Initial entry 2

I am about to begin my second placement at Osbourne Park Hospital in the Parkinson's Clinic, and I have mixed emotions about this placement. I am excited to try something new and develop my skills in the area of neurology which has never really been my forte in the past. I think this will be a great opportunity to also possibly develop a love for the area of neurology, as when I have been critical about an area of study in the past, after a 5 week placement, I have felt not only more confident in the specialty but also a great deal of enjoyment.

I do have some concerns about beginning this placement that have made me rather nervous today. Knowing that the bar and expectations of not only the university but also those of the facility are raised, frightens me. I have done reasonably well in previous placements and I do not want this placement to be any exception. I have completed a great deal of study into the area of Parkinson's and have seen a few Parkinson's patients on previous placements however I am still concerned that I do not know enough before embarking on this placement. I think I need to remember that I am only a student, and the purpose of these placements is to not only develop our skills but also our knowledge base, and even though we are expected to have a basic knowledge, we are not expected to be experts. I also have to remember that our supervisors are there to be utilised and asked questions. I improved in the area on my last placement, and I aim to continue to do so. I am going to further review the pathophysiology of Parkinson's and the different types of Parkinson's disease today in preparation.

I am also worried about the fact that it will take me 30-40 minutes to get to and from my placement each day. I have travelled up to Osbourne Park a lot in the past and I know that one accident or poor moving traffic can make a massive difference to the travel time. I have been advised by my colleagues not to take the freeway, which is very wise, and so I just hope I get a good run up the coast. I am aware that it will take me longer up the coast and so I am prepared to leave early.

I expect to see varying types and degrees of Parkinson's in an outpatient setting. I have done some research into the facility and have discovered that it is a clinic for newly diagnosed and patients with long standing Parkinson's disease. Medical and Allied health teams review the patients to determine the correct management and treatment options. From my research i have discovered that the team consists of medical staff and Junior medical staff, an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker and speech pathologist. I imagine it is important for me to understand each of these members role in the multidisciplinary team and I am sure I will be working quiet closely with all of them.

All in all, I am excited to try something new and begin this placement and I am sure that once the nerves settle down and I gain some confidence in this area I have the potential to do well, especially as i believe that my communication and professional skills have developed substantially.