applecore said:
Do they let you bring a digital stop watch to Step 2 CS? Or do they supply one there? I am worried about time mgmt during the exam, especially making sure i keep the history under 8 minutes. How did you guys pace yourself during the exam?
They don't provide you with anything except paper, clipboard and 2 pens. We were required to ditch pretty much everything, including our wallets.
I remember them specifically saying no digital watches with memory, but I dont recall anyone having an issue or griping about this. My analog watch has a stopwatch function, but I seriously didnt have time to even think about using it. I would just take your watch, and if you feel the need, you can write down the time you start each patient on your clipboard as soon as they announce "Doctors, you may begin".
My advice though, just forget about the time and pay attention to the task. There will be an announcement when you have 5 minutes left. If you're still doing the history, it's time to hurry the fock up.
I was also pressed for time writing the note. I think it might be wise, when you step up to the door and read the scenario (# YO blank complaining of blankety blank. vitals...), go ahead and jot down the first few dx that pop into your head--it will help you remember a few things to ask/examine when you only have 5 minutes left. also, don't waste too much time taking notes on the scenario before you go in. For example, if it's a young man who says he's tired, and all the vitals are normal dont waste your time writing anything but the age, name, and "fatigue". when you walk out to write the note, hopefully you'll remember that it was a man, and the vitals were WNL.... good luck.
