08-03-2017, 02:09 AM
Center - like everyone I was also told that Houston or Chicago should be my preference. But I booked the slot in Los Angeles.
I love the city. The staff and everything - very cooperative. Airbnb accommodations available very nearby.
Exam experience - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 cases, With 10 - 30 - 10 minutes break.
Only problem I faced in exam was first case. I made differentials and everything but I wasn't happy with my communication - obviously I was nervous. But after that I took time at doorway information - made proper plan and differentials and gave time to communication and closure as well.
Bottom line - don't go in too much details. Use doorway information time to make a plan.
Use gloves instead of washing hands - saves lot of time and won't take you away from patient for long.
Keep things to simple. Know differentials - like 3 most common causes and then it's upto you .
Typing PN- I saved time with almost 7 to 8 patients 1 to 2 minutes and used it in typing PN. I started from writing differentials and orders. Then history and physical. Again be specific.
Don't use all capitals. Not allowed.
Lines are 15 only and limited characters.
I was not very fast at typing and I had not practiced much so I kept that in mind and I managed to finish all notes in time except one where I couldn't write CNS findings, although it wasn't CNS case at all.
So I guess it would be ok.
At the end of the day, it felt really good.
It tests your basic understanding and approach and communication. So just stick to it. Don't go in too many details.
Closures are most important. I was able to close cases properly with every patient and answer their concerns. And it's good to start another conversation while changing gloves after history. Time during Changing gloves or washing hands can be used to make other conversations like sports and hobbies.
And most important, practice and rehearsals. Know your shortcomings.
Wish me best ... waiting for results now.
I love the city. The staff and everything - very cooperative. Airbnb accommodations available very nearby.
Exam experience - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 cases, With 10 - 30 - 10 minutes break.
Only problem I faced in exam was first case. I made differentials and everything but I wasn't happy with my communication - obviously I was nervous. But after that I took time at doorway information - made proper plan and differentials and gave time to communication and closure as well.
Bottom line - don't go in too much details. Use doorway information time to make a plan.
Use gloves instead of washing hands - saves lot of time and won't take you away from patient for long.
Keep things to simple. Know differentials - like 3 most common causes and then it's upto you .
Typing PN- I saved time with almost 7 to 8 patients 1 to 2 minutes and used it in typing PN. I started from writing differentials and orders. Then history and physical. Again be specific.
Don't use all capitals. Not allowed.
Lines are 15 only and limited characters.
I was not very fast at typing and I had not practiced much so I kept that in mind and I managed to finish all notes in time except one where I couldn't write CNS findings, although it wasn't CNS case at all.
So I guess it would be ok.
At the end of the day, it felt really good.
It tests your basic understanding and approach and communication. So just stick to it. Don't go in too many details.
Closures are most important. I was able to close cases properly with every patient and answer their concerns. And it's good to start another conversation while changing gloves after history. Time during Changing gloves or washing hands can be used to make other conversations like sports and hobbies.
And most important, practice and rehearsals. Know your shortcomings.
Wish me best ... waiting for results now.