Any advice before beginning acute care clinical?

[chdom02]

Hi, in a few weeks I'll be starting my acute care rotation. I'm a little nervous as I haven't worked with this population before, only had a previous outpatient ortho clinic. Does anyone have any advice on what to review or a typical day in the life of an acute care PT?

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[ya1]

Make sure you do everything slowly. If you are moving slowly (moving stuff around the patient or moving the patient), you will have a better chance to notice if you are pulling on a cord you are not supposed to pull on or you can stop if pt starts feeling pain before you hurt them. Watch patients' response and always stop/pause if in doubt.

 

[Tnpt12]

Stay calm and think through situations before acting. I’ve found that acute care takes a little more forethought to take into account for managing lines/tubes and patients’ unique health situations. Also, if you’re not sure what to do or how to do it just run it by your CI or a nurse or someone, best not to take too many chances with people in such bad health.