Supervisors...yep got more to add!

This being the last blog for the semester, I thought I’d finish off by reflecting on the Curtin Clinical Tutors. I only have nice things to say about them! I’ve been very lucky this semester to have 3 very lovely and supportive tutors, who’ve made the clinical and learning experience an enjoyable one.

First of all, they have all presented themselves in a non-threatening way, which makes it so much easier to approach them, with problems, queries, and doubts, without the fear of them thinking your incompetent, and know nothing. Because of this non-threatening nature, I found it a lot easier to approach them, be more talkative, and provide more input, as I didn’t feel judged incase I said something wrong. They provide enough support and help you to think on your own, and make you realize that what you’ve learnt in the last 3 years, is still stored away somewhere, and you actually know more than you give yourself credit for. They have been very encouraging, and provided me with positive constructive feedback, and not just picking up on everything I do wrong and emphasize that, whilst ignoring other efforts I’ve been making.

The thing I’ve most appreciated about the tutors, is that from week one, they’ve been clear about their expectations, and as students what we need to know about for that particular prac, and where the resources are. During the first week they’ve thoroughly gone through assessment techniques, especially if its an area that we’ve hardly spent any time on during the first 3 years of the course. This was especially helpful on my rheumatology and paeds placement, where the tutor went through the assessment forms used, and guided me through them, for forms such as the rheumatology assessment form, the GMFM scale and ROM/Tone testing for CP.

Finally, the tutors I’ve had, do take into consideration that we’re still students, and that in the space of 5 weeks, were never going to be at the level of someone that’s been practicing for how ever many years. So there tutors are very patient and understanding, and of course they’ll push you to achieve your best.
So I hope everyone else has had a good semester, and have had really helpful and supportive tutors, making the placement a more enjoyable learning experience. :D