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Hi, I am newly-qualified and have just started my new job. With no nhs vacancies in my area, I have taken an associate position at a private practice and have just done my first day at work.

Although I am about to graduate with a good degree, I can honestly say I felt somewhat out of my depth on that first day. I am sure I will enjoy the work - lovely patients, great practice etc., but it was daunting to see so much stuff I had not seen before, with little idea what it was or how to treat it. My lovely nhs student placement focused very much on diabetic foot ulcers and RA patients.

The main problem, however, is that it is just me and the receptionist at the clinic. It is a one-chair site so there is nobody on hand to ask. I can call the practice owner but this is obviously difficult with a patient sat in the chair! I knew this would be the case when I took the job, though, so can't really complain - but it is scary.

Despite this, I am really looking forward to my next day at work and my future career in podiatry and am now doing some extra research so that I can, hopefully, provide a more confident service for my next batch of victims, sorry, patients!
Anybody out there is the same position as me? It would be great to hear from you.

 

Congratulation upon qualifying and securing your first job. It can be a bit nerve-racking at first, especially as you suddenly find that there is more you haven't seen, than there is you have!

Why not ask the practice owner if you can 'assist' on an occasional (non-paid) 'development' half day? I am sure if he or she will be happy to offer their support in this way, if at all practical.

Good luck with your new career.

 

Thanks for that good advice and for the good wishes.

 

GOODLUCK

 

When I was teaching, I recommended the James Herriot books to a couple of students. The first book (All creatures great and small) was especially good in recounting how he dealt with things he didn't know. Yes, he was a veterinarian, but it really does transfer. And he didn't even have the internet. Keep on learning.

Eric

 

Brilliant advice from Eric. I loved the Herriot books as a slip-of-a-gal which, with hindsight, probably contributed to my interest in health/podiatry...and my thirst for continuous learning.

As a private practitioner about to welcome 2 new grads into my practice, I would say that footinmouth`s suggestion is good. New grads love a bit of mentorship, whether in NHS or PP.

Considering the current NHS climate, it is unfortunate that many UK unis still don`t appear to offer much in the way of preparing students for private practice. So, ask your established associates if you can shadow or assist their clinics; I`m sure they will gladly help to increase your confidence.

Cheers,
Bel

 

ermintrude64

Im rather surprised that your Clinic owner hasnt already offered this type of mentoring pre-employment?

It is VERY daunting sitting in that chair when you have no idea of just what will walk through that door and present itself to you. As a clinic owner myself I would not wish to put either my patients or a new Grad in that situation - although at some point - everyone meets that patient who has a confounding rare problem one hasnt come across, but hopefully finds the confidence to tell the patient they will get back to them on that, rather than hoping to blag one's way out of it! This rarely works.

Well done Bel for taking on 2 new grads - having seen how you work first-hand I know they will benefit greatly from your patience and expertise - I know I did! Do keep me informed how its all going - as I will shortly be in that position myself - as Im explanding and developing!!!!! Watch this space!

Cheers
Linda Russell

 

Sounds messy.;)