Learning on the job: my top tips
Post date: 19/02/2016 | Time to read article: 1 minsThe information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 18/05/2020
Dr Charles Brantly shares his advice from learning on the job. He was an F1 in ICU at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
- The importance of good communication – Sometimes the most serious mistakes in hospital are the result of poor communication. By communicating clearly and accurately to everyone involved in a patient’s care, you can avoid serious complications.
- Note keeping is essential – Good note keeping not only makes it easier for colleagues but it also gives you a better grasp of each case as a whole, not to mention safeguarding your practice should it be questioned.
- Highlight errors – During a procedure one particular error occurred even after all the safety checks had been performed. Our solution was to highlight this event to management and change the guidelines appropriately.
- Learn from senior teaching – Registrars take particular pleasure in watching their juniors carry out procedures successfully. Learn from those with experience whenever possible.
- Re-assess your diagnosis – It is good practice to re-evaluate a diagnosis, even if it has been made by a senior colleague.
- Give yourself time – Pressure comes in many forms, but none more so than time. You cannot do a proper job if you are rushed off your feet, so do whatever it takes to give yourself more time with your patients.
- Learn from your cases – Whether it is a rare genetic condition or a routine infection, each case is a learning opportunity. Learning is both easier and more relevant when related to real patients.
- Know your patients – Consultants love nothing more than a well-informed junior doctor. Keep your ears to the ground and know your patients by name.
- Dealing with death is part of life – Don’t leave it to the bereavement officer to talk to the relatives of a deceased patient. Relatives prefer a familiar face in difficult times.
- If at first you don’t succeed – As junior doctors we expect to be challenged and to learn new things. However, we don’t always expect to fail. Whether it’s a tricky cannula or your first arterial line, the worst thing you can do is give up.
Find out more
- Read our guide Supporting you through your Foundation Years
- Learn how to avoid medicolegal hazards during your foundation years
- Earn CPD with E-learning on Prism
