Initial entry: placement 1

I'm feeling excited about starting this placement however I am just as nervous (if not more) for this placement compared to how I was feeling for my last placement. I think it is because as a fourth year student there is that much more pressure to perform well and just generally know what you are doing! There is also more pressure that I have put on myself this time around as I would like perform at the level a fourth year student should and to get the most out of each placement as this is the last time to practice before working as a new graduate.
A few concerns that I have prior to starting this placement include problem solving for both assessment and treatment in regards to patient's that will be in a wheelchair or younger patients, etc; being able to educate families about neurological conditions and the implications of these (if need be); carrying out appropriate wheelchair and other equipment assessment and finally communication. In terms of communicating I am meaning not only with some of the children but also their families as developing a good rapport with the family is essential to being a paediatric physiotherapist.
I am looking forward to working at a community-based organisation and dealing with children with disabilities as this is a clinical setting I am less familiar with. It will be interesting seeing a range of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and the different approaches to managing such conditions. I am sure this placement will be challenging but at the same time it will be rewarding to be a part of a facility that aims to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities.

I believe my role will involve performing mainly neurological and musculoskeletal assessments on patients (and re-evaluating these regularly); prescribing home exercises; providing education for children and families and also liasing a great deal with the multi-disciplinary team as well as various service providers associated with the facility.

I am hoping to finish this placement with more knowledge of everything I have mentioned above as well as improved assessment and treatment skills. It will be very beneficial in helping me to gain further experience in neurological paediatrics and in a community setting as a physiotherapist.