Connect With Your Student
Connect with your student—via email—before their first day. Introduce yourself and share your excitement to meet them and have them join your team! Exchanging cell phone numbers is also helpful so your student has the best way to reach you if needed.
Create a Warm Welcome
Plan to set aside time during your student’s first day to give them a warm welcome and to introduce them to the clinic and staff. First impressions are everything!
Address Goals
Address both yours and your student’s goals and expectations for the clinical. Remember that the student’s #1 objective is to receive an excellent clinical education. Outlining your expectations for them should also be outlined from the beginning.
Be Ready for Questions or Concerns
Make sure to have the school contact (usually known as the DCE) and Upstream SCCE contact (Alyssa or Ashlee) handy for any questions or concerns that may arise. You have a team of people here ready and able to help answer any questions or concerns you may experience as a CI.
Dedicate Time Each Week
Prioritize dedicated time weekly to meet with your student. This should be 30 minutes built in to your schedule to review patient cases, practice manual techniques, answer questions, etc. Your expertise is incredibly valuable and your student is eager to learn what you have to share!
Connect Beyond Clinical Interests
Connect with your student beyond their clinical interests! What are some of their interest/hobbies? Favorite place to eat? Do they prefer coffee/tea? Where do they hope to live after graduation? The personal connection is what they remember the most!
Stay in Touch!
Finally, stay in touch! Was your student a rock star that you hope we hire? Stay connected to them leading up to their graduation. Remember, being a CI makes you eligible for a referral bonus!