Have you ever been in a situation where you and your clinical instructor (CI) were having a hard time seeing eye to eye? As a PT or PTA student, your clinical rotations are crucial for gaining real-world experience and learning from seasoned professionals. But how are you supposed to handle when the person you are relying on for a critical learning experience is not meeting your expectations? It can be a stressful and challenging situation, but it's not insurmountable. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this delicate dynamic effectively.

1. Self-Reflection

First, take a step back and reflect. Ask yourself why you might not be getting along with your CI. Is it a clash of personalities, teaching styles, or expectations? Understanding the root cause can help you in addressing the issue more effectively. Try your best to resolve the issue as soon as you notice something is off. 

2. Open Communication

Communication is key. Schedule a time to talk with your CI in a professional and respectful manner, ideally in a private setting. Express your concerns clearly and calmly. Be open to listening to their perspective as well. Misunderstandings can happen, especially when you don’t know someone very well, and open communication can often resolve them.

3. Seek Feedback and Clarify Expectations

At the start of your rotation, set clear expectations of what you would like to get out of your experience there as well as what is expected of you by your program and your CI. Ask for specific feedback on your performance during daily or weekly check-ins. This will help to avoid mismatched expectations that can lead to conflicts. Understanding exactly what your CI expects can help you meet those expectations more effectively.

4. Seek Guidance from Your Academic Advisor

If the situation doesn’t improve, consider seeking advice from your academic advisor or program coordinator. They can provide guidance on how to handle the situation, and if necessary, intervene on your behalf. In certain situations, you may even be able to request another CI or new location of your clinical rotation. At the very least, you might help to prevent another student from facing a similar situation. 

5. Document Your Experiences

Keep a record of your experiences, both positive and negative. This can be useful if you need to provide examples of your concerns to your academic advisor or if you need to reflect on the situation later. Plus, this may come in handy for future job interview questions asking about challenging situations you have faced and how you handled it.

Clinical rotations can be tough when you don’t get along with your clinical instructor. The main thing to remember is that this will be a learning experience not only to develop your clinical skills but also to help foster your problem-solving skills to navigate challenges with co-workers. Remember that this is not forever! Clinical rotations DO have an end date, and you will make it through!