First day on the job....

[dr_almondjoy_do]

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Before I call my program and sound like a fool, I want to ask for the SDNer's opinion...it's so hard to believe that I'll be working soon...

My start date is listed for July 1st on the contract and on the introduction letter. This day falls on a Saturday. Is that really my first day, or is it safe to think it's Monday, July 3rd? I know the 4th is a holiday, but that doesn't guarantee off. I did hear from someone that July 1st may be the start date since the graduate's last day is June 30. What does anyone think of this?

I still have to call, but I wanted to word it correctly. I don't want it to sound like I don't want to start.

I want to plan a vacation... 😍

 

[bigfrank]

Call a secretary and don't give your name. You'd hate for a chief resident to hear that you were calling about this, could come back to haunt you later.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Before I call my program and sound like a fool, I want to ask for the SDNer's opinion...it's so hard to believe that I'll be working soon...

My start date is listed for July 1st on the contract and on the introduction letter. This day falls on a Saturday. Is that really my first day, or is it safe to think it's Monday, July 3rd? I know the 4th is a holiday, but that doesn't guarantee off. I did hear from someone that July 1st may be the start date since the graduate's last day is June 30. What does anyone think of this?

I still have to call, but I wanted to word it correctly. I don't want it to sound like I don't want to start.

I want to plan a vacation... 😍

It's not too early to call your program and ask what your schedule is likely to be like in the first few months. Just show enthusiasm and an eagerness to work. "I just wanted to know if there are orientation activities planned before the start date". "How is vacation time alotted in the first year?" "I'm more than willing to be on call on the 4th of July (say it with a fakey smile and it will sound good on the phone 😀 ), but if there's a chance I won't be, I'd like to be able to let my grandmother know that I'll be able to make one last family reunion at the jersey shore before she passes on..." Etc....
Just be reasonable in your requests, and tie it in to the whole idea that you're just as tickled as heck to be starting out in their program in 2 short months!
Good luck!

(I disagree, Big Frank. There's no reason to hide an honest request for information about the nuts and bolts of the program. The game-playing is over.)

 

[bigfrank]

It's not too early to call your program and ask what your schedule is likely to be like in the first few months. Just show enthusiasm and an eagerness to work. "I just wanted to know if there are orientation activities planned before the start date". "How is vacation time alotted in the first year?" "I'm more than willing to be on call on the 4th of July (say it with a fakey smile and it will sound good on the phone 😀 ), but if there's a chance I won't be, I'd like to be able to let my grandmother know that I'll be able to make one last family reunion at the jersey shore before she passes on..." Etc....
Just be reasonable in your requests, and tie it in to the whole idea that you're just as tickled as heck to be starting out in their program in 2 short months!
Good luck!

(I disagree, Big Frank. There's no reason to hide an honest request for information about the nuts and bolts of the program. The game-playing is over.)

Your think your above advice is anything short of "game-playing?" Yours is a complicated exercise in lying.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Your think your above advice is anything short of "game-playing?" Yours is a complicated exercise in lying.

Ummm--no. Re-read my first sentence. It's all about asking with openness and the right attitude. Perhaps my verbatim quotes were a bit facetious, but if you can't be direct and open with your employer (instead of trying to hide your identity so the chief resident doesn't find out!) then you're in the wrong danged program. Most programs will say up front something like "interns are granted 2 weeks of vacation to be scheduled during x and y rotations". Asking about how much latitude one has to schedule those rotations is like asking whether one gets paid on the 15th or 30th of each month, or on what date one's insurance is effective. There's no need to be manipulative about the terms of one's employment. I expect my med students and residents to come to me as soon as they know their schedules and let me know what time they have to take off for whatever reason. If I have to say "no", they will at least know it directly.

 

[Poety]

Call a secretary and don't give your name. You'd hate for a chief resident to hear that you were calling about this, could come back to haunt you later.

I'm just wondering why a chief would care if the intern called to see when they start? huh? TDMS.

