How do you prepare for on calls?
I think in a way nothing can really prepare you for them and you mostly learn by doing it and experience - this is true for a lot of aspects of FY1 imo.Â
But depending on the on call, there are definitely some things I can do to prepare and at least put my mind at ease and feel like I’ve done something. Tomorrow I start my UAU on calls, which is the urology unit. I’ve done basically no urology since qualifying, so I’ve gone over the most common urology presentations and how to assess them - urinary retention, renal stones, blah blah. As an F1 you’ll always have a senior around and usually the surgeons will make most of the decisions, but I think it’s important to at least have somewhat of an idea of whats going on. We’re the ones who usually clerk in the patients so I’ll have to make a stab at a diagnosis and get things rolling before a senior sees to them.
Similarly for the general surgical admissions unit, I’ve gone over a few of the most common and important presentations, like cholecystitis, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction etc.Â
And I don’t mean go over them like you would as if you’re revising for an exam. I just want to refresh the main symptoms, what to look out for, and what tests to order pretty much. As an F1 I don’t need to know the pathophysiology of pancreatitis or really rare stuff, I need to know the basics.Â
For nights though, I have no idea. Think I’m just gonna have to roll with it and see what happens.
In terms of other preparation, I have been very relaxed and had 8 hours sleep every night the past few days, have had lots of chill time and also socialised. I want to be well-rested before I start! Very important.
I’m also taking some time today to do some meal prep. My shifts this month are pretty much all 12-13 hour shifts, so I need to be on it with bringing food to the hospital or I’ll spend too much in M&S!
