Some Tips for Thriving in Residency
CPRB 2.2.2.6.f
Things to Consider When You Start a Rotation and During Rotations
- Plan ahead so that you know where you will be going and what you will be doing when you start your rotations.
- Familiarize yourself with the rotation site and the people that you will be working with.
- Find out if there are any other students or residents at your rotation site and plan to meet-up for lunch or coffee.
- Ask about other interesting learning opportunities that may be available at your rotation site, like educational rounds (e.g. Grand Rounds).
- Ask about interesting things to do and see on the weekends while you are on rotation.
- Take time on weekends/evenings for relaxation, rejuvenation.
- You are not expected to know everything.
- It is normal to feel that you don't know everything or to feel that you have a lot to learn.
- Prioritize your residency related-work by thinking about what needs to be done now, what can wait and set time-limits for yourself.
The Four Stages of Learning
Adapted from The Four Stages of Learning, The Process Coaching Centre.
It has been demonstrated that there are four stages of learning that an adult goes through when learning a new skill. It is useful to use these four stages when thinking about your learning and development during your residency year and also during your rotations. Think about these stages when you are on your rotations, as they may help you realize that what you are feeling is normal and all part of the learning process!
Stage 1: Unconscious Incompetence
"I don't know that I don't know how to do this." This is the stage of blissful ignorance before learning begins. You may feel like this at the beginning of your residency year and at the beginning of your rotations.
Stage 2: Conscious Incompetence
"I know that I don't know how to do this, yet." This is the most difficult stage, where learning begins, and where the most judgments are made against yourself. You may feel this way in the first few weeks of your residency year and also during weeks one and two of your rotations.
Stage 3: Conscious Competence
"I know that I know how to do this." This stage of learning is much easier than the second stage, but it is still a bit uncomfortable and self-conscious. You may feel this way towards the end of your residency year and in weeks three and four of your rotations.
Stage 4: Unconscious Competence
"What, you say I did something well?" The final stage of learning a skill is when it has become a natural part of us; we don't have to think about it. You may not feel this way during your residency, as this typically can take a while to happen (e.g. a couple of years of work as a Clinical Pharmacist).
Some of the People You Can Talk to Throughout Your Residency Year
Over the course of the residency year, you will be learning lots of new things and will be exposed to lots of new experiences. At times you may find this challenging and you may find that you need someone to talk to for support. Here is a snapshot of some the people in our Program who care about you and are available to talk to when needed. We are very familiar with the challenges that residents can face and are here to help.
- Program Coordinator, Dr. Nicole Bruchet, always available, if you need to talk.
- Your fellow residents
- Your preceptors
- Your mentors
- Program Director, Dr. Richard Slavik
- Clinical/Professional Practice Leaders at your rotation sites
- Pharmacists at your rotation sites
- IH Resident Representatives
- BC Chief Residents
- The other BC pharmacy residents
Managing Literature and Information During Your Residency Year
Over the course of the residency year, you will collect lots of articles and other reading material during your rotations, academic half day sessions and during your own research for case presentations, your project, ect. Given all this new information that you will be receiving, it is important that you stay organized.
Consider creating an electronic library of literature. This will help you stay organized and find things quickly when you need them. Also, as you transition from a resident to a Clinical Pharmacist, this will also help you to manage all the information that as health professionals, we are required to read, synthesize and use in our practices.
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Confidential service available to Interior Health employees, including residents. Provides assess to counselling services. You can access the program by going onto the InsideNet, clicking Employee Resources then Employee Health and Wellness, then clicking Employee and Family Assistance Program under Resources.
-Last updated June 12, 2023