Options Unlimited
This week, I finally got a chance to see my new site and meet my new preceptor. I'm very excited, because I have the opportunity to be working under an audiologist that works in an ENT practice. I know I will be getting my share of just what I've been longing for--weird stuff!
And the weirder, the better. As a student, I've been tapping into the brains of other audiologists about working with ENTs. Of course we've all heard the horror stories of not being respected and not being seen as competent peers. However, I've also been informed of wonderful working relationships and tight bonds amongst the professional staff. Either way, I think it really depends on the doctors involved and the situation itself.
I admit, because of the many negative things I've been told, I've been very skeptical about working in this setting. The last thing I want to be after 4 years of hard work and a swimming pool full of debt, is the friendly neighborhood "hearing aid girl." But, the more I'm beginning to probe (and I happen to be quite good at it, I've noticed), the more I find out that I should keep this option open.
As the term "AuD" becomes more prevalent, I'm hoping that there will be more of an understanding of what exactly is it that we do. In turn, folks, we have to understand that respect is not just going to be given to us. Keep in mind, we are the new kids on the block, and we have to earn our respect as well.