FEATURE STUDENT EDUCATION
EtiAmmos via Getty Images © Анастасия Фризен via Getty Images
Practice makes perfect
RCOT ’ s practice team offered their first student placement earlier this year . The team and student Sarah Niblock talk about what it took to make it successful
Making sure there are enough practice placements available for occupational therapy students has been a longstanding issue in the profession . It is something RCOT has worked extensively on to encourage others to provide . But this year the team took more direct action , offering its first practice placement with a student from London South Bank University ( LSBU ).
Sarah Niblock joined RCOT for a 10-week placement with Anne Keen , the RCOT professional adviser who runs the organisation ’ s Professional Practice Enquiry Service , with support from Lauren
Walker , another of RCOT ’ s professional advisers .
It ’ s an arrangement that suited everyone involved . ‘ As soon as I saw the email about this possible placement , I thought , this looks good ,’ says Sarah . While Anne says : ‘ I ’ ve been a practice educator lots of times in clinical practice , but not since then . And I always think we should lead by example . It is extra work , but it isn ’ t a huge amount .’
Adds Lauren : ’ I was really keen as I ’ ve not been a practice educator before . It was also good to do so alongside Anne , who is a very experienced educator – I knew there would be lots for me to learn along the way .’
18 OTnews May 2021