We are very grateful for this opportunity and would like to encourage other students who receive a placement with RCOT to be open to the wide opportunities it will bring , but also to remind student members to use the resources RCOT can offer .”
We are very grateful for this opportunity and would like to encourage other students who receive a placement with RCOT to be open to the wide opportunities it will bring , but also to remind student members to use the resources RCOT can offer .”
Left to right : Maggie Cartwright and Charlotte Dawes given us so much ; it has allowed us to build our confidence in the occupational therapist ’ s role , data analysis and online literacy . And due to the remote nature of the placement , we have learnt a variety of different skills .
Before we started , we knew about RCOT for its professional standards and code of ethics and we understood the organisation as the professional body for our profession . However , we did not understand the wide range of work that staff at RCOT do for members every day to benefit the future of our workforce .
It has been incredibly useful to speak to different teams and members of staff , including Chief Executive Steve Ford and the Senior Leadership Team , to understand their role and how they see leadership .
The experience has certainly improved our confidence , especially through presenting to a wide range of stakeholders .
We will take the skills that we have learnt through our time at RCOT into our practice as early career occupational therapists , understanding what is important for leadership and being able to see leadership skills at all levels , regardless of if we are in a leadership specific role or not .
We are very grateful for this opportunity and would like to encourage other students who receive a placement with RCOT to be open to the wide opportunities it will bring , but also to remind student members to use the resources RCOT can offer .
Words MAGGIE CARTWRIGHT and CHARLOTTE DAWES , BSC Occupational Therapy Students , University of Worcester
A new perspective on the profession
As an OT working at RCOT , I do have to regularly check in . Am I staying in touch with occupational therapy practice ? Am I meeting my professional practice learning requirements and responsibilities ?
So , I relished the opportunity of offering a leadership placement for Charlotte and Maggie . I wasn ’ t familiar with Worcester University ’ s assessment process and paperwork , but it ’ s like riding a bicycle – it all came flooding back . Although it has been far too many years since I last supported students .
For me , the key learning points are that you need openness within the organisation to give time and support . It is not just down to you as a practice placement educator , your colleagues need to be involved .
There are more advantages to having more than one student at the same time than not . Charlotte and Maggie were able to support each other with their learning and discovery . And finally , for me , I was reminded that what seems the everyday and obvious is new , exciting and expands learners ’ minds . Being asked ‘ why ’ and ‘ how ’ trips you up , or makes you pause , and either validates what you do , or highlights the need for change .
There was learning for the team and for me . It keeps you fresh and gives you another perspective . In this case , seeing through the eyes of two young people about to start their careers . That was invaluable .
Words KARIN ORMAN , RCOT Director of Practice and Innovation
June 2023 OTnews 19