Oops

I’ve just passed half way at my neuro placement on a neurosurgery ward. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying learning about the treatment and management of head injury patients as there are many fascinating cases on neurosurgery wards. Apparently though, my interest in the prac hasn’t been obvious to those around me…

I received some feedback last week from my supervisor and senior physio’s regarding my progression with the placement. They commented on the fact that my body language is suggesting that I am bored and disinterested when treating patients. I was shocked to hear this because, as I’ve mentioned, I am actually really interested in my patients and their histories and feel motivated to help rehab them so they can be discharged as early as possible. I’ve never had any problems in the past with my involvement with patients so I was very surprised when they told me this.

So, I told my supervisors that I wasn’t aware that I was coming across that way and assured them that I felt lucky to be on such a good placement and was really enjoying it, regardless of what my body language was indicating. Since then, I’ve been working on my body language and trying to express more enthusiasm. I think a lot of what I was displaying was due to a lack of confidence with some of my treatments. I should have asked my supervisors directly about a few queries I had, but they didn’t seem too approachable because, as most physio’s are, they all seemed busy and stressed with their own patients and issues… I also discussed this with my supervisors and they agreed to be a bit more open, and I agreed to be more upfront with anything I’m unsure of on the placement.

It was hard to hear some of the negative yet constructive feedback from my supervisors, but everything they said was completely fair. I’m glad we were able to discuss the issues and work through them and am hoping to show improvements for the rest of my time on my neuro placement.