priorities...

Hey guys,

Had my final Ax at PMH with a little ex-prem baby on O2. He is now nine months corrected age and has barely left hospital since November last year, hence he has three huge volumes of notes! I had a really busy morning on my final day as I had to see three pt's as well as finish two HEPs for two other pt's whom I obviously wasn't going to see again. Knowing I had my final Ax that afternoon, but also assuming I would be given time to look over the notes (as I had not seen him before) I prioritised my other duties over preparing for my Ax. In the twenty minutes or so I had to prepare for the pt I did my best to familiarise myself but ended up having only a sketchy idea of this baby's medical history (due to the massive past medical history). In my handover I gave all the relevent info but got drilled on not having a good understanding of the pt's history and medical plan. I was also told that I should have prioritised preparing for my Ax over my other work and should have asked my facility supervisor for more time...or shortened my lunch break in order to allow myself time to prepare thoroughly.

I guess had I known the history of this bub was so extensive I would have allowed myself more time, but in the same way I felt like the other work was just as important and I felt like I was organising my time effectively. I also find it difficult to tell one supervisor I can't finish my work so that I can prepare for my other supervisor, as I am obviously being assessed by them both.

I know it is improtant to prepare adequately before seeing a pt, but at the same time in reality time limits everything and usually having a quick look at the notes is all you can fit in. Sometimes it just feels like prac is a constant contradiction!!