User:Louise Dallas

Since qualifying as a Physiotherapist in 2009 I have developed my clinical skills and experience through employment on NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Bank scheme working as a Physiotherapy Assistant and as a Physiotherapist. In addition, my commitment to CPD is evident through my CPD folder, my use of CPD resources through membership of the CSP, online resources and attending study days. I also recently attended a one day massage course which enabled me to build on massage techniques covered through my degree and gain additional skills such as Sports Massage, Myofascial release and Neuromuscular techniques. I believe these skills will be beneficial to a musculoskeletal outpatient environment. I also recently volunteered part-time/evening work in a private physiotherapy clinic which enhanced my musculoskeletal skills.

Physiotherapy Skills

During my recent employment as a Physiotherapist working in Stroke Rehabilitation, I gained a vast array of experience and I performed to a high standard. This clinical setting presented me with both highly enjoyable and challenging circumstances and allowed me to develop as an individual and as a therapist. I gained experience in special seating, orthotics, positioning, stretching, correct alignment, balance retraining and gait re-ed. I worked closely with varying members of the multidisciplinary team to apply a holistic approach with my patients. This employment and my experience as an assistant has improved my knowledge on the role of the Physiotherapy Assistant and enabled me to improve my delegation skills. I demonstrate excellent manual handling skills as a result of my experience on the stroke ward and through my role as an assistant in a vascular ward.

In addition, during my degree I gained a variety of experience through my eight clinical placements. I performed to a high standard during my two Musculoskeletal Out Patient placements and thoroughly enjoyed the challenging variety of patients. My Respiratory placement was based in an Intensive Care Unit and a High Dependency Unit, during which I gained valuable experience of treating critically ill patients and working independently within HDU. This placement I feel was of great benefit in preparing me for the types of patients I will be faced with on a daily basis during a respiratory rotation and whilst participating in on-call. I have also completed placements in specialist areas such as Plastic Surgery, Acute Stroke and Maternity and my employment as an assistant was based on a Vascular ward which partly involves working with amputees. I believe my clinical experience as a student has been wide and wish to continue this learning in a rotational post.

Organisation Skills

During the four years of my degree I maintained part time employment and I also continued this whilst working full time hours as a Physiotherapist recently, which I believe demonstrates my time management skills. I also possess good organisational/forward planning skills which are evident in my detailed examinations of patients. I have also gained experience of the clinical audit process through my clinical placements and during my recent employment as a Physiotherapist. Whilst working within the Stroke ward, on occasion I had sole responsibility of the patient caseload due to staff shortages. Co-ordinating a busy customer service desk has also improved my ability to cope with pressure, which I believe will be transferable to my clinical practice.

Communication

I have displayed excellent team working/communication skills during my clinical placements and recent employment, with patients, colleagues and members of the multi-disciplinary team. I am very committed to my patients and as a result my rapport with patients has often been highlighted by senior staff as one of my skills. In addition, my communication skills have been enhanced through my employment as a Customer Service Assistant, which involves dealing with a challenging variety of people. I have also completed a deaf awareness course, gaining some sign language skills and further enhancing communication skills.

Interests

Through training as a Physiotherapist I have developed a keen interest in Health Promotion and as a result this is an area which I have been keen to incorporate into my practice. My 4th Year Honours project focused on activity levels of older women and the benefits of exercise; therefore I have additional knowledge in this area which I believe will be beneficial in clinical practice. I have a keen interest in health and fitness and during my leisure time I thoroughly enjoy exercise in the form of various aerobic classes, swimming, hill walking and running. I recently participated in the Ignis Asset Management Women’s 10k, raising £350 for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. I feel the benefit both physically and mentally and I believe that my enthusiasm for health and fitness will assist me to motivate others.

I am hardworking, caring and committed to continually improving my skills as an individual with a view to providing the best treatment possible for my patients.

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This User is a member of the Musculoskeletal / Orthopaedic group This User is a member of the Cardiopulmonary group This User is a member of the Neurology group This User is a member of the Sports Medicine group This User is a member of the Rheumatology group This User is a member of the Older People group This User is a member of the Pain group This User is a member of the Womens Health group This User is a member of the Extended Scope group This User is a member of the Public Health group This User is a member of the Amputees group