New guide offers students advice on how get the most out of time spent on clinical placement
UCDSU hopes to prepare students for what can be a turbulent period in their academic and professional lives.
Guide comprised of useful advice from students who have completed their clinical placement.
Duty of care to students on clinical placement often falls between the workplace and their place of study.
(Tuesday 10 October 2023 – Dublin) UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) is pleased to announce the release of a comprehensive guide aimed at assisting students in navigating the challenges often faced during clinical placements that they must embark on as part of their studies.
Developed to address the difficulties stemming from healthcare system shortages and a lack of adequate support, this guide offers invaluable advice to prepare students for what can be a turbulent period in their academic and professional lives.
The guide, compiled through consultation with students from UCD’s Health Sciences degrees, includes a wealth of testimonials and advice from students who have previously navigated the challenges of clinical placements, providing firsthand experiences and invaluable tips for those preparing to trade the campus for the workplace for the next few months.
Sarah McGrath, UCDSU Education Officer, emphasised the importance of this guide in supporting students during a pivotal time in their educational journey:
" Many students often find themselves caught in a gap where the duty of care falls between their workplace and the university, leaving them without adequate support. Clinical placements are an integral part of a student's educational journey but in recent years, the health system has grappled with shortages and mismanagement, resulting in added pressure on students during their clinical placements. We hope that this guide will stack the odds in their favour a little bit more.”
Key highlights of the guide include insights and strategies to help students effectively manage the ups and downs of clinical placements amidst healthcare system shortages and the natural pressures of the workplace. It also includes practical advice on how to cope when the responsibility for student welfare falls between the healthcare workplace and the university, as well as relatable stories from students who have successfully overcome challenges during their clinical placements, offering encouragement and guidance to their peers.
Finally, readers will also find a compilation of available resources and support networks to help them access the assistance they need during this critical phase of their education, ranging from on-campus supports to trade union contacts.
UCDSU encourages all students embarking on clinical placements to make use of this guide and make the most of the shared wisdom and insights to navigate their educational and professional paths successfully.
For more information and to access the guide, please click HERE.
