Initial entry

After already completing one placement I find myself a little more relaxed heading into the second placement. I am at Alma street centre in Fremantle on the mental health ward. As far as I know I am the first student to complete this placement so finding out about what to expect has been quite difficult. With that in mind I know that my feedback on the end of this placement will be very important for future references. I am going into this placement with an open mind. I have a strong willingness to learn and see this as an exciting opportunity to be exposed to something I may not otherwise get a whole lot of exposure to.

I have spoken very briefly with my supervisor over the phone and look forward to being a student under her. Of course there is always the nervousness about living up to any expectations she might have of me. I want to show a good impression on the first day, and show my supervisor that I have a good theoretical basis and also have good practical capabilities. I hope that I can be very adaptable to my environment and then subsequently excel with my interaction with people, especially in this environment.

I have had only very limited experience with mental health in every day experiences and on previous placements. I hope that I will show a good ability to adjust my thinking and approach in light of my patient list. At the same time this experience I hope will take me out of my comfort zone. This will help me develop and make me, not only a better physio, but a better person as well. I think we grow and learn the most when we are made to challenge ourselves which is what I hope to do. Therefore I am both nervous and excited about working with mentally challenged patients.

I am very oblivious to what my role will be at this time. With this in mind I plan to heighten my skills as an observer watch my supervisor very closely. Hopefully once I have proven myself to my supervisor I will be given a lot of independence and can excel in this field. However I understand due to the nature of this placement and my limited understanding, my clinical reasoning and observations must be sound. I expect to gain a better understanding of what my role will be over the course of this placement, on day 1.

I think with this placement being a mental health situation, my role will be based on musculoskeletal therapy. Therefore my knowledge of anatomy and previous MSK units will have to be good. Of course I will also have to show the qualities that will be required of me in further placements and when I am qualified. Qualities such as professionalism, ability to learn, skills of practice and more, are all things that make the foundation of a good physio. Many different subcategories fall under some of those heading and having them well refined is pivotal. I look forward to this placement, especially the close proximity it is from home and the environment of Fremantle which I love. I’m excited about diving into it and making it a positive experience.