Non-clinical practice based learning opportunity - Rachel Hart

I have just completed a ten-week leadership non-clinical practice-based digital learning opportunity with the HEE North East and Yorkshire Regional team. It has been an amazing experience and I have loved every minute. The team has been so welcoming and supportive throughout.

My project was to lead on producing a national quick guide around leadership non-clinical practice-based learning opportunities. I was a bit daunted at first at the prospect of accomplishing this, as all my previous placement experience had been in clinical settings, meeting people face-to-face, but I was willing to step outside my comfort zone and embrace this opportunity.  Skills I worked on included networking, communication, prioritising, showing initiative, project management, time management and the main one for me – confidence. After having so many MS Teams meetings with many different people my confidence quickly grew, so much so that I actually enjoyed delivering my end of placement presentation showcasing what I had done.

My advice to a student about to enter into a non-clinical practice-based learning opportunity is to throw yourself in to this new experience, embrace the learning opportunities and see your skills develop along the way.

I really believe that the skills I have developed during this digital non-clinical practice-based learning opportunity will help me to become a more rounded AHP when I enter the workforce in a few months’ time. I feel confident that I have the appropriate skills to take me forward into a range of different practice settings and that I am equipped with the skills required for modern practice.

Rachel Hart, Occupational Therapy BSc 3rd year, Sheffield Hallam University