You observe a co-intern consistently staying back 2-3 hours to complete paperwork and reports feeling exhausted. What is the best initial step?

You observe a co-intern consistently staying back 2-3 hours to complete paperwork and reports feeling exhausted. What is the best initial step?

• A. Approach co-intern in private and confidential manner and explore their concerns
• B. Validate their problems and feelings
• C. Explore why they are staying back so long, giving them support and offering to balance the workload if possible
• D. Maintaining patient care and safety is a priority

Answer: (A)

The situation calls for establishing a trusting, private starting point to understand what the co-intern is experiencing. Approaching them in a confidential, one-on-one manner signals respect and safety, making it easier for them to share what’s driving the extra hours and exhaustion without fear of judgment or stigma. This initial conversation opens a safe space to listen, assess whether burnout, workload issues, or other pressures are at play, and to determine the appropriate next steps. Once you’ve opened that private dialogue, you can acknowledge and validate their feelings and experiences, and together you can explore practical supports—such as adjusting workload, redistributing tasks, or seeking guidance from a supervisor—while always prioritizing patient safety. Jumping straight into questions about why they stay late or offering fixes without first building trust can come off as confrontational and may shut down disclosure. If patient safety or severe distress is suspected, escalate appropriately after you’ve established a candid, confidential conversation.

The situation calls for establishing a trusting, private starting point to understand what the co-intern is experiencing. Approaching them in a confidential, one-on-one manner signals respect and safety, making it easier for them to share what’s driving the extra hours and exhaustion without fear of judgment or stigma. This initial conversation opens a safe space to listen, assess whether burnout, workload issues, or other pressures are at play, and to determine the appropriate next steps.

Once you’ve opened that private dialogue, you can acknowledge and validate their feelings and experiences, and together you can explore practical supports—such as adjusting workload, redistributing tasks, or seeking guidance from a supervisor—while always prioritizing patient safety. Jumping straight into questions about why they stay late or offering fixes without first building trust can come off as confrontational and may shut down disclosure. If patient safety or severe distress is suspected, escalate appropriately after you’ve established a candid, confidential conversation.