Primary Care Checklist For New Doctors
As a new doctor entering the workforce, you may feel nervous about what to expect and how to prepare. To help you feel confident and organised from day one, we have compiled a checklist. It’s important to remember that putting your training into practice may be challenging, but staying organised will help you make the most of the opportunities available to you.
One crucial aspect of working as a doctor is adhering to an acceptable working pattern. Before accepting a shift, use the BMA rota checker to ensure it complies with guidelines and good rostering practices. Familiarising yourself with this tool will also help you avoid overworking and burnout.
What is the BMA rota checker?
Healthcare facilities are now obligated to provide a rota that conforms to an acceptable working pattern as per the contractual agreement. To ensure adherence to the best practices established by the BMA in the UK’s NHS, it is important to verify that any shift offered aligns with the guidelines before accepting it.
Upon receiving a new rota, it is recommended to check for compliance with the rules using the BMA’s rota checker tool. Additionally, asking the following questions can help identify if the rota adheres to good rostering guidelines:
- Was the rota provided with sufficient notice?
- Does it include a balanced mix of shifts such as on-calls, nights, long shifts, etc.?
- Have you been given enough time for handover and administrative tasks?
- Can you take annual leave when necessary?
- Are your CPD needs being met?
- Is there a process in place for shift swapping if required?
By familiarizing yourself with these practices and tools, you can safeguard your career and overall wellbeing, preventing overworking, stress, and burnout.
Junior doctor rota example
As a new doctor, your working hours have been reduced from an average of 56 per week to 48, calculated over a 26-week period – though you can choose to work extra hours if you want to. Some further examples of rules applied to junior doctor rotas to keep you, your colleagues and your patients safe are:
- Max length of a shift is 13 hours
- 46 hours rest is required after any number of rostered night shifts
- You can work a maximum of four consecutive long shifts with at least 48 hours of rest after the fourth
- You can work a maximum of four consecutive night shifts with at least 46 hours of rest following the third or fourth shift
- The max frequency of one in three weekends can be worked
- The max number of consecutive shifts (unless on low intensive on-call rotas) is seven
- Normally at least 11 hours of continuous rest between rostered shifts is required
Checklist for new doctors
The first five years of your practice after obtaining your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) can be incredibly rewarding as you finally get to apply what you’ve learned. It’s normal to feel nervous before your first assignment, but here are some things to consider to help you feel ready from day one.
Before Your Shift
- Plan ahead and pack everything you will need for your day.
- Plan your route to work and aim to arrive early.
- Bring any equipment you may need, but your workplace will probably have everything you need.
- Wear comfortable shoes to stay comfortable during your shift.
- Stay hydrated and bring nutritious snacks to keep your energy levels up.
- Connect with your team, as they are your most effective support network.
During Your Shift
- Manage your time effectively: effective time management will help you increase productivity, avoid burnout, and improve your overall satisfaction. Monitor the time you spend with patients and set aside time to complete follow-up paperwork.
- Use your support network: lean on your colleagues to help you manage your patients effectively. Ask for feedback about your clinical practice, both positive and negative, as this will help you grow.
- Keep accurate medical records: maintain clear and detailed medical records to help you support your patients effectively.
- Prepare for appraisals and revalidation: start collecting the evidence you need for your appraisals and revalidation, and remember to self-review your work.
- Don’t neglect your continual professional development (CPD): set time aside to continue your learning and development as a healthcare professional.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: as a new member of the team, you aren’t expected to know everything, and your colleagues will want to help you succeed.
Find your next GP position with Key Medical Services
If you are looking for advice on how to stay organised during your shifts, check your rotas against best practice, or how to source assignments, our team of specialist consultants would be happy to guide you in this time. They can help you get your compliance levels up to 100% and help source the best opportunities that suit your career goals.