SoR Eastern regional rep Lucy Blackwell is researching whether national provisions of clinical placement are fair for all. Here she explains how you can help.
I am a third year student, based at University Campus Suffolk undertaking my clinical experience at Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge.
My training consists of three, seven week blocks at a clinical placement, and three six week blocks at university, per year alternating between clinical then university.
But time spent in clinical placement site varies greatly depending on what university an individual is based at.
I have spoken to students on an elective at Addenbrooke's Hospital, and these individuals do not have the same opportunities to spend in a clinical placement as students from University Campus Suffolk.
From my experience, knowing how to do your job with the skills and up to date knowledge is a vital factor of radiography. This is gained from experience, experience that other students are not getting.
The radiography degree itself is standard. So why should the amount of time spent a clinical vary so much?
I believe that every student has the right to the same opportunities, regarding their experience in a clinical setting. When it comes to applying for a job, surely having more experience in the clinical environment than Joe Bloggs, would work to your advantage?
I am hoping to put a motion forward at the SoR Annual Delegates Conference in April suggesting all students spend the same amount of time in clinical, no matter where they study.
I need help from all diagnostic and therapeutic students across the UK to build my research.
I need to know:
• What clinical experience have you had / time spent in the clinical setting?
• Do you feel you have had sufficient clinical experience?
• Where are you studying / what hospital are you based at?
Contact me and let me know what you think.
Join now
