Pre Placement Planning

It is really important to find out as much information about the area that you will be learning in as early as possible. Check any placement profiles and establish what type of placement you are going on.

When you make contact with your placement ensure you find out as much about it as possible. When I was an educator, yes I was very busy and your phone call may be unexpected at the time but I would always make time for a student that is keen to learn and develop.

Some things you may want to ask are -

What setting will I be working in? (Ward, Clinic, Community, Schools, Patients Homes, Care Homes, Sports Clubs, Businesses?

What sort of medical conditions will I need to know about?

Do I need to look up certain information before I start?

Who am I meeting and where on my first day?

What is expected of me on my first day?

When you arrive for your first day ensure you are at least 10 minute early so that you can find the correct location and be ready to start at the correct time. First impressions are very important, ensure you are smart and presentable. An 8am start time means in your place of work and ready to help a patient at 8am, not walking in and still needing to change your clothes.

You may be lucky and have a weekly rota when you start this will allow you to see what is ahead of you. If you have any particular goals for the placement it is a good ideas to bring this up early as your mentor can then have plenty of time to ensure opportunities arise.

Collaborative multi disciplinary working is a must, seek out opportunities to spend time with the other professions your patients will be meeting. Holistic, all round care is key.

As you will be learning so much new information and names during your placement, it is a good idea to carry a small note book that fits in your tunic. This shows imitative to your mentor and allows you to focus your learning in the evening for the next day. Always ensure no patient information is kept in the book!

My main piece of advise would be to ensure you use the people around you, not just your educator/mentor. All members of staff are extremely useful to you as a student and will guide your development.

Be keen, ask questions, do research and interact with everyone around you! Good Luck.