Top 4 tips for a New CF
Top 4 tips for a New CF (in my humble opinion)
Being a new CF now and anytime is a challenge. There are many things during this time that have leveled the playing field and we are ALL learning together. Keeping in mind that every experience is different, here are my top 4 tips for ALL new CF’s.
1. Get in the right mindset– This is NOT a cakewalk!
It is a lot to take in! Expect it to have highs and lows– this is a residency of sorts. It’s okay for it to be a challenge~ nothing as rewarding as helping another human learn to communicate comes easily! So roll with it and work hard!
You have the opportunity to learn from an SLP “Yoda” for 9 months of “on the job training”. USE IT!
Prepare to work beyond your scheduled hours! You will want to spend time figuring out YOUR organization, YOUR time management, how to build YOUR therapy tools, YOUR lesson plans, etc. This is done on YOUR time!
2. Get to know your Supervisor’s communication style & expectations.
How do they prefer to communicate and how often? Email, text, regular meetings, daily, monthly?
Find out their expectations of you-ASK or get in writing! (i.e., timelines, duties, extra projects, collaboration, where to go for certain information, what you have access to as an employee (supplies, curriculum, etc).
3. Stay Humble
Do NOT be afraid to say “I don’t know”. You are NOT expected to know it all. If you think you do… go back to point #1 and check your mindset.
BUT…do your research! Try to solve it yourself first or come with ideas.
Ask questions on the regular- even if it’s only for confirmation.
4. Self Care
I know after the previous 3 Tips this doesn’t sound possible BUT, keep a balance.
Get sleep, eat well and take care of your mental health.
This will make you a role model for your students AND a better clinician.
Grab a copy of the Supervision Questionnaire.
Our profession is rewarding, fulfilling AND exhausting. Don’t expect anything different! I have been a CF supervisor many times and it has been a unique experience with each CF.
Feel free to send me an email (jill@jdbspeech.com) if you have any additional questions about your clinical fellowship, being a supervisor, or CF paperwork