School of Health

British Science Week - how connections benefit our students - part 2

Let's continue with the student perspective of building a connection with the NHS whilst on a placement year, hearing from our Biomedical Science student and their experience of working hands-on in the NHS during their placement year.

Biomedical Sciences

I didn’t know what to expect from this placement. I assumed the labs were going to be like the TV shows we always watch; pearl white walls matching the pearl white floors and the new equipment looking like it has just come out of the packaging. To my surprise it was the total opposite! You probably want to know about the work in the lab, so let me tell you what I did. My first couple of weeks I was stuck at a desk filling out Health & Safety documents and stuff. Then I was allowed in the lab!!!

My line manager gave me opportunities throughout the 45 weeks to work with the Biomedical Support Workers, Point of Care Team, and Specialist Laboratory Medicine, Haematology and Biochemistry. This allowed me to gain so much knowledge of stuff I haven’t been taught yet or haven’t been able to practice in the labs due to COVID-19. One thing this placement has done is prepare me for my final year, especially essay writing skills. I’m no Roald Dahl but completing the Registration Portfolio with the mentorship of my training manger was probably the best thing I did as it not only gives me foot over my peers, but it also helped me write better.

I went into this placement eyes-closed not knowing what lay ahead, and I feel that was a blessing. I tried to build a rapport with each and every staff member but came out with true relationships and connections. I would recommend placement year for all students; it gives you a gruelling insight into what you will be doing once you have completed your degree. I feel it is better to understand the role you’re going to apply for and what better way than experiencing 45 weeks of it. If you don’t like it, then at least you know before you make that huge commitment.

Placement student LBU and LTHT

Dr Rochelle Hockney

Senior Lecturer / School Of Health

Dr Rochelle Hockney is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science. Her research investigates the role of infection and inflammation in reproductive health, pregnancy and fertility, plus the impact of contraceptive options of reproductive tract cancer and female health. 

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