14/01/2007, 09:40 PM
In April 2006, I had a week's work experience at Oban and Lorn district hospital's
Physiotherapy department. I observed both in-patients and out-patients and participated in
both pulmonary, cardiac and falls prevention classes. I also attended a occupational therapy
seminar on falls prevention around the home. I was present during joint assessment, both
prosthetic and genuine, and shown personal massage and stretching techniques and thus
understand the importance of patient independence in recovery. As pertains to the in-patients
I understand the significance of keeping the body mobile, both actively and passively, to
encourage independence and aid recovery. I have continued to attend physiotherapy drop-in
classes at my local surgery used primarily to monitor progress for those discharged from
hospital and including a falls prevention class. I have become very interested in encouraging
exercise, passive or active, within nursing homes: as I have personally observed that these
are very static environments and the importance of mobility in enabling individuals to be
independent; this being both important for personal satisfaction and the NHS budget.
I worked in a nursing home for 3 months during the summer of 2006 as a care assistant. I
believe the hands-on nature of the work has primed me for a health-related career and my
enthusiasm and interest for getting the patients moving and the use of massage for mental and
physical relaxation affirmed a Physiotherapy career choice. I was responsible for all aspects
of care for the elderly: dressing, washing, feeding, toileting, and elementary wound care. I
became familiar in the use of hoists, stand-aids, frames and wheelchairs. Dependant upon the
degree of disability or mobility displayed by the patient I either worked independently or
with another carer or nurse. Frequent liaisons with nurses were also necessary to indicate a
change in condition which required immediate care or to reaffirm/clarify the nursing report.
I also assisted with physiotherapist visits to the nursing home.
I am a senior member of The SSC, a voluntary youth charity, who organise week long camps and
weekends away throughout the year. My duties include organising activities, interacting with
the children, general upkeep of the campsite, and encouraging, both actively and by example,
problematical children to interact together well. As a Girl Guide, this was a natural
progression, and though it can be hard work, I get a lot of satisfaction out of both seeing
how the children progress towards adulthood and knowing that I, both personally and within
the organisation, have had a positive impact upon their lives. I enjoy salsa classes and have
just started yoga.
This year I am completing my MA in Philosophy and Classics for which I attained a certificate
of distinction in my course work for Classics in my Junior Honours year. I did not apply for
physiotherapy directly from school as I did not feel mature enough to hold the position of
physiotherapist. I believe my degree has been of the greatest use to me as I have been able
to cope with the level of study required at University. Through my work experience, extra
curricular activities, and living independently I have become more confident in my own
abilities. I understand what is required of a university student and I am able to manage my
time effectively. Thou I am confident in my ability and continuous revision I am willing to
attend any science 'booster' courses available. At university I have shown capability,
commitment to a course and adaptability; both academically in learning a new discipline and
personally. I have gone the roundabout route but I believe the growth I have undergone will
make me a more effective physiotherapy student and ultimately a better physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy department. I observed both in-patients and out-patients and participated in
both pulmonary, cardiac and falls prevention classes. I also attended a occupational therapy
seminar on falls prevention around the home. I was present during joint assessment, both
prosthetic and genuine, and shown personal massage and stretching techniques and thus
understand the importance of patient independence in recovery. As pertains to the in-patients
I understand the significance of keeping the body mobile, both actively and passively, to
encourage independence and aid recovery. I have continued to attend physiotherapy drop-in
classes at my local surgery used primarily to monitor progress for those discharged from
hospital and including a falls prevention class. I have become very interested in encouraging
exercise, passive or active, within nursing homes: as I have personally observed that these
are very static environments and the importance of mobility in enabling individuals to be
independent; this being both important for personal satisfaction and the NHS budget.
I worked in a nursing home for 3 months during the summer of 2006 as a care assistant. I
believe the hands-on nature of the work has primed me for a health-related career and my
enthusiasm and interest for getting the patients moving and the use of massage for mental and
physical relaxation affirmed a Physiotherapy career choice. I was responsible for all aspects
of care for the elderly: dressing, washing, feeding, toileting, and elementary wound care. I
became familiar in the use of hoists, stand-aids, frames and wheelchairs. Dependant upon the
degree of disability or mobility displayed by the patient I either worked independently or
with another carer or nurse. Frequent liaisons with nurses were also necessary to indicate a
change in condition which required immediate care or to reaffirm/clarify the nursing report.
I also assisted with physiotherapist visits to the nursing home.
I am a senior member of The SSC, a voluntary youth charity, who organise week long camps and
weekends away throughout the year. My duties include organising activities, interacting with
the children, general upkeep of the campsite, and encouraging, both actively and by example,
problematical children to interact together well. As a Girl Guide, this was a natural
progression, and though it can be hard work, I get a lot of satisfaction out of both seeing
how the children progress towards adulthood and knowing that I, both personally and within
the organisation, have had a positive impact upon their lives. I enjoy salsa classes and have
just started yoga.
This year I am completing my MA in Philosophy and Classics for which I attained a certificate
of distinction in my course work for Classics in my Junior Honours year. I did not apply for
physiotherapy directly from school as I did not feel mature enough to hold the position of
physiotherapist. I believe my degree has been of the greatest use to me as I have been able
to cope with the level of study required at University. Through my work experience, extra
curricular activities, and living independently I have become more confident in my own
abilities. I understand what is required of a university student and I am able to manage my
time effectively. Thou I am confident in my ability and continuous revision I am willing to
attend any science 'booster' courses available. At university I have shown capability,
commitment to a course and adaptability; both academically in learning a new discipline and
personally. I have gone the roundabout route but I believe the growth I have undergone will
make me a more effective physiotherapy student and ultimately a better physiotherapist.
