10 Steps to Succeed in Your Next Clinical Rotation

By: Chloe Gratzek, BS

As a third-year audiology student preparing to transition into my externship year, I have had the opportunity to rotate through many different clinical sites. Through my experiences, I have learned a lot about what it takes to be successful in a clinical setting. These are some of the key steps that I have taken that have made my clinical education more impactful.

1. Preparation is key: It is crucial to review course materials, refine clinical skills, and tailor studying to unique factors present at each new clinical site. You will get more out of your rotation and leave a better impression.

2. Take initiative: Seek out learning opportunities and challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new clinical skills or ask preceptors for the opportunity to lead appointments. Pushing yourself can help accelerate learning and build confidence in the clinic

3. Be open to feedback: Clinical rotations are a learning experience, and mistakes will be made. Receiving feedback from your supervisor is an opportunity to learn and grow. Preceptors expect you to make mistakes – it is how you respond to feedback and mistakes that can distinguish good students from great students.

4. Build relationships: Building strong relationships with preceptors is key to successful clinical experiences. Take time to get to know the people you are working with and ask for their advice and guidance. Strong relationships can help you build connections in the profession, find an audiology mentor, and obtain a strong reference, among many other opportunities. Audiology is a small profession and you never know where your career might take you.

5. Be open to new experiences and learning opportunities: Don’t be closed off to areas of audiology that are unfamiliar. It is okay to not enjoy a clinical site right away, but keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected interests.

6. Be curious:  Asking questions shows that you are an engaged and interested student. It is okay to ask a supervisor about some of their clinical decisions in an appointment, but make sure you remain respectful and recognize that there might not be only one right way to do a task.

7. Reflect on your experience: Take time to reflect on your experiences and what you have learned. Write down clinical goals and refer to them often. This is a great way to record your clinical growth throughout graduate school.

8. Practice self-care: ​​Clinical rotations can be stressful, and it’s important to take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and find time to relax and recharge.

9. Stay organized: Most students have to juggle clinical rotations with coursework, leadership roles, research, jobs, and other commitments. Keep track of your schedule, assignments, and deadlines. This will help you to stay on top of your work and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

10. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know”: This is one of the most important skills you need during your time as a student… While it is important to push yourself for growth, you need to recognize your boundaries as a student. Communicate clearly to your preceptors about what you are and are not comfortable with. Remember that the safety, care, and experience of the patient are always top priority.