FATIGUE DURING RENAL FELLOWSHIP TRAINING

Fatigue is an impairment like alcohol or drugs

Drowsiness, sleepiness, and fatigue cannot be eliminated during fellowship training, but can be managed

Recognition of sleepiness and fatigue and use of alertness management strategies are simple ways to help combat sleepiness during post-graduate training.

When sleepiness interferes with your performance or health, talk to the Renal Fellowship Program Director.

1. Signs of Fatigue

Falling asleep in conferences or on rounds

Feeling restless and irritable with staff, colleagues, family, and friends

Having to check your work repeatedly

Having difficulty focusing on the care of your patients

Feeling like you really just don’t care

2. Signs of drowsiness during driving

Trouble focusing on the road

Difficulty keeping your eyes open

Nodding

Yawning repeatedly

Drifting from your lane, missing signs or exits

Not remembering driving the last few miles

Closing your eyes at stoplights

The fellows should review the presentation on fatigue by Dr. Lynne Kirk located on the UTSWMC home page under the section: GME.