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Next up is @Dotti_RD from LMU. Dorothy is a lecturer and placement tutor who has been running an 8 week virtual simulated placement at placement 2 level:
The placement I am referring to is fully simulated (made up with practical cases and other guided activities designed to develop placement-related skills but without ‘real’ patients). It is based (virtually) at the university rather than at a placement site.
I think both of these things will form part of a ‘new normal’ in dietetics placements as the workforce working patterns change and capacity for placements remains challenging to maintain within the NHS.
Here are some top tips for students:
Treat the experience as a placement rather than an extension of university. Prepare as though they were real consultations, do research if you need, approach tasks positively, communicate with supervisors asap if unwell or struggling.
Treat the experience as a placement rather than an extension of university. Prepare as though they were real consultations, do research if you need, approach tasks positively, communicate with supervisors asap if unwell or struggling.
If your placement is full time, ensure you have allowed full time hours to complete it. If it’s taking a lot less than that (unless advised otherwise by your tutors), you might not be completing the tasks to the right level to get the most out of the experience.
Push yourself and start to work more proactively. Take every opportunity to do extra reading or attempt problem solving both independently and with peers from the course rather than going quickly to tutors with queries.
It’s ok to ask of course but asking every question that pops into your mind will limit how much you learn because you won’t practice the critical thinking process. This is one of the important changes in transitioning from university to placement.
Focus on skills, not just the tasks. Our programme was designed strategically to try to build skills in different practicalities that students and supervisors tell us are problem areas on placement. Often working through a case wasn’t the main purpose...
... the skill development was in adapting language for a specific verbal or written piece, practicing consultation skills, learning about the MDT roles, considering how language will change when talking to different people, the level of detail needed for dietetic etc.
Get familiar with reflection and your portfolio paperwork. Working on this will set you up well for placement. Get into the habit of reflecting daily, even if it’s just a few notes. Try to reflect on strategies you may be able to implement to improve a range of skills.
Be involved in your learning. Give feedback (respectfully), ask for what you want included. It might not always be possible to do but it’s always worth asking, so remember to communicate your learning needs.
