel a little better.

I haven't been to any codes yet. I need to go when they have one, so I can observe.
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I have decided the hardest part about staffing is figuring out what the hell the people want from me when they call. It's the worst. :confused:
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
I was training today where I normally will be on my weekends. She pretty much let me take reign answering phones and stuff. The calls I got, I was like what are you even talking about. I don't staff alone for another two months, so that makes me feel a little better.

I haven't been to any codes yet. I need to go when they have one, so I can observe.
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This is why I'm happy to never have to staff alone. No one staffs alone at my hospital. I think you'd die. It's hard enough on weekends when there's only 2-3 RPhs on. We are always "extra" not counted into the pharmacist work flow rotation schedule.

We are finishing up the last bit of training and orientation stuff. Mostly working on PK (vanco and aminoglycosides), verifying orders on the different services and getting a taste of the different satellites/locations (pediatrics, oncology, IVA/manufacturing, etc). We all also did a week of rounding with one of the clinical staff pharmacists to get a feel for what we'll be doing on rounds.

Right now I'm just overwhelmed with projects, research proposals and so forth. I have so many freakin papers to read and not enough hours in the day.
 
Kenzi11611 said:
This is why I'm happy to never have to staff alone. No one staffs alone at my hospital. I think you'd die. It's hard enough on weekends when there's only 2-3 RPhs on. We are always "extra" not counted into the pharmacist work flow rotation schedule.

We are finishing up the last bit of training and orientation stuff. Mostly working on PK (vanco and aminoglycosides), verifying orders on the different services and getting a taste of the different satellites/locations (pediatrics, oncology, IVA/manufacturing, etc). We all also did a week of rounding with one of the clinical staff pharmacists to get a feel for what we'll be doing on rounds.

Right now I'm just overwhelmed with projects, research proposals and so forth. I have so many freakin papers to read and not enough hours in the day.
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qft. I'm only sleeping 5h per night (sans weekends) and slowly getting used to it. I have to get more efficient at everything and asap!
 
joetrisman said:
qft. I'm only sleeping 5h per night (sans weekends) and slowly getting used to it. I have to get more efficient at everything and asap!
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You'll probably just get more efficient at reading papers, i.e. skipping parts that really aren't that necessary for your knowledge of the subject. Then you can sleep more. I hardly ever sacrificed sleep during residency, but then again mine probably was a bit "benign" than other programs.
 
Paper reading. Focus on the ones that you have to present. I spent 10-20 hrs on reach that I had present in journal clubs, you have to do some background reading and prepare for anticipated questions.

For papers that others present, read the abstract to know the just and prepare 1-2 questions so you don't just sit around. Usually methodology and standard of practice are areas that usually have things you often raise. Eg, this trail compared drug a vs zosyn, but the standard of care for pneumonia is beta lactam+macrolide, how would that influence the conclusion.

Same for topic discussions. Lite on others, heavy on your own. Another reason to front load is to pick a topic you are interested or know indepth. I was able to pick ID and psych. With some through prep, even the specialist clinicals was unable to stump me, and others were mostly over their heads and asked no question, which suited the plan.
 
How goes it guys? I just finished week 2 of 5 of ID and loving it. Felt really good this week. I felt like wow, I really know stuff, presented things to the ID doc and both she and my preceptor said I'm doing a great job. Then today happened. Today I did more staff training and I feel like an idiot that doesn't know what's going on still. I got better with the phone but still there's things that happen that you learn from experience. Another thing is that someone will show me to do something and be like this is just how I do it but when you work, you may not want to do it this way (cause you may get in trouble...). Sigh.
 
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GoldfishPharmD said:
How goes it guys? I just finished week 2 of 5 of ID and loving it. Felt really good this week. I felt like wow, I really know stuff, presented things to the ID doc and both she and my preceptor said I'm doing a great job. Then today happened. Today I did more staff training and I feel like an idiot that doesn't know what's going on still. I got better with the phone but still there's things that happen that you learn from experience. Another thing is that someone will show me to do something and be like this is just how I do it but when you work, you may not want to do it this way (cause you may get in trouble...). Sigh.
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LOL. Lot of the same things. One day I'm on top of the world and the next I'm an idiot. Learn bad habits from staffers and then get yelled at by management even though you didn't know any better. The list goes on. I'm currently pulling 12-14h days. Its rough but I can see myself getting a rhythm and things have been slowly pulling together. Lack of sleep seems to be my biggest problem right now.
 
