Has anyone ever had to do a clinical rotation at a hospital?

Question

I am taking ems classes to become certified by the state of NY. I was told before my class is over in 6 months, I must work in a hospital er for 10 hours. Did any of you do this, and what were you expected to do during this time. I am really nervous about this, I mean ems yes, but I'm no doctor.

Answer 1

For 3 years I was pretty much in residency in all of the departments while interning for my EMT, EMT-I, Paramedic and Critical Care Paramedic. Don't be nervous, the ED staff is very use to students. My suggestions would be if you wish to see a busy ED in action then make sure to do your time on a Friday or Saturday 3-11 or later shift. If you have multiple hospitals to choose from ask your fellow students which ones they have gone to and what experiences they've had. You can usually find out what nurses are good teachers and interested in furthering your education. When I started in a new department I always brought some type of goodies (cookies, candy...sweet stuff) nurses stations are always the gathering point of staff and food to snack on during a busy night is always welcome...along with scoring you some brownie points. Show up early (especially if you are starting at a shift change) so you can hear patient report. If your not comfortable doing something, speak up! Not everyone will know what your skill set is. But also don't let them have you do menial things such as strip beds, babysit patients, take patients to xray etc...help out when you see they need a hand, but you can't get the EMS stuff when your off babysitting a drunk that won't stay in bed for 3 hours. Most of all, have fun. After all, in the grand scheme of things, we are just one big family striving to help out those in need!

Answer 2

Almost got to do something cool when there was a code. You are not supposed to change linens etc. but I felt bad for the nurses so I helped them. But if they try to make you, just say its not in your scope of practice. You can do blood pressures and vitals and move pts, but it was pretty boring otherwise. I wasn't at a trauma center so go figure. Bunch a people with pretty normal problems.

Answer 3

my husband had to do er rotations as well as or rotations in order to get his paramedic lisence. trust me, the hospital will not expect you (or even allow you) to perform anything that you are not qualified to do. you'll probably mostly just triage and do crap. you can't start ivs or intubate so you'll just be a glorified orderly. no worries!
good luck!