Professional Experience Placement

This article by Lea et al (2016) describes an action research project that changed orientation approaches in two aged care facilities.  This project highlighted the importance of welcoming and belongingness. It also enabled staff and student engagement to occur prior to students going on their professional experience placement.  The paper traces the issues associated with recruitment of staff and the perception of students to allocated to residential aged care facilities.  Through the project methodology of mentor and student group meetings and student completion of a checklist  it was identified that the facilities needed to improve their orientation procedures. It seems from the discussion that ensued within the mentor groups the student information was carefully considered and a genuine desire to develop a partnership was the focus. The results indicated that seemingly easy tasks to employees such as answering the telephone to managing emergency situations with a resident. It was found that aligning expectations of the staff and students was essential for enabling engagement and a supportive learning environment. The facilities also introduced orientation over a longer period, that began before students started at the facility. This project demonstrates that orientation is key to enabling students to have a high quality experience that have the potential to impact on their perception about working in these facilities after graduation.

If you have any comments regarding positive orientation experiences for students you are welcome to post them here.  Please join us @PEPCommunity.