Occupational Therapy Student Review

I enjoyed working within the Trust, however there had been times where I though that I was wasting my time - there weren't enough patients/clients to see due to my colleagues being free to choose how many cases they want to see within a day. I would be left alone to do some reading and I truly felt that I did not learn much. However, the environment was nice and it was nice working with the patients and their families.

Overall, my colleagues were really nice and accommodating. They show their appreciation and acknowledge work that I have done , no matter big or small. I felt comfortable and in place working together with them, and it is a nurturing environment. However, I do feel hostility from some of the colleagues, especially from the higher ups and I do not find that appealing.

My supervisor was awesome, she took me under her wing and taught me all she could. She gave appropriate support whenever I needed, and constantly gave me constructive advice in order to improve. My supervisor was one who went all out to ensure that she's providing the best learning for me.

As my colleagues had the free will to choose the amount of cases they want to handle in a day, there were times where I was just sitting in the office for the whole day. However, I would say that I was never too busy as at most I would only see three patients per day. The remaining time was used to write short reports and accounts for the treatment sessions.

After a few weeks of observing, I was given the responsibility of handling a few caseloads - planning the treatment sessions and writing up reports and notes. No other responsibility was given in regards of administrative work.

Working where I was really helped me to understand my field of study in a broader perspective, and it showed me the different areas in which I could branch out. Through my placement, I was able to apply theory and link them to real cases, which in return helped with furthering my understanding of my field. Besides that, I also gained a lot more confidence in my abilities.

It was a fun and chatty atmosphere, with almost no dull moments. People are always open to chat both related and unrelated matters, and also ready to help. Serious working moments were also present, though I would say it is definitely more relaxed than that of a general office/what one would typically think of.

It was not very well organised, my supervisor was often on leave and did not set up anything in place to fill in for her absence. I had to fend for myself and ask around for things to do, which I felt was not responsible of her. However, the guidance and teachings were organised alright, with okay opportunities for me to observe.

Not much was invested - the only trainings I get from the Trust was trainings that they conduct for an audience which I was asked to join and help out. They did give me an initial training upon starting my placement, but that's about it.

Although I do like the environment, the management of the place was far from ideal and I do not see myself returning. The fun and chatty atmosphere was also not the right fit for me - it feels like the times my ex-colleagues spent chatting was a waste of government resources, and it is against my values to use my time in such an unproductive way.

The social scene was good, all of us got along really well and we do feel like family. We students were close with one another, and have built up a rapport from the beginning, supporting each other with our own students' woes.

The area was a little out from the city centre, but there were a few pubs and bars around where we could grab a drink once work ends. The cost of living was pretty standard, but definitely a less costly than the likes of London.

If you get to the city centre, the nightlife is pretty good - there's a good amount of cheap bars and clubs where it's always bustling and filled with people. The booze is known to be cheap as well, but I can't be sure since I don't drink.

The city I am at is pretty convenient - there is a shopping mall, an entertainment centre and a sports arena that is very accessible through public transport. Besides that, there are also many voluntary organisations, and if going outdoors is preferred, there's a range of walking, hiking, climbing spots within an hour's drive of the city.