Clinical time can be challenging as a medic student but it’s the most valuable. This is an opportunity to learn. I believe paramedic class is very much a trade school. If you look at it as a trade school we notice one consistent thing with the trades. Apprenticeship. In this apprenticeship your about to embark in you’ll find mentors. You can make some mistakes without all the risks since your with a mentor. Becoming a great field paramedic starts with great ride time. No matter if it’s ambulance, ER or specialty clinical times these tips always hold true.
The first step to an amazing clinical time starts with scheduling and time management. Schedule early. Really early. That’s one of the steps to getting the clinical time you want. You don’t want to be the person who waited for the last minute. Suddenly your scrambling to schedule and your behind. Even worse when your behind and a sudden pandemic hits. If you pick early your more likely to get what works best for you. Pick time your going to be fresh and well rested. At least you want some sleep before you go in.
Keep your phones in your pocket. This is a pet peeve of many clinical sites. I hear this complaint from sites all the time. They say the student just come in and plays on the phones. When your at a clinical site you may not notice but your being watched. Your reputation In this job isn’t not always if what you know what to do but what you’re actually doing.
Ask lots of questions. Your there to learn. Most people will be open to answering your questions. Just make sure your asking the question out of genuine curiosity. Don’t be challenging their knowledge. This also goes with being humble. Be humble. I have only found one stupid question. Can I leave early?
Ask to help with a medical procedure. The more staff sees your curiosity and willingness to help the more they will work with you. Try to be genuinely helpful. You may have seen it a hundred times, why not one more? Building rapport and trust will get you far. Doing the IV or sliding the patient up in bed may earn the trust you need to get that intubation attempt later. You want staff to see you as an asset, not a liability.
Keep busy. There is always something to do. If you get overwhelmed, stop a second, take a breath and then do something. Anything,( except run away) Vitals are always a solid choice. Staff always needs vitals reassessed.
I hope you find this article helpful. Just remember that your in clinicals as trade to practice. It’s your goal to get as much practice with patient contacts as possible.