Placements (practice-based learning)
Placements (practice-based learning) form a key part of all healthcare programmes.
It is a requirement of both the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) that students on healthcare programmes spend a considerable amount of time on practical learning opportunities.
This is where you can practice applying the knowledge and skills you are learning and developing in a supervised and supported structure so that you can become an independent practitioner by the end of the programme. Each programme has a minimum number of hours that must be completed, with practice-based learning opportunities scheduled across set points in the academic year.
Clinical placements have been the highlight of the course for me. I have been lucky with willing mentors who have been happy to support my progress.
Where will I be and what will I be expected to do?
You can expect to work in a variety of settings to help you experience the breadth of the profession and ensure that you can demonstrate a portfolio of practice based learning experiences which enables you to be competitive when it comes to seeking employment at the end of the programme.
You will work in environments that are reflective of today’s health and social care practise, such as hospitals, GP practices, community settings, care homes and independent organisations. Some healthcare programmes will also have placements and practice-based learning in private clinics, with professional sports teams or in social care settings.
To gain experience, you will be allocated placements across a range of locations across Wales – the location will depend on your programme and profession. This will expose you to working with different populations with varying demographics, and with practice supervisors/educators and wider multidisciplinary teams.
I learnt so much from my practice supervisor and admired her compassionate approach to care. She encouraged me to practice my midwifery skills and pushed me to get the best learning experience out of the placement, whilst also ensuring that I felt comfortable in the tasks that I was performing. She was so knowledgeable and was great at answering all my questions! I also loved how she advocated for women and their preferences on many occasions, and always built up a great rapport with women and their families.