Jay
6th August, 2011, 8:31 PM
Well, the time has finally come when I have ceased to be a medical student and started to be a doctor... Thats a scary thought! I was asked to document a few of my experiences here so thought that this would be as good a time as any to start.
I have just completed week one as an FY1. I have to say that I've loved every minute of it so far! We started last week actually, but we were only shadowing the FY1s we would be taking over from. During the week we had a number of sessions on administrative and pharmacy mattters which I found really helpful. I'm on an academic FY programme so I also had an induction for that as well. Its great to meet all the new people you will be working with over the next year or so.
At the start of the week, we were sent on yet another recognising the sick patient course, which was helpful revision I suppose, but I was just keen to get started!
The day came on Wednesday, (black Wednesday its become known as) and we all got started. With some trepidation, I came into the unit early to get organised. I turned my pager on for the first time, got my stethoscope out my bag and we were off! We met our consultants and seniors who were all really supportive, and then we were off on our first ward round, making a note of jobs as we went. I had a bit of a fright when my pager went off - a nurse wanting me to comment on an abnormal ECG in pre-assessment... A bit frightening, but manageble...
Since then its been pretty full on. It may sound stupid but theres a fair degree of satisfaction to be had in checking bloods and acting on abnormalities, checking charts to decide on what fluids a patient needs and getting to know your patients.
Its great when it all goes well, and you're able to answer questions on ward round regarding the condition of your patient, and any developments which have occurred during the day, or pre-empted consultant requests. I've got a real buzz out of having everything tee'd up for the evening round, but its hard work to get into that position for every patient every night. I think the watch words are organisation and attention to detail.
My seniors have been great, and so far have always been quick to answer their page when we've been stuck. The only low point was having to pronounce and certify a patient who died on the ward. Thankfully I'd taken time to speak to the family the day before so it wasn't unexpected news.
Next week could be challenging. I'm receiving for a week and then switch to nights at the weekend. Im rota'd for 78 hours next week which I'm sure will be fun... I've just been brushing up on the principles of basic management of common conditions, particularly prescribing analgesia and anti emetics etc.
All in all I've loved my first week. I hope its all like this. You realise that there is so much still to learn after medical school. In fact, it feels like this is where the real learning begins. Bring it on, I can't wait!!
I have just completed week one as an FY1. I have to say that I've loved every minute of it so far! We started last week actually, but we were only shadowing the FY1s we would be taking over from. During the week we had a number of sessions on administrative and pharmacy mattters which I found really helpful. I'm on an academic FY programme so I also had an induction for that as well. Its great to meet all the new people you will be working with over the next year or so.
At the start of the week, we were sent on yet another recognising the sick patient course, which was helpful revision I suppose, but I was just keen to get started!
The day came on Wednesday, (black Wednesday its become known as) and we all got started. With some trepidation, I came into the unit early to get organised. I turned my pager on for the first time, got my stethoscope out my bag and we were off! We met our consultants and seniors who were all really supportive, and then we were off on our first ward round, making a note of jobs as we went. I had a bit of a fright when my pager went off - a nurse wanting me to comment on an abnormal ECG in pre-assessment... A bit frightening, but manageble...
Since then its been pretty full on. It may sound stupid but theres a fair degree of satisfaction to be had in checking bloods and acting on abnormalities, checking charts to decide on what fluids a patient needs and getting to know your patients.
Its great when it all goes well, and you're able to answer questions on ward round regarding the condition of your patient, and any developments which have occurred during the day, or pre-empted consultant requests. I've got a real buzz out of having everything tee'd up for the evening round, but its hard work to get into that position for every patient every night. I think the watch words are organisation and attention to detail.
My seniors have been great, and so far have always been quick to answer their page when we've been stuck. The only low point was having to pronounce and certify a patient who died on the ward. Thankfully I'd taken time to speak to the family the day before so it wasn't unexpected news.
Next week could be challenging. I'm receiving for a week and then switch to nights at the weekend. Im rota'd for 78 hours next week which I'm sure will be fun... I've just been brushing up on the principles of basic management of common conditions, particularly prescribing analgesia and anti emetics etc.
All in all I've loved my first week. I hope its all like this. You realise that there is so much still to learn after medical school. In fact, it feels like this is where the real learning begins. Bring it on, I can't wait!!