Second Look Question

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DOnut

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I scheduled a second look at a program I am very interested in, and the program director e-mailed me to say I will be working with him in the ED on that day. My question is, should I show up in scrubs...ready to work, or should I dress with a shirt and tie because I'm observing???? I'm really not sure. I'm prepared to do either, but, I thought the second look was really to see how the ED runs.....not to help run the ED.

I would just like to hear others opinions. Thanks!
 
This might be the southerner in me, but I would err on being dressed professionally. You could probably skip the tie but I would wear dress pants and a button down shirt at a minimum.

Your there to see how the residents interact, get a good feel for the program. Not wow them with clinical accumen. It really (in my opinion) should be about them selling to you, not the other way around.
 
I think you should wear whatever makes you the most comfortable. I have already revisted my top three programs and I dressed in scrubs during each visit. For me, I wanted to be a "fly on the wall" and blend in with the ED environment. I didn't want to stand out from the rest of the staff/residents/medical students. Although I was dressed in scrubs (and sometimes a white coat depending on what the residents and staff were wearing) I was never asked by any of the programs to help. In fact, they encouraged me to explore the ED and ask as many questions are necessary. So once again, do what you makes you comfortable.
 
If you're really concerned, it would probably be easier to "dress down" from formal wear to a pair of scrubs.

You might want to show up a little early for the shift, find out if there's any preference, and have both outfits available.
 
Why not just reply to the email and ASK THE PD what he prefers that you wear. Chances are he'll tell you to wear
a. whatever it is that he wears when working clinically, or
2. whatever you're most comfortable with (in which case you should show up in shorts and flip flops).

Like roja said, this is for you, so as long as you don't draw unwanted attn to yourself, it probably doesn't matter.
 
Also keep in mind that due to liability and registration issues, you will most likely be prohibited from any hands-on patient care. The "fly on the wall" approach is most likely all they will expect from you. It is great that you are working with the PD. I have "hosted" several applicants through shifts this year and through some observation, have a few "tips":

1) Be interested and active but don't get too much in the way.

2) Don't compare how the program you are visiting does things compared to where you have worked in the past - keep an open mind.

3) ASK THE NURSES HOW THEY LIKE THE RESIDENTS. This is a big one for me. An applicant who realizes the value of the ED nurses opinion is worth his/her weight in gold. Nurses have seen generations of ED residents come through and have great insight about where things are going.

4) Pay attention to the interactions between ED residents and consultants. If you feel up to it, curbside a consultant for their opinion of the ED.

5) There is more to learn from a visit of this type by simply observing. If the resident if stamping forms, drawing labs, starting IV's, and juggling other scut with minimal nursing support, there is no need to ask that resident if he does a lot of scut work. On the flipside, if there is down time (which happens rarely) get to know the resident on a personal level.

Finally, while it will be great to work with the PD, be sure to ask him/her if you can work with one of the interns and residents for an hour or so. ED residents most likely do so much behind the scenes that the PD may not give you a realistic view of what your job will be (but he will be pleased to work with you). You will be observed while you observe the program - be respectful, humble, and eager to learn (the holy trinity of the intern).

Just my 2 cents...

BKN would probably offer the best advice for the OP...
 
Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll probably bring both, but I may just wear a nice pair of pants and a scrub top. Thanks again, and if BKN wants to chime in, you are more than welcome.
 
NinerNiner999 said:
Also keep in mind that due to liability and registration issues, you will most likely be prohibited from any hands-on patient care. The "fly on the wall" approach is most likely all they will expect from you. It is great that you are working with the PD. I have "hosted" several applicants through shifts this year and through some observation, have a few "tips":

1) Be interested and active but don't get too much in the way.

2) Don't compare how the program you are visiting does things compared to where you have worked in the past - keep an open mind.

3) ASK THE NURSES HOW THEY LIKE THE RESIDENTS. This is a big one for me. An applicant who realizes the value of the ED nurses opinion is worth his/her weight in gold. Nurses have seen generations of ED residents come through and have great insight about where things are going.

4) Pay attention to the interactions between ED residents and consultants. If you feel up to it, curbside a consultant for their opinion of the ED.

5) There is more to learn from a visit of this type by simply observing. If the resident if stamping forms, drawing labs, starting IV's, and juggling other scut with minimal nursing support, there is no need to ask that resident if he does a lot of scut work. On the flipside, if there is down time (which happens rarely) get to know the resident on a personal level.

Finally, while it will be great to work with the PD, be sure to ask him/her if you can work with one of the interns and residents for an hour or so. ED residents most likely do so much behind the scenes that the PD may not give you a realistic view of what your job will be (but he will be pleased to work with you). You will be observed while you observe the program - be respectful, humble, and eager to learn (the holy trinity of the intern).

Just my 2 cents...

BKN would probably offer the best advice for the OP...



OUTSTANDING advice there. I can't wait to be applying next year and pimping all of you guys and gals for your opinions and insight.
 
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