Senior Physiotherapy Support Worker Review
at NHS
Degree Apprenticeship
Medicine
Bristol
Review Submitted: February 2024
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
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.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
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.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
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.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
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.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
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.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
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.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
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.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
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.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
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.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
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.
