Medical scribes help physicians provide efficient and effective care by documenting their assessments and exams. Scribes also pend lab/medication/imaging orders, review patients’ historical charts, and document consults with other physicians. They act as a second brain for doctors to ensure that patients are getting quality care and bring attention to their critical needs.
Benefits of scribing include:
Clinical Exposure
Scribing in the ER exposes you to a wide variety of medical cases and conditions, giving you a comprehensive understanding of healthcare practices.
Medical Terminology
You’ll become familiar with medical jargon and terminology, which is crucial for effective communication in healthcare.
Patient Interaction
You’ll have the opportunity to interact with patients, taking their medical histories and observing physician-patient interactions, helping you develop essential communication skills.
Observational Skills
Scribing teaches you how to observe and document patient symptoms, vital signs, and medical procedures accurately.
Decision-Making
You’ll witness healthcare professionals making critical decisions in real-time, which can help you understand the decision-making process in medicine.
Medical Record Keeping
Scribes learn how to maintain accurate and organized medical records, an essential skill for healthcare careers.
Teamwork
You’ll work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, gaining experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.
Time Management
ERs can be fast-paced environments, teaching you effective time management and prioritization skills.
Critical Thinking
You’ll be exposed to complex medical cases, which will enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Emergency Medicine Knowledge
ER scribes develop a strong understanding of emergency medicine, which can be valuable if you pursue a career in emergency medicine or a related field.
Stress Management
The ER can be a high-stress environment, helping you develop resilience and stress management techniques.
Medical Ethics
You’ll encounter ethical dilemmas and patient confidentiality issues, providing insight into medical ethics and professionalism.
Networking
Building relationships with healthcare professionals during your scribing experience can be beneficial for future job opportunities and letters of recommendation.