Play Specialist Review

My role is a student Health play specialist Each day involves me preparing children for theatre or other invasive procedures , distracting them through different procedures and by providing diversionary play to make the child’s stay in hospital a little easier It has been great to do my placement at great Ormond street hospital

Yeah, so far, even though I am working at Surrey hospital In Guildford, and doing placement only one day a week at great Ormond street (gosh), it has still helped me to learn from other play specialists and learn different expertise and their different ways of working. It has enabled me to get experience in a specialised childrens hospital as well as a district general

I really enjoy my program, and considering I had to take a years break in learning due to ill health, both my university and workplace setting have been extremely supportive and helpful. They have enabled me to build confidence in tough situations and to build up my resilience in order to complete the course. I have enjoyed every moment of this course, even though it can be challenging doing an apprenticeship due to working full time and studying but considering on top of both of these factors I have struggled with my mental health and well-being ontop of this…. I am nearly finished the course It is still possible no matter how much life throws at you… if you have a supportive workplace and teachers who are reassuring and patient…. You can get through it all

Don’t get me wrong the Healthcare play specialism apprenticeship, does have its flaws, it is not at all perfect as it is still new so there are minor hiccups and stresses along the way. But isn’t that the case for any learning situations or even in day to day life anyway? Even though the apprenticeship is not as organised as the full degree. Everyone is super supportive, and tries their absolute hardest to ensure the best course and teaching for everyone. The overall structure is okay and as long as you keep up to date and do not fall behind, it is kept very organised too

Oh my goodness, where do I start? Most people will probably think I am just writing this because they are my employer or because I want to get the voucher But I’m all honesty neither of these above things apply, yeah I would appreciate an extra voucher to go towards uni books or something for my last assignment Butt In all honesty, I could not praise my workplace enough for the amount of support that they provide both during this apprenticeship and in general day to day practice The staff at Royal Surrey hospital on the childrens ward are all kind and caring But most importantly the management have been super understanding around uni work uni days but also around the amount of time I have had to be off sick. Management couldn’t have supported me any better Yeah of course there are times when we frustrate each other or things but overall they have been amazing and I honestly hope to work at royal surrey for some time after my apprenticeship even a few years! If not more! Also on another note, regarding support from my workplace, the apprentice lead has had my back throughout! In fact if there has been miss communication or miss understanding through my university or if I just need someone to talk on my behalf, has done so! too has been there to support me in finishing this apprenticeship. If You were to ask me what I would say to other people or individuals who are considering doing any hospital apprenticeship, I would 100% recommend them doing it at the Royal Surrey

They have been there for me throughout the course too! The communication hasn’t been great between the teachers and course providers at nescot and often there will be miss communication or mixed messages Although overall the teachers have been amazing! They have helped me to understand even if it takes longer for me to process the information at times. They have supported me emotionally and directed me to the well-being team at the college too. Even though it’s a uni course, the college do a great job at supporting and providing education to us all at a higher level. Also, because there isn’t another qualified play specialist at my workplace setting, I have had to do my placement at GOSH shadowing other play specialists I have also got my own mentor who has been very supportive too

Through learning and developing my skills, knowledge and expertise in learning through other play specialists at a specialised hospital, it has enabled me to learn and develop new skills which I have then been able to take back to my workplace setting It has enabled me to build confidence and will help me to develop my skills further by continuing to apply them to practice once qualified

Yeah, there is a social club and there is also a chance where as a ward we all try to organise social events outside of work like meals etc. or there is often ward training courses or opportunities for us as individuals to explore whilst meeting new people etc which is lovely

Yes

As it is lovely! Yes it is busy, unpredictable But it is a great job! Especially as a play specialist as it is super rewarding and you get to provide play and activities to brighten up each child’s experience of hospital The nhs is a great place to be able to progress and develop further within the chosen role

To bare in mind that working in a hospital can be challenging! Especially as a play specialist or in the play team Often people mistake our role as ‘being able to play all day’ This isn’t necessarily true We will be there to provide support and distraction for children We will be there when children are really sick But overall it is super rewarding… you get to see that smile on a child’s face even though they were terrified or upset before! You will see the difference you make And you make that difference whatever profession you choose!!