Intern Bootcamp: Essential Tips for Your First Day of Residency

Essential Items for Interns

• 📛 Name badge is crucial for hospital access; don't forget it.
• 👕 Bring scrubs, a white coat, and extra clinic clothes, as well as comfortable shoes for long days.
• 📞 Ensure you have your pager and phone readily accessible, as they are primary communication tools.
• ✍️ Carry a reliable pen, preferably a fine-point gel pen, as they are essential for note-taking and can get misplaced.
• 🎒 A personal "emergency go bag" with toiletries, snacks, and extra supplies can be a lifesaver for unexpected long shifts or overnight stays.

Mastering Organization Systems

• 📅 Develop a systematic approach to pre-rounding on patients, reviewing information in the same order each day to ensure nothing is missed.
• 📝 Write down all patient information in consistent physical locations on your notes to quickly find data during rounds or when presenting.
• ✅ Implement a checkbox system for to-do lists: empty for not done, half-full for ordered/needs follow-up, and full for completed.
• ⚠️ Prioritize tasks by urgency: patient safety first (urgent/emergent orders, critical pages), then consults and discharges, followed by routine orders, and finally, notes.
• ⏳ Draft notes as you pre-round to save significant time later in the afternoon.

Owning the Floor and Teamwork

• 🔄 Be prepared to shift priorities throughout the day as new issues arise from pages or patient status changes.
• 🎨 Use a color-coding system for notes (e.g., one color for morning rounds, another for afternoon events) to differentiate tasks and updates.
• 🤝 "Load the boat" by utilizing your team; don't hesitate to ask seniors for help or clarification, as they are there to support you.
• 👂 When approaching seniors, be conscientious, clear, and prepared with your questions, observing their availability (e.g., during OR downtime vs. critical moments).
• 🧑‍⚕️ Stand at the bottom of the bed or signal your presence to nurses and seniors when you need assistance or have a question.
• 📚 Ask questions freely, especially early in intern year; it's expected and crucial for learning and patient safety.
• 👩‍⚕️ Leverage nurses' expertise by responding promptly to pages, asking for their concerns and suggestions, and communicating your next steps when unsure.