Things to know before first Attending shift

[jumponit]

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Hi all!

I've got my first attending shift coming up in the next week and wanted to see if anyone had any tips/advice on how I should prepare for it.

Also, anything in particular I should ask about during my orientation? (besides the typical crash cart etc.)

thanks!
seth

 

[WilcoWorld]

Some things that come to mind as being different at different places:

How do you activate the cath lab?
How are TIA's handled?
What is the sign-out culture?
Are there any consultants with "peculiar" preferences that you should be aware of?

It's not the medicine that'll be a problem, it's systems stuff.

 

[gro2001]

People always mention:

What gets transferred where?
When is US available?

 

[hurricanemd]

Just had my first attending shift. The hardest part was figuring out how to dispo the patients. The secretary/clerk became my new best friend. Be very nice to everyone!

 

[jumponit]

Thanks all!
Sounds good, any other recommendations?

 

[Pinner Doc]

Thanks all!
Sounds good, any other recommendations?

A couple of others I thought of (going in for my orientation next week -- first shift Aug 4!):

Is there an ED pharmacist/how can I get ahold of pharmacy?
Who follows up on cultures, etc that are ordered?
Chest pain rule-out protocol (observation, inpatient admission, dispo to immediate stress test, what-have-you...)

 

[deleted109597]

Depending on the size of the joint you're at
1. WHAT HAPPENS WITH PSYCH PATIENTS
2. Who reads films? What hours?
3. Any semi normal labs that you can't get?
4. What is the main accepting hospital?
5. Codes to get into certain areas

 

[bartleby]

You can ask for help or advice, but never seem indecisive. It is never wrong to ask the other doc on with you or call your director if you really aren't sure about a procedure, etc.

But never, ever, no matter how bad you feel, ever cry in front of the nurses. : )

 

[em1234]

not just where is...but what is IN your difficult airway cart
came to find out that that is where they keep the miller 3 and 4. harumph.

other little things my colleagues have found we had in residency but that they dont have at their new places of employment...
1. a stryker
2. a tonopen
3. a way to test carbon monoxide, either by co-ox or blood level
4. asa level is a send out for one of my friends