excellent points in previous post. agree 100%.
- don't suck up, be friendly, upbeat but not annoyingly so.
- be ready to scrub on any case where they could use the hands
- round with any team that could use the help when you have time
- don't wait to be asked to help - assume the role and get to work - paperwork, scripts, dressings changes, dictate clinic visits, etc.
- be everywhere but be invisible: don't make a point of trying to be noticed, you will be if you're there early and stay late
- no matter how much the residents cut up/rag on each other - don't get involved. you don't know these people well enough to join in (usually)
- be prepared to work 15+ hr days and 100+ hour weeks. this is your interview for 4 weeks so bust your ass
- be nice to everybody! scrub techs, nurses, cafeteria workers, etc. talking behind anybody's back and/or being unprofessional can ruin the reputation you spent weeks trying to build
- know your place. you are a student and owe paying your dues, even as a rotator. scrub and stand, be the retractor-boy, insert the foley and help the tech prep the leg/arm/pelvis, etc.
- be ready to help out in the OR in any way - learn where the supplies are in case you're not scrubbed, help move the pt from bed to table, help walk them to the recovery room, etc
-listen and learn from everybody including the intern that's only done ortho for 1-3 months more than you have. they still know more than you do and may be your chief later on if you match there
- always, always introduce yourself to the scrub tech and get your own gown and gloves after being told there is room to scrub (i always ask the residents before assuming i'm going to scrub)
- be the last one scrubbing
- help out other rotators behind the scenes if you can/need to. trying to show them up will make you look bad, but helping them out will add to your comraderie as a rotating group of students and make you all look better.
- don't ask for favors or time off
- don't show up on days off (if you get them) or stay after they tell you to go home (unless everybody else is staying to do something you could help with)
- show some interest in the city/location outside the residency. take the time to see if that's a place you want to live for 5 years (see above for when to do this)