Kelly

Where did you do your work experience?

Nuneaton

What did you do?

For my two week placement I was based on a ward which specialised in general medicine. During my placement I was allowed to shadow physiotherapists, nurses, healthcare support workers and doctors.

I was able to complete simple tasks such as making beds and completing food intake charts for patients. Making beds may not sound like the most interesting task, but there was always something happening on the ward so I was never bored!

I visited the x-ray department and other wards during the fortnight, where doctors or specialists explained various procedures and illnesses to me.

I received lots of advice from doctors about my grades, medical schools and what being a doctor is actually like.

What did you enjoy most?

My favourite part was building relationships with patients. It was a great feeling to know that somebody appreciated my help.

I also really enjoyed helping nurses take blood pressures and temperatures, as well as looking at x-rays with the doctors. I really learnt a lot.

Everybody was really friendly and made me feel like one of the team.

What did you learn?

I learnt that medicine requires a lot more than brains! I was really inspired by the staff, and became more motivated about a career in medicine.

I also learnt things about illnesses, the body and different procedures.

In addition I gained a fantastic perspective of what the atmosphere is like in a hospital, and what it would be like to work in the NHS.

Do you have any advice for other people?

Organise a placement well in advance, and make sure you spend a lot of time perfecting your application form.

Also, don’t be upset if some staff seem too busy to show you things. Instead, use your initiative and find something to do because there is always something! I found that I got out what I put in during my placement.