From student to therapist: The NQT Perspective Lucy Hughes Fiona Gillies

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From student to therapistThe NQT
PerspectiveLucy Hughes Fiona Gillies
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Introductions

• Lucy Hughes - Paediatric SLT
• Camden and Islington PCT
• Early years service
• Fiona Gillies - Adult SLT
• Medway PCT
• Inpatient acute outpatients

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Session plan

• Getting a job
• Starting out
• Settling in
• A day in the life of
• The calm after the storm
• Survival tips
• Questions

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Getting a job

• When to apply?
• Consider other pressures e.g. exams,
  dissertation, money
• Which job?
• Think about your priorities and strengths
• Be flexible, be realistic and be honest with
  yourself

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Getting a job

• Where to look
• RCSLT
• Bulletin
• www.rcslt.org.uk
• NHS Jobs Website
• www.jobs.nhs.uk
• Sign up for email alerts

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Application forms

• Phone the service
• Ask questions, check the deadline
• Your supporting statement
• Tailor it to the person specification
• Explain why you want that job?
• Write concisely
• Reflect your style
• Give specific examples
• CHECK, CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN

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Interviews

• Preparation
• Know the format e.g. individual/group
• Revise knowledge relevant to the client group
• Assessments
• Intervention
• Practice likely questions and personal
  examples
• Think broader e.g. local/national
  developments
• What will you ask them?

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The verdict

• If you dont get the job
• Ask for feedback
• If you do
• CELEBRATE!

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Before you start

• Paperwork
• CRB clearance
• References
• HPC registration
• RCSLT membership
• Get out your cheque book!

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Starting out

• Your first day
• Get a diary
• Induction timetable
• Be confident in your skills
• Your first few weeks
• Shadowing opportunities
• Mentoring and support
• Expectations your own and others

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Settling in

• Caseload management
• Scheduling your time
• Waiting lists, prioritisation, reports
• Supervision a two-way process
• Ask questions and be proactive
• RCSLT newly-qualified competencies
• Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF)

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A day in the life of

• A Paediatric SLT
• An Adult SLT

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The calm after the storm

• Go back to your books
• Fill in the gaps
• Integrate theory and clinical skills
• Develop your work style
• Be a reflective practitioner, e.g. keep a
  diary, use video, seek feedback
• Identify training needs

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Survival tips

• Keep it in perspective
• Know your boundaries
• Everybody makes mistakes
• Maintain a work-life balance
• Dont rush the diagnosis
• Assessment process is ongoing
• Support network
• Friends, family, course mates, colleagues

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Questions
GOOD LUCK