Final (year) thoughts

As a final year physio student preparing to enter into my first band 5 role, I have so much to be grateful for and lots to look forward to. It’s both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking to think I will be a qualified physio within a couple of months. 

My undergraduate degree has provided me with excellent learning opportunities including placements, lectures and online resources. As a student at the University of Nottingham, I’ve been supported by many fantastic lecturers, clinical educators and friends. In all honesty, this is what I will miss the most, but on reflection I realise that there is much more to look forward to. 

I’m excited to start my journey and step further into my professional identity.

I hope to see the progression of ethnic diversity at all levels of physiotherapy, including positions of seniority. I look forward to contributing to this, as we build a workforce that is reflective of the wider population.

Throughout my degree I’ve developed a ‘love-hate’ relationship with research. All jokes aside, this was initially an area that I really struggled with. Nevertheless, the opportunity to base my dissertation on an area that I am passionate about helped me realise that research is not as daunting as I originally thought. This project explored the management of paediatric distress within physiotherapy and I am eager to approach any future developments with an open mind. 

I’m also looking forward to exploring a wide variety of career paths and the breadth and depth of the profession really excites me. I’m interested to see how remote working and technological advancements change the profession.

I’ve experienced first-hand how important the support of a clinical educator is, and I hope to support future students myself. And I’m keen to work in an MDT team where the role and value of a physio is understood. But most of all, I look forward to working in a job I enjoy! I know it won’t always be easy but I will give it my all and try to keep smiling along the way.