I knew this moment would come. I am a little anxious and a lot excited the night before my first day at clinical. I just got settled into my new apartment & met my feline roommate, which begs the question: are these stress or allergy hives?
In all seriousness, any period of change may bring stress. I've lived in the same place for the past five years, know my favorite coffee & study spots and a way to school that avoids all stop lights [Mum I know you're proud to read that].
Now, I'm in a new town in a completely different state. I don't have my normal routine or my friends to come home and vent with at the end of the day. While I've let this be a source of stress for myself, I'll go out on a limb and say it might be eustress.
I am so thrilled to put my knowledge to the test and I'm certain these next 8 weeks will challenge me. I've found it a bit difficult to set goals for tomorrow/this week/this rotation because I really don't know what to expect. So, I'll keep it simple:
1. Be receptive and welcoming of feedback from my CI - I know it will be difficult to face continuous critique with a grateful attitude but accepting my flaws and recognizing room for growth can only make me a better clinician.
2. Show integrity when I am feeling unsure of myself - While I'm not afraid to ask for help, I don't want to feel defeated by the unknown. I will remind myself to accept where I am as a student, and again recognize room to grow.
3. Make good clinical decisions - I have no idea what my role will be in "making clinical decisions" this first clinical experience, but I hope to leave these next 8 weeks feeling confident in myself and my future profession.
sometimes it's necessary to look at things from upside down
