Orientation for Rotations

[Binz]

Hey, i'm starting up rotations in NY this sept. Bayshore just updated the dates for rotations and orientation...and i realized i may not be able to make orientation because of an important prior engagement. could someone tell me how crucial orientation is????

thanks,
binz

[helpfulgrad]

Hi...congrats on starting clinicals....
Orientation really varies depending on the hospital you're assigned to. For some hospitals it may be a one-day process where you're given a tour of the hospital by the 4th yrs who are there and then get your ID cards etc.
When I had my orientation it was a week-long event during which we were given a tour and got our ID cards (after clearing employee health - its IMPORTANT to have copies of your immunizations etc for this process). Also in our week-long orientation, there were:
1) lectures and sessions set up to teach us how to do phlebotomy,
2) videos on safety and what to do in case of fires, needle-sticks etc etc
Despite it being a week-long orientation process, we did not have to go in everyday and some days it was just for an hour or 2 hours.

The points is this - it varies. If you've been placed already, there's no harm in calling the student coordinator and politely asking what the orientation process entails. Then you can decide if you can ask for/take a day off.

[Nimitt]

My hospital orientation was a 2 day thing which really didnt even need 2 days. Our individual preceptors or program directors of each department came and gave us a quick lecture on the rotation and our responsibilities. We also had the safety thing. Thats about it.
The best thing to do is call the hospital explain the situation and then see if you could miss it. And be really really nice to the person who is in charge of rotations because believe me they come in handy and you are going to benefit from being on their good side!

Nimitt
4th year
SGU SOM