I called my program and talked to the chief directly, she told me what my entire year was scheduled like (and about which rotations were fun, not fun, etc etc). Since I moved already, I had missed the communication to schedule my rotations so I was slotted in without a choice. I also got to talk to the PD, the chair and the secretary.

I'm sure when you call they will be glad to hear from you - just ask what you need to know and seriously don't worry about that stuff!

 

[sophiejane]

Call a secretary and don't give your name. You'd hate for a chief resident to hear that you were calling about this, could come back to haunt you later.

Oh, please. That's ridiculous. I think we are all grownups here and shouldn't worry about "getting in trouble" with the chief resident for asking about a start date. What's s/he going to do, put you in time out??

Persecutory delusions, anyone???

 

[Blade28]

My start date is listed for July 1st on the contract and on the introduction letter. This day falls on a Saturday. Is that really my first day, or is it safe to think it's Monday, July 3rd? I know the 4th is a holiday, but that doesn't guarantee off. I did hear from someone that July 1st may be the start date since the graduate's last day is June 30. What does anyone think of this?

(1) I'm assuming you'll have orientation prior to starting residency - I'm sure they'll cover this topic then.

(2) Why would you assume you're not working on the weekend? What's your first rotation? What type of residency is this?

(3) I wouldn't assume you get any vacations off, besides (maybe) Christmas.

 

[GasEmDee]

Depends on the rotation that you are on. If you are coming onto an inpatient service, then yes, you need to assume that saturday is your first day. That will be the day the previous year's interns will rotate onto their new services. If you are starting internship on an outpatient/elective rotation, then likely you will have the day off. Remember, patients need to be admitted and cared for every day, regardless or weekend or holiday.

Good luck!

Before I call my program and sound like a fool, I want to ask for the SDNer's opinion...it's so hard to believe that I'll be working soon...

My start date is listed for July 1st on the contract and on the introduction letter. This day falls on a Saturday. Is that really my first day, or is it safe to think it's Monday, July 3rd? I know the 4th is a holiday, but that doesn't guarantee off. I did hear from someone that July 1st may be the start date since the graduate's last day is June 30. What does anyone think of this?

I still have to call, but I wanted to word it correctly. I don't want it to sound like I don't want to start.

I want to plan a vacation... 😍

 

[Idiopathic]

I would bet on working. There are some current interns who will be betting on you working as well 😉

 

[Mumpu]

If you start on the wards, you start whatever day of the week it is. July 4th may not be a holiday for you either.

 

[bigfrank]

(1) I'm assuming you'll have orientation prior to starting residency - I'm sure they'll cover this topic then.

(2) Why would you assume you're not working on the weekend? What's your first rotation? What type of residency is this?

(3) I wouldn't assume you get any vacations off, besides (maybe) Christmas.

My points, which escaped the idiots here.

 

[DrNick2006]

Call a secretary and don't give your name. You'd hate for a chief resident to hear that you were calling about this, could come back to haunt you later.

Call and ask. Give your name. Don't give them some bull**** story. In American culture we start on mondays, this would be a deviation from that and is a legitimate question. Anyone worried about how it will look is a tool. Anyone who will form a negative opinion of you for such a question is an ass.

 

[Donkey Hote]

Before I call my program and sound like a fool, I want to ask for the SDNer's opinion...it's so hard to believe that I'll be working soon...

My start date is listed for July 1st on the contract and on the introduction letter. This day falls on a Saturday. Is that really my first day, or is it safe to think it's Monday, July 3rd? I know the 4th is a holiday, but that doesn't guarantee off. I did hear from someone that July 1st may be the start date since the graduate's last day is June 30. What does anyone think of this?

I still have to call, but I wanted to word it correctly. I don't want it to sound like I don't want to start.

I want to plan a vacation... 😍

Are you serious...you are going into Family Medicine not orthopedics. I'm sure you have talked to one or two family doctors, and must know that it is okay for you to ask a question such as this. This isn't a high stress/malignant field. They understand that you enjoy things such as time off/vacation/life, and will be happy to let you know when to schedule your vacation. Just ask. I promise it's okay.

