TPAG Student Placement… What is it REALLY like?

My experience on placement with The Potential Ability Group will be hard to sum up in one short blog, nevertheless, I will try to capture some of the core TPAG takeaways which I feel lucky to have collected in my OT backpack.

I came into this placement knowing that I would largely be working in the paediatric space, and truth be told, this was nerve racking for me as I had little to no previous experience in this setting. One of the main goals I had set for my time at TPAG was about developing my therapeutic communication skills, specifically in relation to working with kids. This has definitely been made easy to achieve as I have had the opportunity to shadow and implement some of the techniques used by my fabulous supervisors. I was lucky enough to be able to observe multiple OTs, with all their tips and tricks, over the last 8 weeks. This meant that I was able to pick up on a wide range of skills and add them to my own toolkit to draw upon in the future. The feedback I gained from multiple supervisors also meant that the rate at which I was able to modify and adapt to different situations grew rapidly.

One of the main points of focus for me when working with children, was around modifying my use of language and tone when communicating. The ability to form a connection with the client and be comfortable trialing different methods of communication is vital in finding an approach which best suits them and maximizes engagement. I had a lot of fun pushing myself in this regard to notice not only what the client might be feeling or how they are responding, but also what I, myself, am feeling, and how that is impacting how I come across to them. It is a skill to hone further, but I have certainly grown and learnt so much in this department, all with the ongoing support and encouragement of my supervisors.

In all honesty, in my first week I was taken back by the genuine care and kindness shown by the whole TPAG team. This is not to say that my previous placement experiences have been cold and heartless (trust me, you would be hard pressed to meet an OT that isn’t delightful!), but TPAG manage to reach a whole new level. The phone calls, the check ins, the constant encouragement, reassurance and understanding, the emphasis on self-care, the texts to make sure I got home okay or to hype me up following a client session that day – the list could go on! These women just get it, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

This brings me to another awesome aspect of my time at TPAG; the Kudos to You channel on the team’s messaging platform - where co-worker appreciation is abundant. I think all workplaces could benefit from a system like this, whether working remotely or not. Having a platform which spreads positivity and encourages gratitude is a major contributor to the strong connections felt within the team.

Before I started with TPAG, I was made aware that a fair portion of the work would be completed from the car. My initial thoughts were, ‘Wouldn’t that be lonely?’, and ‘I’ll need to take up yoga!’, however I very quickly realised that a) there is not a lot of time to feel lonely, b) there are so many people checking in to make sure you’re thriving and feeling supported along the way, and c) there are heaps of cute, rural libraries and cafes around the place to get work done (I have just recently become a first time library card owner, and it feels great!).

For these reasons, I have learnt that working alongside people who are collaborative, supportive, and full of positive energy is SO important and really does highlight how ‘teamwork makes the dream work’.

In summary, if you are about to start a placement with TPAG, I have no doubts that you will be in for one of the greatest experiences of your student career. The people, the locations, the positivity, and support – are all ingredients to form the most well-rounded rural experience. I have finished this placement feeling excited and proud to be a budding OT – this is testament to my incredible supervisors, the team, and the opportunities which I have been provided along the way!