"Nuts & Bolts 2" - A Guide to the Clinical Years Section 3: Insider's Guide to Inpatient Settings Table of Contents What To Bring On Day One • A Relaxed Attitude: Given the uncertainty associated with the first day of a rotation, it is important to have a somewhat relaxed attitude. Everything will fall into place. If anything is unclear, you should ask plenty of questions. It is better to lessen your anxiety at the beginning of the clerkship. • Clothing: White coat, student ID card, and comfortable shoes (in case you are on call that night). Dress like you're going to your preceptor. Scrubs will be provided. • Medical Instruments: Bring only your stethoscope and penlight on the first day. After this you will be able to determine what is available at the site and whether or not it is appropriate to bring your own instruments. A streamlined approach to equipment is also helpful to avoid possible loss or theft. Labeling instruments is always a good idea. Recommended rotation-specific equipment includes: surgery - trauma shears; ob/gyn - pregnancy wheel; neurology - tuning fork, reflex hammer, and Snell's eye chart. • Overnight/On-Call Pack: You will need this if you have been selected to be on call the first night. (Only applicable at the sites where a student could stay overnight: surgery at SFGH or Fresno, or ob/gyn at Moffitt, Fresno, or CPMC) This should include a toothbrush, toiletries, and a change of clothing. Sometimes you can call ahead and find out for sure if you're to be on call the first night. Bring a toothbrush and toiletries on your first day, as surprises are common. • Books: Don't bring any textbooks. There will most likely be textbooks available (in the library, attending's office, etc.) if you have time to read on the first day. You might want to consider bringing a small, lightweight manual (e.g., The Clinician's Pocket Reference, The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics or a "baby" Harrison's) that you can slip into your coat pocket. Sometimes it is good to buy one for the first rotation and then switch with friends. • Paper, office supplies, your handheld, a combination lock: Stick to the basics. Bring your PDA, of course. Bring a pen, a clipboard or notebook, a pack of 3" x 5" cards (or larger), a paperclip or ring to hold them together, and a simple calculator. Bring a combination lock in case you are assigned a locker. • Pager: If you already have been assigned a pager, or have one of your own, bring it with you. Don't forget to give that number to the course coordinator, and also to Mario Mercurio. You must keep the Office of Curricular Affairs updated with your contact information throughout the clinical years.