Initial entry

INITIAL ENTRY

I am excited to finally be starting fourth year. Although my supervisors expectations of what I will be doing day 1 - week 1 are at this stage unclear, I have formulated a few expectations about what this placement will be like for me.

I am expecting this placement to be more challenging than any other prac I have been on. This is not only because it is the first rotation in fourth year when the supervisors expectations often jump significantly. I will also be expected to use a great deal more clinical reasoning than in past rotations and take on allot more individual responsibility for my patients.

I expect the prac to be interesting as I have heard that there will be a vary varied case load. I am looking forward to this as I have not yet had great exposure to a wide array of musculoskeletal problems (mainly only backs and necks so far).

I am expecting to learn allot very quickly. Being in musculoskeletal outpatients and working somewhat independently will be a bit of dive into the deep end for me, however I am looking forward to this opportunity as I feel it is a great way for me to learn.

After speaking to one of the supervising physiotherapists at Mandurah Community Health I have a better idea (although still not sure) of how my time will be structured on placement. It is going to be a mix of seeing outpatients individually and taking group classes. I am unsure of how quickly I will be expected to take on a full case load, and have allot of reservations about what tasks might be waiting for me Monday morning. However by the end of placement I expect I will be confidently and independently taking the group classes, as well as seeing my own load of outpatients individually with limited guidance from my supervisor.

I am looking forward to this placement as I have never had an opportunity to have this level of independence and responsibility before. Although it is a little daunting right now I am hoping it will work out to be a rewarding learning opportunity.