I have encountered some problem with field notes. It seems whenever I return with a notebook of jotted notes from volunteering, I am immediately inundated by distractions (e.g. the need for food) that lead me to put off my full field notes. I fear the loss of important details and data. So, this week, I strive to be better about this! I plan to volunteer again either Wednesday or Friday afternoon and I will be sure to block off at least an hour after I return for uninterrupted field note writing.
My last observation session occurred on a Friday this week. I had a chance to notice the more personalized possessions of the employees as they were leaving (e.g. purses, coats, even Valentine goody bags). I heard them talk about weekend and Valentine's Day plans, which definitely added dimension to some of the characters I have already become aware of. So far I do not have much analytical insights other than the fact that junk food is accepted in the clinical midst and that casual Friday is mainly observed by the positions on the lower rungs of the secretarial hierarchy. I am beginning to wonder if my background will blind me to unique aspects of work in the clinical setting. I practically grew up in a health clinic, so the rhythm and the long hours even after the door shuts are not too strange to me. I am banking that my lack of familiarity with this clinic will make me hypersensitive to what might be interesting observations. Perhaps most productively, I spoke with the clinic manager some more. I was able to start to ask her questions about changes that were occurring in the clinic (e.g. the redistribution of doctors to other clinics in the same network). In her explanation, she revealed a bit more about her own philosophy about healthcare. We have also started talking about setting up an interview date.
On top of late field note writing, I have another admission: I have not made it clear to everyone at the clinic what I am studying. Because I work rather individually and because I do not sense the "warm and fuzzies" from some of them (especially the front desk manager), I have been hesitant to approach them. Further complicating the matter, the 5 people I work most closely with never stop- they are always running around working. I really do not want to get in the way of their jobs. Also, they are not always all there. While I would prefer talking to everyone in a big group, I think I might write a general letter or email which the clinic manager could send out. I will email the clinic manager for her thoughts while scheduling our interview.
My goals for this week are to break into the clinical side of the office and to spend some more time there this Friday (preferably until they kick me out). Even if it means just setting an appointment for an interview with a nurse or doctor, I would be happy.
Oh! I am sorry for writing so much.
ReplyDeleteThis is yet another example of quantity trying to beat out quality.
:s
Hey Alexis, don't feel bad--this is what I expect people to do. This is a safe, nonthreatening space of reflection where you "talk to yourself" for a little while, and let the others in on your experience.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that most of the difficulty in doing fieldwork comes from the logistics, and finding time to write down the notes is part of that. This is why it's good to only focus on your fieldwork when you do it, but this is impossible for people taking classes, working etc.
Keep paying attention to the daily interactions of the people in the clinic. I think the community building (or creating relationships significant beyond the personal) would be a good focus, given the time frame.
Re: what you tell them you are studying. You can phrase it broadly, like trying to understand how a clinic is organized and functions, how people cooperate and create a community of work, etc. Make sure you tell them this is for a class project, that will make them feel less threatened (than if you were writing this for a magazine :) )