Clinical Observation

TheXrayGourmet · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 36

I will be going to do my 16 hour clinical observation soon. I know to dress and act professional, but does anyone have any other tips? Should I ask to help or sit back and be quiet? Should you take notes? etc...I know that the comments that are written on the observation forms are one of many very important factors in determining who gets in the program for that year. Also, we can split up the 16 hours into 4,4,4,4 or 8,8...do you think it is necessary to go to a few different hospitals on the list, or do you think that one hospital will be sufficient?

Thanks for any input! Razz

MurphyMobile · Moderator Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 149 Location: WNC

TheXrayGourmet · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 36

Yes, it is required at Vol State. Prior to an interview, you must have 16 hours of observation. Which can be spilt up into four hour increments or 8 hour increments, as long as it totals 16. You cannot go anywhere you want. They have an "approved list" of hospitals that you choose from. And they are all top-notch hospitals, like Vanderbilt Medical Center, St. Thomas Hospital, Baptist Medical Center and Summit. No clinics, moblies or anything, just major hospitals. You didn't have to do any clinical observation? Where did you attend school at? They say that they want to make sure that you "know what your getting yourself into and know what to expect in this career field."
Also, you have a form filled out on you when you are at observation, and the comments on the form are very important concerning "points" as I'm sure you know, only 30 students get selected each year on a point scale. At Vol State, it is Comments on your clinical observation form, 3 strong professional references, your GPA, and how many classes you have completed prior, etc. I am excited, but a little nervous too. I have talked to people who say they took notes, etc. and others say that they just observed. Guess I wont really know till I just do it?!! "-)