Year 4 audiology nursing students have put together a list of their top tips for the first day / first week to make it easier for you to get started and settle in as soon as possible.
Placement pre-arrival checklist
- Make contact (email, phone, visit) with the department or supervisor (do you have their details?). Find out what time you should be there.
- If you are shy, email your supervisor and explain that you would like a meeting with him/her on your first day; List in advance what you would like to discuss.
- Ask about the dress code.
- Make sure you know how to get there. Print out directions, timetable and/or a map, if necessary.
- How will you get to the placement? Are you going by car/bus or train?
- Is there anywhere to park and how much is it?
- Think about where you are staying - are you renting or in hospital accommodation? Make sure you sort this out well ahead of time.
- Have a look at the log book and know what is expected of you.
- Read up/refresh key procedures and protocols beforehand. Is there any pre-reading or preparation required?
- Research the department/staff - find out what services they offer and look at the hospital website if there is one available.
- Take with you a notebook and pen especially for jotting down protocols/observations/professional development practice/log-ins/door codes/names. This is particularly useful during the first few weeks.
- Bring your identity card.
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Be prepared to have your photo taken for your ID badge.
- Do you have contact details of your personal and/or pastoral tutor? You may wish to contact them if you experience any difficulties.
Upon arrival
- Ask lots and lots of questions!
- Be on time.
- Make a good impression as you don't know when or where you might want a job or a reference in the future.
- Dress appropriately and show you are keen to learn.
- Be enthusiastic and talk to people in order to ‘suss-out' the department.
Useful things to do when on placement
- Be aware of your log book and try and keep on top of it.
- Audiology departments can be quite loud. Be prepared to speak up, even if it is just to your supervisor.
- Think ‘outside the box' - be prepared to ask, know what else is going on in the department / hospital.
- Ask to observe everything but do not presume or expect everything!
- Take every opportunity that is offered to you by your supervisor. Perhaps later on in placement you can ask for things that are of interest.
- Talk to recent graduates as they can be helpful and supportive. They are very good at understanding where you are coming form and may have time to listen to you.
- Offer to help by doing administrative tasks during any spare or free time you might have.
- Offer to make tea and take biscuits in occasionally as this will help you to get to know the team.
- Make an effort, talk to people and have lunch with them. The more you get involved, the more you will get out of your placement.
- Admin teams are very important - you are NOT better than them.