I really do mean this all in the nicest way possible...I just think it's funny you're worried. Family doc's are way too cool to hold something like that against you.

 

[sophiejane]

My points, which escaped the idiots here.

actually, no, those weren't your points. If they were, you'd have included them in your post, not copied them from someone else's.

It's okay, Frank. Even YOU can be wrong sometimes. It's good for your character.

🙂

 

[deleted87716]

I just think it's funny you're worried. Family doc's are way too cool to hold something like that against you.

Indeed we are. 😉

FWIW, I started my internship on-call on a Saturday. Big fun, let me tell you. Still, if you're not sure, you should call and ask. After all, there are no dumb questions, only dumb people (kidding!) 😉

 

[Tater]

(1) I'm assuming you'll have orientation prior to starting residency - I'm sure they'll cover this topic then.

Exactly. You are starting quicker than you think, buddy. 😉

 

[germandoc]

Indeed we are. 😉

FWIW, I started my internship on-call on a Saturday. Big fun, let me tell you. Still, if you're not sure, you should call and ask. After all, there are no dumb questions, only dumb people (kidding!) 😉

I agree, I called my program as well to see what my first couple of months will be like. I do not see anything wrong with that.

Oh and Kent, I have also heard the line :" there are no dumb questions, only inquisitive idiots" 😉

 

[thos]

Call and ask. Give your name. Don't give them some bull**** story. In American culture we start on mondays, this would be a deviation from that and is a legitimate question. Anyone worried about how it will look is a tool. Anyone who will form a negative opinion of you for such a question is an ass.

Sure, normal American culture. Having Xmas, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, etc. off is normal too, but that no longer applies to us either. Let's face it, we're now "Abby someone."

 

[deleted87716]

I have also heard the line :" there are no dumb questions, only inquisitive idiots"

You're probably thinking of this:

 

[drPLUM]

For the record, my program starts on July 1st as well. Yes, it is a Saturday and yes, it starts on Saturday.

 

[angel80]

I spoke with my Chief Resident. She said that if our first month is a floor month, then we start on July 1st, because that's when the previous year's grads go off-service and become PGY-2s. She also said that the first weekend will be treated like a weekday, meaning that everyone has to come in. If our first month is a consult or clinic month, then we will probably start on the 3rd. We also have one week of orientation prior to starting on the 1st.

 

[8744]

Oh, please. That's ridiculous. I think we are all grownups here and shouldn't worry about "getting in trouble" with the chief resident for asking about a start date. What's s/he going to do, put you in time out??

Persecutory delusions, anyone???

You know. I take your post to heart and it you are absolutely correct. Still, for most of my intern year while I was interviewing to switch specialties I felt like I was going to "get in trouble" even though I my program knew I was interviewing and arranged time for me to do so. It's just irrational. Why shouldn't an adult be allowed to ask another adult if he either is or is not going to get a day off?

 

[8744]

You're probably thinking of this:

Or like my Drill Instructor used to say: "There's no such thing as a stupid question.....except the one you just asked."

He also used to say, "Sympathy is in the dictionary between **** and syphilis."

 

[Blade28]

Depends on the rotation that you are on. If you are coming onto an inpatient service, then yes, you need to assume that saturday is your first day. That will be the day the previous year's interns will rotate onto their new services. If you are starting internship on an outpatient/elective rotation, then likely you will have the day off. Remember, patients need to be admitted and cared for every day, regardless or weekend or holiday.

Good luck!

Exactly. Good post.

 

[CNphair]

My points, which escaped the idiots here.

Acutally, you did not make any points. You simply hurled insults...something that is becoming quite a habit for you.

 

[thos]

Am I the only poor sap starting on 6/26? Not to mention that my orientation begins 6/16.

