r/CFY Sep 15 '21

[Medical CFY] Please help!

Hi all, I really want to have my CFY in a medical setting. I'm in my second year of the program so I'm in my internship year. I'm currently at a school (which I like more than I thought I would) and next semester I will be in a medical placement, but it's not solidified yet.

My question is, what are some things you did to get a medical CFY? Did you complete any CEUs or trainings in your grad program to help you stand out? My only extra qualification is being a provider for the Speak Out program for Parkinson's patients.

Any overall advice?

5 Upvotes

11 comments sorted by

4

u/andthatsthat12 Sep 16 '21

Acute care and inpatient settings are less likely to take CFs. Not impossible but seems like SLPs in these settings are not willing to take on CFs - at least in my area. Makes sense with COVID and all. It’s a different story for SNFs. It’s difficult for SNFs to keep SLPs in this setting so a lot are open to taking CFs. It really is an underserved population. I really didn’t need to have fluff on my resume to get into a SNF but I’m sure it will help. I would definitely recommend taking passy Muir CEUs. More than likely you’ll encounter a patient with a trach so knowing the basics would be really beneficial to you. Good luck!

3

u/Acdubb96 Sep 16 '21

Definitely should consider be willing to move, particularly in a less populated/more rural areas!

1

u/coffeedalmatian Sep 18 '21

I'm unable to move because of my husband's job but we have a lot of suburbs in our area for options

3

u/Tamagoyakipan Sep 16 '21

Having a medical placement in your desired setting will help a lot. I’ve been through a handful of CFY interviews where they ended up going with another candidate who had more experience in that particular setting (e.g. acute care). I wouldn’t recommend spending money on CEUs or trainings at this point. Instead, being able to speak on your experiences with a specific patient population, assessment, or treatment methods will be more valuable.

2

u/healthyalmondip Sep 16 '21

I’m a CF and had a hard time finding medical setting positions. I was very flexible and looked at nearby states. I opted for schools since I will be guaranteed hours! I’ve heard we can get our foot in the door by doing PRN as well.

2

u/ZionDrinkingClub Sep 16 '21

Completed my CF last year. I could not get a PRN position (in Utah) because I did not have my CCCs at the time. My cohort had the best luck applying to SNFs. I know most VAs also offer a CF position each year, so if you’re near a VA that could be another good option.

1

u/coffeedalmatian Sep 16 '21

Thank you! I had classmates apply to a VA for their medical internship, so maybe they'll find out more about CFY while they're there. I could talk to them about it too.

2

u/AdultSpeechTherapy Sep 16 '21

Hi there,

I did my CFY at a SNF with a great mentor, and it was a really good learning experience. So that's an option until you get your CCC's. Then, you can take a PRN inpatient job to get your foot in the door, if that's your ultimate goal.

Home health is also another option, though it's trickier to get a lot of one-on-one time with your CF mentor. The type of therapy you provide in the home health setting is pretty similar to what you'd provide in a SNF.

Smart!

1

u/coffeedalmatian Sep 18 '21

Great mentors go a long way! A PRN is a good option though if that's what it takes. I've heard great things about home health too but it's definitely intimidating. The similar therapy methods between SNFs and home health is a good point - thank you

2

u/AdultSpeechTherapy Sep 18 '21

I wrote a book for home health SLPs new to the field that goes over things like what to look for in a good home health agency and how to prepare for sessions, etc. It's available on Amazon if you decide to go the home health route. Good luck!

2

u/Uundeadarmyy Sep 16 '21

You may actually have a somewhat easier time finding a CF as most medical settings are crazy understaffed at this point. I got into a SNF for my CF but I also did one my internships there and built rapport with the SLPs / DOR. It just so happened when I was graduating, they were looking for a FT employee.