Ground Rules
- Check with your facility’s policy regarding seeing patients (some may allow you more responsibility while others may want to supervise more directly).
- After your history and physical exam, present the case to either the senior Emergency Medicine resident or the Attending prior to ordering studies.
- Be prompt for beginning of all shifts and lectures.
- If patients you are managing deteriorate or appear to be in distress, notify the senior Emergency Medicine Resident or Attending to the location immediately.
- Professional working attire, which certainly may include a clean set of scrubs, is required.
- You MUST follow Universal Precautions at all times in the Emergency Department.
- Treat the staff, nurses and most importantly the patients with respect and dignity (ie, how you would want your mother to be treated).
- Ask, Ask, Ask. There are no (well, ok, there are a few) stupid questions. If you do not know something (paperwork, procedures, where splinting materials are located, how do I manage this overdose patient), ask.
- Consults should be addressing specific questions about a patient, not being called to see patients that should be managed by the Emergency Department. However, allow the resident or attending to discuss with consultant to avoid conflicts.
- Have fun working, but be professional.
- Read, and be active at lectures and seminars.
- Maintain log book of patients you have seen, and attempt to get follow up on patients that you have admitted.
