Taking Initiative
There's an opportunity to observe an AAC evaluation during lunchtime. What should you do?
Expected Answer:
Ask your supervisor if you may observe, explain your interest, and take advantage of the learning opportunity if it does not interfere with your responsibilities.
Don't forget to eat lunch, though! That's still important.
DAILY DOUBLE!!!! Role-play the following scenario:
Call your supervisor because you're sick. You have 2 minutes to discuss...GO!
What I'm looking for:
Introduce yourself.
Explain that you're ill.
Notify them as early as possible.
Apologize for the inconvenience.
Ask if there's anything they need from you.
State that you've also notified Kelly or Georgina.
Thank them.
Your supervisor hasn't observed therapy all week. What do you do?
Looking for:
Ask your supervisor if they can observe an upcoming session.
Explain that you'd appreciate feedback on your clinical skills.
Ensure supervision requirements are being met.
Approach the conversation respectfully and professionally.
Example:
"Would you be available to observe part of my next session? I'd really appreciate your feedback."
You hear clinicians discussing a client in a crowded hallway. What do you do?
Recognize this may be a confidentiality concern.
Avoid participating in the conversation.
If appropriate, respectfully suggest continuing the discussion in a private location.
If it is a recurring concern or involves a serious breach, discuss it with your supervisor.
You're behind on documentation. What do you do?
You've been observing therapy for a week and feel ready to do more.
How could you take initiative?
Ask to lead a warm-up activity.
Collect data.
Prepare therapy materials.
Ask thoughtful questions after sessions.
Volunteer to assist with documentation.
You don't understand your supervisor's documentation expectations. How should you professionally ask for clarification?
"I want to make sure I'm understanding your expectations correctly. Would you mind showing me an example or explaining your expectations?"
Possible follow-up:
Ask when documentation is due.
Ask if they have templates.
Clarify preferred formatting.
You haven't received any feedback on documentation. What do you do?
Request feedback professionally.
Examples:
Schedule a meeting.
Ask for weekly feedback.
Bring specific questions.
Ask what you're doing well and what you should improve.
A parent asks you to friend request them on social media just to share their business products. What do you do?
Maintain professional boundaries.
Politely decline or do not accept the request.
Keep communication through approved professional channels.
You're behind on hours. What do you do?
You've finished your documentation, and your supervisor is busy. What should you do?
Ask if there are clients you can treat.
Organize therapy materials.
Read client charts or finish your documentation.
Prepare for tomorrow's sessions.
Never sit on your phone waiting.
You're feeling overwhelmed by your caseload, documentation, and coursework. What should you do?
Looking for answers such as:
Talk with your supervisor early.
Reach out to Kelly or Georgina if additional support is needed.
Prioritize responsibilities.
Ask for feedback on time management.
Avoid waiting until you're already falling behind.
You just started and you've been treating independently for many weeks. What do you do?
Speak with your supervisor first.
Explain that you need supervision and feedback to continue developing your skills.
If the issue continues after you've attempted to resolve it, contact Kelly or Georgina for guidance.
Your supervisor asks you to estimate your hours. What do you do?
Record only hours that can be accurately documented.
Explain that clinical hours should reflect actual services provided.
Ask for clarification if you're unsure how to calculate them.
Never knowingly falsify documentation.
You've stopped asking questions because you're embarrassed when you're wrong. What should you do?
You notice your supervisor is preparing for an evaluation you've never seen or done before. What should you do?
Ask if you may observe or assist
You disagree with feedback provided during midterm comps. What should you do?
Remain professional and curious.
Examples:
Ask for clarification.
Request specific examples.
Ask what improvement would look like.
Develop an action plan.
Thank your supervisor for the feedback.
Avoid:
Becoming defensive.
Comparing yourself to classmates.
Arguing.
Your supervisor tells you they'll be back in 20 minutes and leaves the building while you're treating a client. What should you do?
Do not continue treating independently without an appropriate supervisor available.
Contact your supervisor immediately.
If supervision cannot be provided, discontinue the session as appropriate according to site procedures.
Notify your faculty preceptor if this becomes an ongoing concern.
Your supervisor asks you to provide a service that you have never been trained to do and are not yet competent to perform independently.
What do you do?
"I'd really like to learn this skill, but I haven't been trained to perform it independently yet. Would it be possible for me to observe first or complete it under your direct supervision?"
DAILY DOUBLE!!! Role-play the following scenario:
You forgot one small thing during therapy and now you're doubting yourself. Talk to your supervisor. You have 2 minutes to discuss....GO!
You have to go to work 30 minutes after your practicum ends. Your supervisor asks you to stay to review an assessment. What should you do?
Communicate professionally with your supervisor about your scheduling conflict while recognizing that your clinical education is your primary responsibility during practicum.
If you cannot stay that day, discuss the conflict respectfully and ask if there is another opportunity to review the assessment.
Going forward, evaluate whether your work schedule allows enough flexibility to meet practicum expectations.
Your placement isn't going how you expected. You aren't getting enough hands-on opportunities and you're frustrated. What should you do?
Meet with your supervisor.
Express your learning goals.
Ask how you can become more involved.
Volunteer for evaluations, documentation, or treatment.
If concerns continue after you've attempted resolution, communicate with Kelly or Georgina
Scenario:
You've noticed you're being treated more like an SLPA than an SLP graduate student. You're seeing a full caseload independently, rarely receive supervision, and are mainly expected to "keep the schedule moving." What should you do?
Have a professional conversation with your supervisor.
Examples:
"I really appreciate the opportunities you've given me. I was hoping we could discuss my learning goals. I'd like more observation and feedback so I can continue developing my clinical skills."
If the situation does not improve after discussing it with your supervisor, communicate your concerns with Kelly or Georgina.
Scenario: Your supervisor asks you to complete documentation for services that were not provided because "we'll make up the session later."
What do you do?
Do not complete or sign documentation for services that were not rendered.
Respectfully explain that documentation must accurately reflect the services that were actually provided.
If you're unsure how to respond, ask to discuss the situation further with Kelly or Georgina.
If you're still being asked to falsify documentation after attempting to resolve the issue, follow the appropriate chain of communication and contact Kelly or Georgina.
You're overwhelmed, behind on everything, and considering quitting. What do you do?