Last week UCRH hosted allied health professionals from the region for a workshop on collectively developing a strong and productive educational alliance to support students on placement in the Northern Rivers.
A key aim of the day was to bring together experienced educators and as well as clinicians new to student supervision. It was an opportunity for clinicians to meet our UCRH team, tour our facilities and leave with a better understanding of available resources and support for clinical educators.
It was also incredibly valuable for clinicians to work together to develop ideas and strategies they could implement in their workplaces to support students.
One of the real positives of the day was the breadth of representation with attendees from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, radiation oncology, psychology and counselling, social work, nutrition and dietetics and speech pathology all present.
This broad range of professional insights was showcased in one of the day’s highlights, a panel discussion featuring James McInnes (Physiotherapy Clinical Educator, Maclean and Grafton Hospitals), Janet Rose (Occupational Therapy Clinical Educator and Head of Department, Lismore Base Hospital), Sally Howard (UCRH Clinical Educator, Speech Pathology) and Maddi Powell (Social Work Educator and Assistant Manager, Fletcher Street Cottage, Byron Bay Community Centre).
The panel members shared insights around what has motivated them to supervise students and spoke about the many benefits and considerations around hosting more than one student on placement at a time. They also shared advice for supporting students who might be struggling and for helping students handle dynamic or unpredictable work environments.
It was a day full of practical advice and one that fostered new and renewed connections. We are grateful to all those who attended and look forward to working together in future.
