The Art of Clinical Rotations: Etiquette for PA and NP Students – Part I

As an APP preceptor, I’ve seen a lot of good and bad behaviors from students. From these experiences, I would like to share a few of my clinical rotation “do’s” and “don’t’s.”

Do: Wear your student lab coat/school jacket and ID badge during clinic hours.

Do Not: Look or smell like you just rolled out of bed.  

This is a professional clinic, not a college dormitory.  

Do: Understand patient privacy laws.

Do Not: Throw patient schedules or patient information into a garbage can.  

Any printed medical information should go into shredding

before you leave the clinic.  

Do: Know your rotation hours and be prepared on time.

Do Not: Show up to your rotation at the exact start time.  

Remember – if you show up 15 minutes early, you are on time.  

If you show up on time, you are already late.

-Nikki Rataj Casady, DMSc, PA-C

email@appcolleague.org