By Mardi O’Keefe

You have one week left of Term 4. Then you will be heading into the final rotation of your intern year.

Some of you have arrived at this point with a burst of energy. Others will be tired, depleted and ready for the year to be over. Most of you will sit somewhere in between. Before you launch into the final stretch, take a moment to recognise and celebrate how far you have come.

Think back to January. The things that felt new, difficult or uncomfortable. The first ward round. Calling a registrar or consultant. Navigating a difficult conversation. Not knowing what to do next.

Now think about what you can do today that felt hard at the beginning of the year.

Across each rotation you have learned, adapted and grown. You have navigated new teams and systems, worked around barriers, taken on challenges, made mistakes, received feedback and kept going.

Your confidence and competence have grown through doing the work. You have come a long way.

Be honest about where you are now

It has been a big year. You have repeatedly adapted to new rotations and everything that comes with them. That takes energy.

So, as you begin this rotation, be honest with yourself about what you have left in the tank.

If your energy is good, you may have capacity to stretch yourself and make the most of your final rotation. If you are running low, your priority may be to do your job well, keep learning, look after yourself and get to the finish line in good shape.

Ask yourself:  What do I need to do to finish my internship well?

Start with the basics

What do you need to protect to function well? Sleep. Food. Movement. Time away from work. Connection with people who matter to you.

If you know this rotation will be demanding, think about where your energy needs to go and where it doesn't. You may need to say no to some things, lower expectations outside work or let go of things that simply don't need to be done right now.

This is also a busy time socially. End-of-year celebrations, events and catch-ups can quickly fill the space outside work. Be realistic about what you have capacity for.

Make a simple plan

Ask yourself:

  • What do I need to prioritise?

  • What keeps me functioning well?

  • What is likely to drain me?

  • What can I reduce, postpone or stop doing?

  • Where do I need to set some boundaries?

  • What support might I need?

Keep your plan realistic and implementable. Then check in with yourself each week.

  • What is working?

  • What isn't?

  • What needs to change?

Adjust as you go.

You don't need to finish internship perfectly. The goal is to finish it well. And remember that for most of you, there is a three-week break waiting at the end.

One rotation to go!

Mardi O’Keefe is the Director of Engagement & Professional Growth at AMA Victoria.