What should I do if I am struggling to gain experience in some skills (eg Catheterisation, Suturing etc)
We are aware that some skills seem to be more difficult to gain experience in than others. Last year students struggled to complete Catheterisation and Blood Transfusion. Generally speaking, the opportunities are there; you may need to be more pro-active to achieve certain skills compared to others. If you are still finding it difficult to gain experience:
1. Firstly, speak to the clinical supervisor of your attachment and ask if they might be able to help you find out when and where certain procedures are taking place. For example, Blood Transfusions are most likely to be encountered in Medicine, Surgery and SSUs in the ED and ITU; they also take place in Theatres, and also sometimes in the Ambulatory Care or Day Wards for patients who come in as day admissions.
2. Secondly, if your personal tutor is a clinician, it may also be helpful to speak to them, to see if they are able to help you with opportunities in particular skills and competencies.