As you begin working in a busy hospital environment, you may be looking for support and advice on how to make this leap with confidence. Here we chat to resident doctors and ask them to pass on their words of wisdom.
Be organised
Organisation skills were a factor that came through loud and clear from the doctors we chatted with. They suggested that some of the best doctors are those that can organise effectively. Busy wards and on-call shifts can be stressful, and it can feel like you’re drowning in work.
Taking a systematic approach to jobs can relieve a lot of pressure, as well as implementing the following:
- Arriving early for shifts
- Printing handovers
- Keeping a jobs list or folder (with a system for booking and reviewing)
- Prioritising jobs in order of clinical need
- Sharing jobs with nurses or other clinical support
Get to know everyone
Dr Rachel Khaw believes that working in a hospital environment is a lot easier if you know members of the team well. She suggests making a conscious effort to get to know the different ward and team members you will be working with regularly. This will not only make your working life easier, but also more enjoyable.
She also says that you’ll be able to gain valuable tips as your network grows and you have more experience to lean on.
Identify sign-off opportunities
Dr Zarni Khan says: "At the beginning of F1, we were given a list of things we needed to do in order to get signed off in the Annual Review of Clinical Practice (ARCP). Most of these sign-off requirements involve Mini-Cex evaluations and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills. For F1, you are required to complete a certain number per rotation.
"Firstly, make sure you are familiar with the sign-off requirements. Secondly, be creative with your opportunities to get them. I found clerking really useful for getting my Mini-Cex evaluations. When reviewing a patient, I would find a senior to present the patient to if appropriate. Following this, I could ask for sign-off.
"If you’re teaching medical students while they are on placement, see this as an opportunity to get a teaching requirement signed off (while being observed by a senior colleague). Try not to leave fulfilling all of your sign-off requirements until the last minute, and be sure to document as you go."
Communicate with your colleagues and ask questions
No question is a stupid question. Whether it’s working out how to use a system or struggling to understand a clinical picture or result, seek help from colleagues. Not only is this good for your own learning, it also shows interest. Don’t forget that others were once in your shoes.
Identify areas of weakness or those you feel less confident about. Face them head on and find support from others. This way, when you need to complete a task alone, it will feel much more manageable. Most medical staff are prepared for your arrival and the majority are willing and happy to help if you ask them.
Try not to take things personally
Working as a doctor means that you come across a lot of people with different attitudes and personalities. This can be both a perk and a downside.
Many people will be polite and kind. However, some will be charged with emotion due to the context of your meeting. Try not to take their emotion personally. It’s often a reflection of how they’re feeling rather than anything you’ve done.
Equally, don’t let people walk all over you – whether that be a patient or a colleague. It’s hard to do, but if you feel that something is wrong, you should speak out.
By now you understand how pressurised the profession is. If someone is under pressure and your workload is light, offer a cup of tea or to take jobs off them. It will be remembered, and you never know when you may be in a similar situation.
Look after yourself
Last but certainly not least, take care of yourself. You’re the only person who can do this. You’re looking after other people all day, and a run-down, tired and hungry doctor isn’t helpful for your colleagues or for patient safety.
Taking breaks when there’s a quiet moment and making sure you take the time to eat, rehydrate and use the toilet all sound like straightforward measures, but they can often fall by the wayside during a busy shift. So, make sure you prioritise your wellbeing.
Finally, it’s a good idea to have something to look forward to outside of work. Whether it’s a hobby, sport or social activity, it will help to take your mind away from work and relax.
Survive and thrive during F1
If you’ve found this blog useful, check out this interview with three newly qualified doctors talking about their experiences of starting F1.