You are the running back and primarily carry the ball. You are the primary physician caretaker for the patients on the team.
- Should accompany the nurse (and when time permits the attending) during the initial encounter with the patient.
- Responsible for the initial evaluation of the patient. Once this evaluation is complete presents the case to the attending and together with the attending creates a management plan.
- Presents succinctly using the SBAR communication tool (See Communication Protocols section)
- Once the management plan has been created (when time permits with the attending present at the bedside) relays this plan to the nurse and patient at the bedside.
- Make sure the nurse understands your management plan. Remember the nurse is your customer and if he/she doesn’t understand the management plan your patient will not receive the care that you intended.
- Be open to questions from both the nurse and the patient.
- Writes clear and concise ER notes that objectively document the subjective and objective findings and creates a differential diagnosis, orders the diagnostic tests and creates a treatment plan that reflects the deliberations of the team.
- Closely communicates with each patient and is aware of all their concerns. Keeps the patient informed as to the progress of their diagnostic studies and treatment.
- Expects and provides the highest possible care for his/her patient