What advice does one have for a student entering rotations? What is good ettiquette? What should one do to prepare for a rotation? How should one indicate interest? Is asking questions okay or a sign of weakness? Also, I'm heading to a hospice. What kind of studying in preparation should I do for this site? thank you.
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precepter advice
Started by clarkbar
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Bring extra pens and a notepad. Laptop too if you have it. Don't be late, dress up unless they want you in street clothes. One time I had a rotation in the ghetto where we were supposed to distribute packages of syringes to heroin addicts, often going into their apartments. We were told by the site to not dress in a way that makes you look like law enforcement. Needless to say, I was carrying about 4 weapons during that rotation. One knife on the belt, one knife in the socks, a Walther P99 replica that shot out rubber balls, and a stun gun.
Try not to ask questions on rounds. Ask your preceptor before or after rounds. What I'd do sometimes is write down something I wanna mention to the docs on a notepad, pass it to my preceptor, and they'd nod if they want me to bring it up.
What about an iPad instead of a laptop?
I guess but I've never been a fan of tablets.
Lol, only Sparda would end up carrying weapons on rotation.
Don't guess if someone asks you a question. That is my advice. Preceptors usually hate that.
Honestly, I'd probably carry a knife and mace then too. Ghetto is rough.. And ghetto + drugs? Even worse . That sounds like a cool rotation, Sparda.
Hospice deals with end of life patients. A dose of compassion and knowledge of pain and comfort care are what you will learn. So go in prepared.
It was a pretty cool rotation. Most of the "patients/clients" were pretty cool and thankful. Our care packages usually consisted of sterile syringes, the elastic bands they tie prior to injecting, first aid kits, etc.
I would not bring your laptop and especially not your iPad unless you are asked to. You may not need it and may not have anywhere to store it. And no weapons!
Study your opiates! Initiation, titration, breakthrough, adverse events. Have an idea of how to convert between them (although ask your preceptor if they have a specific table on this, as there is some variation in the numbers depending on source). Know other palliative drugs like sedatives, anxiolytics, respiratory care, secretion management.
I have heard mixed reviews about Hospice rotations. Some have said it's a really great learning experience and you get a lot of exposure to patients, while others have said it's terribly depressing. I suppose that changes based on your specific time when you're there and your overall outlook.
