Senior Physiotherapy Support Worker Review

I am a therapy support worker for inpatient neurosciences (neurosurgery and neurology wards). I carry out delegated tasks from registered physiotherapists and have autonomy over progression of patient treatments (mobility, transfers, balance, strength and stairs). Also responsible for clerical tasks & sending referrals.

Several, I have learnt many assessment and treatment skills from my programme, I have been able to use some within my day to day role and able to demonstrate knowledge and skills on placements.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, there are some times when I feel burnt out as it can seem relentless working full time and completing the apprenticeship as it involves a lot of work on weekends off. Hard to find a work-life balance.

I am the first person to do the physiotherapy apprenticeship degree programme for my trust/department, they are responsive to feedback and have accommodated leave requests around my assignment/exam dates. I think they're trying to establish structure now there are 5 people on the course.

I get valuable supervision from my 'facilitator' but I think this is because they are in my team and direct team lead. I'm aware others on my course have someone who is distanced from their team. I continue to have monthly caseload discussions/supervisions.

My team have allowed me to take extended periods off around assignments and exams to help with reducing burnout and stress. We frequently discuss progress with my apprenticeship during supervisions and my facilitator has attended all of my tripartite reviews with university.

The course is definitely preparing us for a registered role, it has a well balanced programme of hands on practical assessment skills and subjective skills for an overall biopsychosocial approach to healthcare whilst also supporting with evidence based practice research skills.

Definitely, I choose not to attend some of them, purely because they tend to clash with my designated study day. Also, I am already a member of the South West Learners Council and my team have supported me to attend meetings during work hours.

Yes

I have worked at NBT since 2017, I was transparent in my interview with my department lead (at the time) that it was my intention to study (the apprenticeship didn't start until 2022). NBT provided me with many opportunities to develop my skills whilst waiting for a place.

Ask to get in touch with people who are already in the role or those who have successfully progressed through their respective programmes, get in touch with the NBT apprenticeship team and they may be able to reach out for you.