Starting a career as a Junior Doctor can be overwhelming. The unfamiliarity of the hospital environment, coupled with the fear of being expected to handle critical situations beyond one's competency, can sometimes induce panic. However, it is important to remember that you are never alone in this journey - you can always rely on your colleagues and also members of the wider MDT to lend support if you need!

Nursing Staff: A Wealth of Knowledge and Experience

Nurses play a vital role in patient care, and their experience and expertise can be invaluable. Many nurses have been working for years and possess extensive knowledge about patient needs and care protocols. They are often familiar with individual patients and their conditions (so they are a great source of information when asked to review an unwell patient on an unfamiliar ward in the middle of the night!). When faced with uncertainty or questions, don't hesitate to consult the nurses. They can provide guidance, offer insights, and help you better understand patient issues.

Other Doctors

As an FY1, it is natural to seek guidance from more experienced SHO or Registrar colleagues, most of whom would be more than happy to share their expertise and assist you if needed - don't hesitate to approach them when you need help or advice. It is important to always be aware of your own limitations - if you are unfamiliar with something… ASK!

The Wider MDT

Beyond nurses and doctors, there are other members of the healthcare team who can offer valuable support. Allied healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pharmacists (among others), possess specific expertise that can enhance your understanding of patient’s conditions and facilitate better decision-making. Collaborating with them can provide you with valuable information and insight, and their advice can sometimes help to manage unwell patients in a more holistic manner.

Other Tips for Success:

• Attend orientation days and mandatory shadowing weeks offered by the hospital. These events provide valuable information about hospital procedures and resources.

• Contact your predecessors before they leave their position. They can offer insights and tips about consultants, computer systems, specialised investigations, and more!

• Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Hospital life can be demanding, especially during the first week. Prioritise rest, and avoid overwhelming yourself with late nights. Being well-rested will make your experience more manageable and enjoyable.

• Take your breaks while on shift! Sometimes the wards can be exceedingly busy and it is easy to become overwhelmed and think you don’t have time to rest. However, tiredness won’t do you or your patients any good! Taking your breaks at appropriate times ensures that you don’t burn yourself out and still have the energy to be able to think critically about aspects of patient care -like prescribing medications, reviewing bloods or other investigations. These are areas where mistakes can be made if care is not taken - with the potential of there being significant negative effects for the patient if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Starting your career as a junior doctor may seem daunting, but remember that you have a network of support to guide you. Nurses, patients, fellow doctors, and the multidisciplinary team are all valuable resources at your disposal. Seek their assistance when needed, embrace collaboration, and remember to prioritise self-care. By doing so, you'll navigate the hospital environment with confidence and provide the best possible care to your patients.

by Dr Ahmed Kazie