My five ‘ top tips ’ for successfully surviving a non-traditional placement
© mediaphotos via Getty Images
• Research the organisation and client group before you start . Knowing the role , focus and aims of the service you will be joining will help to settle any first day nerves .
• It ’ s fine to ask for help if you are unsure or feel overwhelmed . Do not apologise for being a learner . Look to your peers , clinical educator or placement tutor for support .
• Reflect , reflect , reflect . Keep a written record and constantly evaluate your practice experience – both the good and the bad . This will allow you to identify and appreciate the positives , whilst better identifying how you can improve in the future .
• Ask for as much feedback as possible .
• Finally , look after yourself . Being a student on placement can be stressful and burn out is real . By looking after your own wellbeing you will be better able to look after the wellbeing of others .
My highlights
The main take-away of a non-traditional projectbased placement , however , is the project itself . As such , I was tasked with developing an activity analysis of my choosing for a group of NEET service users and relate it to the field of multimedia .
By breaking the task down into its individual components , I was able to understand its therapeutic value .
As such , I chose photography , and I quickly learnt how multimedia is not just a creative medium . It can also be used to aid mental health and wellbeing , improve engagement , develop performance skills , and help to reduce negative thought patterns by giving people something to focus on , especially if they are feeling anxious , overwhelmed , stressed or depressed .
I think it is fair to say that I never would have been able to experience professional life within the confines of such a relaxed and unique setting had I been given a clinical placement .
Indeed , undertaking this type of project helped me to better understand how providing identity , meaning and structure to a young person ’ s life is fundamental in improving their health and wellbeing .
Overall , I could not have asked for a better experience for a practice placement . In fact , it is safe to say that as someone who wanted a more traditional clinical-based placement , my perception of project-based placements has changed my outlook on occupational therapy as a creative profession , and how we , as practitioners , can promote the restoration of function and improve overall wellbeing by incorporating the creative arts into the person ’ s journey .
If you get the opportunity to undertake a non-traditional , project-based , or role-emerging placement of your own , I urge you to embrace it . I ’ m not going to lie ; it will be hard work and exhausting . You will laugh , you might even cry , but if you throw yourself into it , I guarantee that you will come out the other side a better learner than when you started . I know I have .
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Words CHRIS PRAGER , Occupational Therapy Student , University of East London . For more about Iconic Steps visit https :// iconicsteps . co . uk /
50 OTnews January 2025