Assessment Flow Verbalization

As we discussed in class, many candidates find it a useful learning aide to sit down & write out the assessment flow as they would perform it.

If this suits your learning style, I'd recommend it.  As we mentioned at the end of Wednesday's class, Piotr created a nice version last year.  Link here.

I'd recommend you take a cut at your own first, but you can use this as a reference.  And, of course, make the time to practice this critical skill.

Week 1 Complete

Nice job all.  As we discussed, assessment is the foundation of the class and critical to know and be able to perform well.  Week 1 is a bit like drinking from a firehose, so keep the following in mind:

- Practice, practice, practice.  In your car, on your run, with your family, etc.  Get in as much as you can.  Specifically, I'd like to see each of you do at least 10 assessments over the weekend.  We'll review your experiences on Tuesday.

- Slides from this week's sessions are here.   Download/use as you see fit.

Next week, we'll focus on practicing assessments in a variety of configurations.  As we discussed, they will escalate in complexity as we progress through class.  Get your practice in now so you're well prepared.

Once again, nice job all!

Class Starts This Week

As you all know, class starts this week.  A few key things to note:

- Class is on Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week.  Moving forward, classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

- Class starts at 7PM to goes until 10PM.  Location details in the notes below.

- Once again, be sure to read and fully digest the "Guide to Assessment" document prior to the first class.

See you all in class!

Cravat Construction

We've had some questions on what a folded cravat looks like.  Here's a pic.  Instructions here.

Class Location Specifics

As you know from the tab above, we'll hold the class at NetApp campus in Sunnyvale.  Specifically, we'll be in the Java7 building cafeteria.  Our host provided these instructions/directions:

"...As you turn on Crossman from Java, the first set of buildings on
your left hand side are Java 1 and 2. Then there is a parking
garage and Java 7 followed by Java 8. I'd suggest to people that
they park between Java 7 and Java 8 and go into the
Cafeteria directly from the side entrance..."

Preparations for Next Week's Class Start

OEC SouthBay 2014 Students -

We've got a full class and great instructor crew assembled and are looking forward to a great class.  In preparation for the start of class next week, I'd like to point out a few items to focus on:

- As you know, our first class is next Tuesday, Aug. 19.  We'll start class at 7PM, but I'd advise you show up a 15 mins or so early to take care of some paperwork, get to know a few folks, and get settled.  Note also that this week only, class is on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  Tuesday and Thursday thereafter.  Location specifics/directions on the blog.

- As you saw in the "Class Materials" section of the blog, be sure you have read the initial chapters in the book, and in particular, spend some extra time to read and fully digest the "Guide to Assessment".   Assessment is a foundation of medical treatment, and is critical to have down 100% so that you can determine and direct appropriate treatment.  We'll spend the first classes on this important skill.

- As you also saw in the blog, our class is driven in large part by scenarios - simulated situations where you'll be applying the skills you're learning in class.  With this approach, you'll get dirty - spending time on the floor, with moulage, etc.  As such, it's best to wear old clothes that you're comfortable exposing to such situations.

- Finally, we have a set of supplies you'll be receiving Tuesday. Bring something to carry it all in.  Backpack good; shopping bag not.

Looking forward to having you all in class this year.  Shoot me any questions at the email address above,
Bill

Class Registration Update

As of tonight, our class registration is full with 15 students registered and 1 on the waiting list.  Moving forward, we'll add any additional interested candidates to the wait list and assimilate into class if spaces free up.

For those students registered, see last weeks post on Class Preparations here.