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.
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.