 

[bigfrank]

actually, no, those weren't your points. If they were, you'd have included them in your post, not copied them from someone else's.

It's okay, Frank. Even YOU can be wrong sometimes. It's good for your character.

🙂

Does saying I'm wrong make YOU feel better? You must be one of those unfortunate future FP's that didn't apply because she wanted to but because she had to.

Thank goodness my wife's FP is a great physician. The thought of sending her to someone like you makes me nauseated.

🙂

 

[CANES2006]

Am I the only poor sap starting on 6/26? Not to mention that my orientation begins 6/16.

Ha! Got you beat. 😛 My orientation starts on 6/12. I officially start on 6/24 or 6/26. Haven't confirmed yet. It blows starting so soon. 🙁

 

[Gfunk6]

Ha! Got you beat. 😛 My orientation starts on 6/12. I officially start on 6/24 or 6/26. Haven't confirmed yet. It blows starting so soon. 🙁

Ditto. Orientation 6/12. Official start date SATURDAY, 6/24 😀

 

[Blade28]

Last year I started on July 1st (Friday) - it was preceded by 2 full weeks of orientation, INCLUDING the weekend, which was spent in an ATLS class. 9 hours a day. 🙁

BTW, all that orientation is unpaid. 👎

 

[DOtobe]

The day your contract starts, is the day you start work. You will have orientation prior to that. Like Blade28, I had two weeks of orientation before starting internship - unpaid, of course. 👎

 

[tec]

Before I call my program and sound like a fool, I want to ask for the SDNer's opinion...it's so hard to believe that I'll be working soon...

My start date is listed for July 1st on the contract and on the introduction letter. This day falls on a Saturday. Is that really my first day, or is it safe to think it's Monday, July 3rd? I know the 4th is a holiday, but that doesn't guarantee off. I did hear from someone that July 1st may be the start date since the graduate's last day is June 30. What does anyone think of this?

I still have to call, but I wanted to word it correctly. I don't want it to sound like I don't want to start.

I want to plan a vacation... 😍

First day for my prelim medicine year is a Saturday, so some programs do start on a Saturday. Actually, Saturday will be a good day to start and get to know the patients since Saturdays tend to be a little slower (that's hoping it's not a call day).

 

[dr_almondjoy_do]

I was told that orientation started on July 1st, but that seems too late to get all the certifications. I guess I have to call anyway. I'm really not trying to get out of work, but it really seems strange to start on a Saturday unless we have orientation or unless I'm starting on the inpatient service from that day.

No news on when orientation day starts......

 

[Blade28]

Like Blade28, I had two weeks of orientation before starting internship - unpaid, of course. 👎

I know, don't you hate that? Argh.

 

[DRDARIA]

Last year I started on July 1st (Friday) - it was preceded by 2 full weeks of orientation, INCLUDING the weekend, which was spent in an ATLS class. 9 hours a day. 🙁

BTW, all that orientation is unpaid. 👎

Depends on the program. My program has already specifically told us we will be paid for orientation.

 

[spalatin]

I know, don't you hate that? Argh.

June 16?? Unpaid orientation????
This is getting out of hand. I can understand the programs wanting interns to be ready to rock and roll on day one, but sheesh, packing up your stuff, findng a place to live, and moving half way across the country after graduating from 4 years of med school with only two weeks to do all the stuff you need to do?

Everyone should read the contracts of these places and holy poopers, if it has all these things in there, drop them down to the dungeons of the ROL. And WTF do you need 2 weeks of orientation for? And then they crank you up a week early? Do they give this time back?

If it's brown, odorous, sticks to your shoes and attracks flies, and there's a horse nearby, it's likely not pudding, so don't eat it!

 

[Blade28]

Trust me, 90% of what you learn in orientation is absolutely useless.

 

[thos]

June 16?? Unpaid orientation????
This is getting out of hand. I can understand the programs wanting interns to be ready to rock and roll on day one, but sheesh, packing up your stuff, findng a place to live, and moving half way across the country after graduating from 4 years of med school with only two weeks to do all the stuff you need to do?

