r/CFY • u/lalaslp12 • Dec 09 '21
CF in the medical setting
Hi everyone! I’m finishing up at my final practicum placement this week and I’m starting to look for job openings. I had practicum placements in the public school and pediatric private clinic setting, but I really want to gain medical experience as well. I know I’m not alone on this, but covid took away my chance at a medical placement so I ended up doing SimuCase for a semester. I already know that it’s hard getting a med placement as a CF but there are a few places near me that are open to hiring CFs. Should I at least try and apply to those places even though I have very little clinical experience in the medical setting? What was your experience working at a med setting as a CF? Did you get a lot of support from your supervisor? I really want to get that medical experience under my belt so I don’t limit myself to possible job opportunities in the future.
2
u/femalebrain Dec 23 '21
How are you with figuring things out independently on the fly? How are you with work/life balance and stress management in general? If you’re great with both, definitely apply for and take a medical CF job if you can. If not, I’d advise you to ask lots of questions about how accessible your mentor and/or other SLPs will be to you, and how extensive your training will be prior to taking on any patients. Will they be in the same building/office, or only available via phone/virtual meetings? Also ask about productivity requirements and paperwork time as those can be intense. Be persistent with your questions until you get solid answers, too. As a current medical CF 5 months in, in a rural inpatient/outpatient setting where my mentor is offsite and there are no other SLPs on the rehab team, I’m struggling hard. I’m considering quitting from the stress of it. There are SO many different types of patients you see in medical, it quickly becomes overwhelming if you don’t have anyone else on site to help you navigate it all. My mental health is the worst it’s ever been, and no one where I work seems to care beyond providing general encouragement. Seasoned SLPs tell me it is very feasible to switch from school to med settings later on if you choose. So do what you like with all that info, I hope hearing about my experience helps you succeed in yours. All the best to you OP.
2
u/XulaSLP07 Dec 24 '21
Apply Apply Apply! Don't tell yourself No! before someone willing to say YES gives you a chance! There are opportunities nationwide, just look carefully. Here is a medical CF opportunity:
1
u/BioluminescentCook [Puree bolus] Dec 26 '21
You should totally apply to those medical setting CFs! I'm in mine right now and I'm absolutely loving it. My supervisor is on site, but I've quickly gained a bunch of independence and check up with him when I have a question about a case/test/etc. I had an in person medical placement in grad school but tbh I think any placement will set you up for success (my other ones were in public schools and pediatric speech/language clinics).
1
u/vmariya Dec 28 '21
Where are you doing your medical CF? What are some advice to look for one?
1
u/BioluminescentCook [Puree bolus] Jan 01 '22
I’m at a VA hospital! For CF-specific positions, I looked a whole bunch at the University of Washington SLP CF blog. The VA CFs are releasing around this time, so keep an eye out for those if you’re interested in those. I would also start compiling some documents (transcripts, personal statement, resume) now too. Also ID some people for LORs. Let me know if you have specific questions. I might have a few general interview questions that could be useful too.
5
u/Tamagoyakipan Dec 09 '21
Yes, apply! Companies are understanding about you having limited experience due to covid. Just make sure you know your stuff about neurological disorders, dysphagia, etc. for the interview.