Alumni & Preceptor Newsletter - Fall 2018 2018 12 13 PA Newsletter - Issue 4 | Page 2

LAKE ERIE COLLEGE ALUMNI AND PRECEPTOR NEWSLETTER
Fall 2018 | Issue 4
Tips To Survive Rotations
Clinical Student Shares Words of Wisdom
by Jessica Flowers PA-S
TIP #1: NO CELL PHONES
Even if your preceptor seems cool with it, having your cell phone out on
rotation just isn’t a good look. If you need to use your phone to look
something up, that’s fine. Just make sure you ask your preceptor if that’s
okay first. You don’t want your preceptor to think you’re on your Instagram
all day.
TIP #2: ASK QUESTIONS!
Preceptors love when you ask questions, especially because it forces them to
think as well. I have had two preceptors already (I am only in rotation 3)
who have both said it is so nice having a student because they are learning
with me and refreshing their knowledge as well. Also, don’t be intimidated
to ask questions or think a question is too stupid to ask - it’s not!
TIP #3: BE AWARE THAT YOU ARE A SECOND YEAR PA
STUDENT, YOU WON’T KNOW EVERYTHING
Most doctors and PAs are the first to admit when they don’t know
something and that they do not know everything. It is impossible to
know absolutely every disease and treatment! Don’t be so hard on
yourself. If your preceptor asks you what you think the diagnosis is or
what you want to do and you’re not sure, just say you’re not sure! Then you
can tell them “I am thinking maybe ___,” or “my differential is ___.” You
will not be chastised for this, it is okay!
TIP #4: DO SOME RESEARCH OUTSIDE OF ROTATION
Preceptors love when you come in with new information or new studies that
you read. It not only emphasizes your enthusiasm for medicine, but also can
be helpful for your preceptor and their practice.
TIP #5: DON’T BE A KNOW-IT-ALL
If a preceptor treats a disease differently than the way you learned, that’s
okay and that’s medicine. Try not to ask ‘Why that antibiotic?’ in front of
the patient either. The best way to approach the situation is to wait until you
and your preceptor are alone, and simply phrase it as “Can I ask why you
prefer Augmentin over amoxicillin?” Preceptors are very receptive to this
approach and will be happy to answer.
TIP #6: STAY HYDRATED AND EAT!
Especially in your surgery rotation, pack lots of snacks. Eat when you can,
and drink plenty of water. Many rotations involve a lot of running around
and standing. You don’t want to be that student that’s known for passing
out! Also, many preceptors have trained themselves to fast during the work
day, so they don’t eat at all. You still need to take time to eat and fuel your
body! Whenever there is a lull or pause in the day, let your preceptor know
that you need to go eat something. They will not have a problem with this!
TIP #7: BE FLEXIBLE, BE PATIENT, BE ON TIME
Your preceptors will often work longer hours than they originally tell you.
Many of them are very hard workers and stay well after the shift is over to
catch up on charting. Try to be flexible with this, and just be prepared that
you may not always get out of work when you think you will. Also, be on
time! I try to live by the phrase “If you’re not early, you’re late,” but that’s just
me. It shows good character, that you are respectful, and that you are
considerate when you’re on time.
Jessica Flowers ’19 and Cheryl Katavich, PA-C
TIP #8: HAVE EMPATHY AND LISTEN TO
YOUR PATIENTS
This is arguably the most important job we have
as providers. It is crucial to remember we will
never know how someone is feeling or what
someone is going through. The best we can do is
try to put ourselves in their shoes and attempt to
relate. It is also important to note the patient will
tell you what is wrong, you just have to listen.
Most diagnoses are made from obtaining a solid
history alone, use this to your advantage!
TIP #9: BE A SPONGE!
Take advantage of these experiences and absorb as
much knowledge and info as you can! You are
lucky to be in this situation, don’t forget that.
Having these real life case scenarios will really
hammer your knowledge from didactic into your
brains, and you will always remember them!
fast facts
100% pass rate
Every graduating student that has
taken the PANCE has passed.
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