Everyone should read the contracts of these places and holy poopers, if it has all these things in there, drop them down to the dungeons of the ROL. And WTF do you need 2 weeks of orientation for? And then they crank you up a week early? Do they give this time back?

If it's brown, odorous, sticks to your shoes and attracks flies, and there's a horse nearby, it's likely not pudding, so don't eat it!

I get 4 wks of vacation, which apparently is better than some of my colleagues.

 

[CANES2006]

And WTF do you need 2 weeks of orientation for? And then they crank you up a week early? Do they give this time back?

I'm doing OB/GYN, but apparently the first week consists of a Departmental Orientation, 2 days of ACLS/BLS, 2 days of ALSO (Advanced life support for obstetrics) and 1 day of NRP (neonatal resus. program). So, all of this is useful. The following week seems a little more pointless: various lectures on patient safety and you're regular hospital orientation, which I assume will consist of painful lectures and a "registration" of some sort (I.D. badges, health insurance, etc). Still, seems a little drawn out. 🙁

 

[3dtp]

I'm doing OB/GYN, but apparently the first week consists of a Departmental Orientation, 2 days of ACLS/BLS, 2 days of ALSO (Advanced life support for obstetrics) and 1 day of NRP (neonatal resus. program). So, all of this is useful. The following week seems a little more pointless: various lectures on patient safety and you're regular hospital orientation, which I assume will consist of painful lectures and a "registration" of some sort (I.D. badges, health insurance, etc). Still, seems a little drawn out. 🙁

Ours was 2 days for ACLS unless you were recert (most of us) then one day, 1 day for PALS/neonat 1/2 day of hospital policy, OSHA, computer orientation, 1/2 day to visit the two other hospitals just so we knew where they were. 3-4 days total, we were paid for it, it was the last week of June and they gave a good party. Then we went to work July 1.

Radiology friend had to do a prelim program in another state. They put him on call his last day (June 30) and told him he had to stay until noon July 1. His new PD was seriously not happy and told him to see if his training license allowed him to work in July. It expired June 30, which he pointed out about a week before the end of the year.

 

[CANES2006]

Radiology friend had to do a prelim program in another state. They put him on call his last day (June 30) and told him he had to stay until noon July 1. His new PD was seriously not happy and told him to see if his training license allowed him to work in July. It expired June 30, which he pointed out about a week before the end of the year.

😱 Couldn't they have tried to accomodate him at least? Sheesh, he had to start his PGY-2 year the next day in another state!

 

[DrNick2006]

Am I the only poor sap starting on 6/26? Not to mention that my orientation begins 6/16.

I start on the 24th orientation on the 17th

 

[DrNick2006]

Last year I started on July 1st (Friday) - it was preceded by 2 full weeks of orientation, INCLUDING the weekend, which was spent in an ATLS class. 9 hours a day. 🙁

BTW, all that orientation is unpaid. 👎

I do get paid for orientation thank goodness

 

[thos]

My pay depends on how you look at it. First check comes the last day of June, so they're either paying me for the work already done in June, or paying ahead for July. I guess I'll assume the former, then I don't feel so bad about orientation.

 

[penguins]

Gosh! I found out today that we get paid each MONTH so first paycheck will arrive July 31st! 😱
Guess I will be racking up the credit cards. Orientation starts June 23rd

 

[8744]

You may be going into family medicine but you will still have to do ward rotations.

 

[Blade28]

I get 4 wks of vacation, which apparently is better than some of my colleagues.

Yup. We only get 3 weeks.

You may be going into family medicine but you will still have to do ward rotations.

I would hope so! The way patients are these days, daily inpatient rounding is more and more common.

 

[Tater]

June 8th. 🙁 Apparently that's the only time ATLS is scheduled.

 

[Mumpu]

Check with the program Penguins. We get paid for the first week of work on June 30th before going to the regular schedule.