Hey everyone! Im so excited. This is my last quarter in school for me. I am doing my externship. I was put with a pediatrician. I accepted it because everyone else in my class was afraid, and because I love babies. I think I can make a difference working in pediatrics. Anyway, needless to say, I am scared so bad. I don't want to mess this one up. Can anyone give me any advice? Are there any medical assistants or nurses out there that are experienced in pediatrics. Any advice would be helpful. I mean what am I expected to know? All my past experience has been with adults and with the elderly. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Your Professional Title/Credentials: student

Are You Still In School? yes

Are You Working? no

We support 2 peds docs in our clinic, and the other docs see peds as needed.

Well child exams are as or more common than "my child is sick."

First thing you need to do is RELAX, take notes and be ready for change.

Next, some parents... well, some people shouldn't have kids... they are way more freaked out than you will be. Grand parents are way better escorts for kids than first time parents, they have BTDT and have a much more relaxed disposition. IMO, first time parents need tranquilizers.

Ask what forms they use and for what ages, there are M-chat (16-24M), ADD/ADHD and depression screening (drug dependent). Lead screening procedures and ages. That ought to get you started, my clinic guides are in parentheses others may be different.

What vitals to measure on what age groups.
H -height (all)
W -weight (all, nekid baby's always)
T -temp (all)
HC -head circumference (1-3Y)
P -pulse (all)
R -respiration's (all)
BP -blood pressure (7-18Y)

I take notes on everything the docs want!! Never make the doc ask for the same thing twice, take notes.

Good luck, have fun!!

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA (AAMA)

Very, very interesting post. Thanks, Jefff!

jefff

We support 2 peds docs in our clinic, and the other docs see peds as needed.

Well child exams are as or more common than "my child is sick."

First thing you need to do is RELAX, take notes and be ready for change.

Next, some parents... well, some people shouldn't have kids... they are way more freaked out than you will be. Grand parents are way better escorts for kids than first time parents, they have BTDT and have a much more relaxed disposition. IMO, first time parents need tranquilizers.

Ask what forms they use and for what ages, there are M-chat (16-24M), ADD/ADHD and depression screening (drug dependent). Lead screening procedures and ages. That ought to get you started, my clinic guides are in parentheses others may be different.

What vitals to measure on what age groups.
H -height (all)
W -weight (all, nekid baby's always)
T -temp (all)
HC -head circumference (1-3Y)
P -pulse (all)
R -respiration's (all)
BP -blood pressure (7-18Y)

I take notes on everything the docs want!! Never make the doc ask for the same thing twice, take notes.

Good luck, have fun!!

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Website Admin/Site Owner

hey guys!
i haven't been on here in awhile...i last posted about using WIA funds to get into a MA program. well, i am leaving out on my externship in roughly 2 weeks and i'm supa nervous and excited as well. thanks jeff for the tips...and if anyone can think of any to help me with my family practice externship, i'm more than open to any suggestions
have a great weekend!
LA

Are You Still In School? Yes

Are You Working? No

I currently work in a pediatic urgent care clinic as a medical assistant. The biggest thing I encounter is trying to learn the doctors specific techniques. We have a rather large staff of doctors that I work with on any given night or weekend. Some want throat cultures when swabbing for rapid strep in case the strep comes back negative. With some doctors, I have to question the parents during triage as to the exact time symptoms started, what symptoms and be able to determine off of that what kind of tests to perform prior to the doctor coming into the room to see the pt. These doctors want to streamline the process so that the parents and pt aren't sitting around for any unneccessary time. Some want a vial of saline mixed with albuterol when hooking up a neb. Once I was able to figure out the doctors "ins and outs", then I was able to concentrate more on comforting the child and parents. You might not encounter this unless you are working with a practice that has serveral doctors on staff. I hope this will help you.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Medical Assistant

Are You Still In School? no

Are You Working? Yes