Going on my first clinical

Superman · Joined: 14 Nov 2009 Posts: 2

The college I'm attending requires that all students applying to the radiology program complete 16 hours shadowing/volunteering with a licensed radiologist. Because I'm just going into this field, it would be helpful if someone could give me some insight on how to make myself useful while I'm at the job site and what I should primarily be looking out for.

I read the do's and don'ts of clinicals on this forum and I have some of those good qualities but if someone can share some specific moments and experiences that can help me go that extra mile i would be very thankful.

Thanks,

Daniel
(student)

hjhogle · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 12:59 am Post subject:

I'm sorry, Daniel. Useful? Don't try to make yourself useful. Going the extra mile would be just staying out of the way. A shadowing experience isn't there to make you look like a helpful student - it's to expose you to the day-to-day profession so that you can better decide if it's a good fit.

Back in the day, we lost almost half our class after the first week of clinicals because students were not prepared for being around sick people. Having a patient puke on your shoes in the first 20 minutes was shocking for my comrade, who'd never been in a hospital before. She now manages a large medical records department.

What will be most helpful for you and for them is for you to SHADOW. Take note of your questions and ask them when you won't be interrupting. Be sure to ask about the RT's educational experience - what did they think of it, which courses did they find the most difficult. Ask about their current work environment (just be ready when everyone complains about their paycheck) - do they find the work physically taxing, how are the hours? Ask them what they think is the most wonderful aspect of their job/the most awful aspect of their job ...

NOTE - you're not shadowing a "licensed radiologist"

A Radiologist is a licensed, expert physician whose specialty is the interpretation of diagnostic images. Some additionally treat patients. After high school graduation, they spend the next 12+ years in training.

A Radiographer is a nationally certified (occasionally also state licensed) professional whose specialty is the creation of diagnostic images. After high school, we spend the next 2+ years in training.

Just wanted to make sure you knew the difference.

hjh, RT

Superman · Joined: 14 Nov 2009 Posts: 2

Thank you much for the advice and the detailed clarity. Now I know my role as an observer when I do my first clinical. Thanks again.

hjhogle · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:34 pm Post subject:

Good luck - you won't see everything, but you'll see a lot. Don't worry that you "won't be able to do that", whatever it is. If the profession is a good fit for you, you'll handle everything you need to when you get that far.

Enjoy yourself.
hjh, RT