Clinical Placement in Carins

I was fortunate to complete my last clinical placement at Cairns Hospital as part of my Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) degree at The University of Queensland (UQ). The final year of my degree has involved six blocks of clinical and research placements which has demanded constant self-reflection to grow as a student, person and future health professional. Based on the general medicine ward in Cairns Hospital, I was exposed to a broad and complex caseload. This presented as a challenge at first, as I was required to draw upon knowledge and skills across clinical areas of neurological, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Overcoming the challenge involved self-reflection following each clinical interaction and led me to approaching individuals with a more holistic view of their needs. Being in the Cairns region, I also supported individuals to return home to more rural and remote areas. I quickly learnt the various systems and services in place to support high quality care from hospital to home, particularly those that helped reduce access barriers and health disparities faced in regional and remote areas. During my placement, I have further developed my ability to think critically and question biases and assumptions. Individuals on the general medicine ward often presented with multiple co-morbidities and existing health issues. These complex cases presented opportunities for me to think critically about the main problem for the individual, and what I could help with as a physiotherapy student. I also learnt throughout the placement that my hypothesised 'main problem' did not align with what the individual perceived as their main problem and/or barrier to going home, highlighting the importance of having open discussions with individuals and seeking their insight into their health condition/s. Being within the Cairns region, I worked with many individuals from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. I worked with a number of individuals and families from Thursday Island, supporting their return home with all members of the multidisciplinary team. I built my confidence in providing culturally safe/reflexive care, practising skills of clinical yarning and deep listening within a strengths-based approach to working with First Nations individuals. I am incredibly grateful for the support of the ACEN WIL scholarship which has supported my regional placement, allowing me to take full advantage of all the learning opportunities in Cairns without added financial stress. My incredibly positive experience at Cairns Hospital has affirmed my desire to work in regional Queensland within my career, and I look forward to returning to Cairns.