tips for placements

I think firstly contacting the placement and making a visit before you go is really important.It can help put your mind at rest , allow you to meet your mentor and clients/ patients.Also check out your route to placement and time how long it takes.

Go with a plan of action.Write out a plan of what you need to achieve and also things you would like to experience and gain further knowledge about.Then ask your mentor how you can achieve your outcomes at this placement.

Think of places you would also like to do a day visit with maybe spend time in another ward, child protection, diabetic nurse etc.Things that can be tied in with this placement and help you gain further knowledge.

Keep a reflective diary eachday stating what youve learnt what went well what didnt work well and how you can improve.On major aspects on the placement it maybe best to do reflective essays.

Research.It is always best to research if you are learning something new and this can help build up your portfolio.

Make sure you book in time with your mentor maybe once a week to keep a check of how things are going.DO NOT be affraid to ask your mentor however small it may seem and if you don't understand how to do something seek advise.

Make sure you can get allotted study time if you have assignments whilst you are at placement maybe justa few hours a week.Also ask if you can vary your time to suit you especially if you have a long way to travel.

I agree. planning ahead on a placement is vital. making sure you have a good plan already in mind is also extreemely useful.

i also find it useful to give my new mentor my CV, that way they have a good idea as to my experience level. I find that this reduces the likely hood that I am treated as if I am new to the field i a studying in. If your lucky your cv may even impress your new mentor.

I do a learning contract and pop in my experiences and my strenghts and weaknesses, so i can improve on these with my mentors help.
I also include what it is i want to acheive on the placement and how my mentor may be able to help me acheive this.
The mentor signs and so do i and we arrange a suitable review date to access my learning outcomes.
Just a few ideas.

It just two weeks til my first ever placement!!!!, not sure what to expect to be honest, hopefully I will learn loads and be able to relate it to my assignment!