About Rachel
Rachel qualified as a graduate physiotherapist from the University of East Anglia in July 2008. Her three-year degree incorporated a number of clinical placements in the east of England including Suffolk and Norfolk. She carried out much of her undergraduate training within the Norfolk Primary Care Trust.
Rachel made the decision to take a few months out before applying for and successfully obtaining her first post as a physiotherapist in the NHS in March 2009.
Rachel's views and comments on the project
“When I started my university course in 2005, I became aware that there were issues within the physiotherapy profession and some graduates were finding it extremely difficult to secure permanent jobs that year. At that time, there had also been some bad press about the employment situation for graduates which was a little unnerving. However, I felt passionate about pursuing a career in physiotherapy and continued with the course for the next three years, hoping that the situation would improve by the time I graduated.
“After graduating from university I felt that it would be beneficial for me to take a bit of time off and experience other things like being a lifeguard for a few months. I found that time really useful following a quite intense period of education.
“In December 2008, I registered on the newly-qualified jobs pool in the East of England and was fortunate enough to be invited for an interview for a one-year placement in January 2009. I understood that there were only a finite number of these posts so was keen to get my foot on the ladder. Fortunately, I was successful in my application for a one-year fixed term contract within the NHS and started my first postgraduate role in March 2009. Although I’m originally from Southampton, I was keen to stay in the east of England where I had a great training experience.
“I am currently working on my one-year placement for the Norwich Primary Care Trust. I am really pleased to be working within the NHS as it offers me an excellent training ground and will improve my skills across both traditional and non-traditional areas of physiotherapy. It’s so important to maintain your skills soon after graduating and to ensure you get the chance to expand your clinical experience.
“My role is primarily community-based and involves working on a rotational basis where I get exposure to different aspects of physiotherapy. I spent the first three months of my contract working in the area of elderly care and rehabilitation. This was particularly challenging as it was a split-post across two hospitals. I was the only physiotherapist on a ward in one of the hospitals, which gave me a lot of autonomy. I was on a steep learning curved but had access to support from colleagues as and when I needed it, which was reassuring.
I am currently based in the integrated health team in a community environment. I am part of a rapid response community rehabilitation programme. My day to day role entails carrying out patient home visits and being part of a weekly women’s health day based in the outpatients department of the hospital. I will spend my last few months of the one-year contract in the orthopaedic outreach area.
“One of the most interesting parts of my role is working in women’s health, one day per week. You wouldn’t normally associate this type of work with the traditional role of a physiotherapist but the primary care trust has given me the opportunity to work in a more creative and innovative way.
“This particular role can include giving maternity patients advice on ante-natal and post-natal issues including lower back pain and pelvic floor exercises. The team also helps older patients with problems like mobility, stability and incontinence. It is so rewarding when you can help to make a difference to a patient’s everyday life. This experience has been a real eye-opener. I feel trusted in my new role and have been given greater responsibility than you might expect in a first post. I suppose I was thrown in at the deep-end in some respects but this has been invaluable in boosting my confidence and skills-base.
“During this contract, I applied for a permanent grade five physiotherapist’s position with Norfolk Community Health and Care. I was fortunate enough to secure that role and am currently waiting to start. I will continue to fulfil my contract in the meantime. I will work in a community-based team of four physiotherapists, supported by nurses, occupational therapists and technical instructors. I am really looking forward to the new experience and to developing my career further within the NHS. “