joetrisman said:
LOL. Lot of the same things. One day I'm on top of the world and the next I'm an idiot. Learn bad habits from staffers and then get yelled at by management even though you didn't know any better. The list goes on. I'm currently pulling 12-14h days. Its rough but I can see myself getting a rhythm and things have been slowly pulling together. Lack of sleep seems to be my biggest problem right now.
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Wow, that's rough Joe! I know you can handle it cause you're awesome like that! :D

I guess I can't complain. So far, my days start either 7 or 8. I normally go home between 3 or 4. I need to start really getting into my projects because I don't want to wait at the last minute for that. I was told by the previous resident that this residency is really what you make it, and I can see that. I'm taking some initiative though. I'm trying to get my foot into some other things and outside of my comfort zone (like teaching).
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
Wow, that's rough Joe! I know you can handle it cause you're awesome like that! :D

I guess I can't complain. So far, my days start either 7 or 8. I normally go home between 3 or 4. I need to start really getting into my projects because I don't want to wait at the last minute for that. I was told by the previous resident that this residency is really what you make it, and I can see that. I'm taking some initiative though. I'm trying to get my foot into some other things and outside of my comfort zone (like teaching).
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Gold, its not that I can handle it, its more like its a rollercoaster; once you're strapped in, there's no getting off. At any rate, I've been contemplating giving a lecture to students as well. We're required to lecture colleagues but not students.
 
joetrisman said:
Gold, its not that I can handle it, its more like its a rollercoaster; once you're strapped in, there's no getting off. At any rate, I've been contemplating giving a lecture to students as well. We're required to lecture colleagues but not students.
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Ah ok. I guess I can understand that. Well, we're almost 2 months in! How are you coresidents feeling? Do they share the same thoughts?

On a side note, I'm going back and forth on doing a PGY-2. I feel like I need to decide soon and start researching programs. Just the thought of the whole process again and also spending another year training doesn't make me too excited.
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
Ah ok. I guess I can understand that. Well, we're almost 2 months in! How are you coresidents feeling? Do they share the same thoughts?

On a side note, I'm going back and forth on doing a PGY-2. I feel like I need to decide soon and start researching programs. Just the thought of the whole process again and also spending another year training doesn't make me too excited.
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Yup co-res peeps feel like there is a mountain that keeps building to no end.

PGY2 front...I'm totally down but rethinking the fellowship route. F going through another match day :scared:
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
OH MY GOD, YES!

I was so shocked to see I didn't have a single meeting this week! Normally I have 2-3.
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I have at least 1 per day most days! It's crazy sauce. Sometimes I feel like the meetings are designed to put my co-residents and I to sleep. Not cool. Friday is the only day this week I don't have some sort of meeting lol.

I'm definitely not considering PGY2. I'm tired and am feeling too old to keep up this pace :) I need a more regular schedule.

In our teaching certificate program, we are required to "moderate a small group activity" at the local SOP and to "co-precept" some APPE students with one of the profs that is here at the hospital. We have the option to lecture as well. We also have to do a 1.5 hr lecture to the PA students for their pharmacology course at another local institution (not part of our certificate program). Plus we each have to do a Tech CE for the CPhTs and a Pharmacist CE so that the techs and pharms can get CE credits.
 
I keep going back and forth, Kenzi. I'm feeling old too, but I have been enjoying my residency. I wish we had a teaching certificate here. I'd really like one since I would enjoy doing some precepting and small group things anyways.
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
I keep going back and forth, Kenzi. I'm feeling old too, but I have been enjoying my residency. I wish we had a teaching certificate here. I'd really like one since I would enjoy doing some precepting and small group things anyways.
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Grass is always greener. Our teaching certificate is "optional" but lots of pressure to do it. I'm totally game but time vs workload vs efficiency makes me less enthusiastic about the implications of doing it. At any rate, I think if I go somewhere else next year, I'll try a program without a COP to see the contrast.
 
joetrisman said:
Grass is always greener. Our teaching certificate is "optional" but lots of pressure to do it. I'm totally game but time vs workload vs efficiency makes me less enthusiastic about the implications of doing it. At any rate, I think if I go somewhere else next year, I'll try a program without a COP to see the contrast.
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Oh, I know. I just feel like if I'm going to volunteer and do this extra stuff because I'm genuinely interested, I would at least like the option of getting a teaching certificate.

I think that'll be a good idea to see a different side. It's been an interesting experience so far from doing a big chunk of my rotations at a teaching hospital.
 
I've had a presentation every week for the past 4 weeks and tons of other projects. Residency has officially kicked in.

Ready for the weekend as I have one tomorrow wish me luck I'm trying to make it to tomorrow evening :p
 
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