Sophie MacDonald

During my 3rd placement, I was placed in the med-surg unit, but we also covered Palliative, Women's health, ICU and the ER floor. I gained a lot of experience at this placement such as:

• used critical thinking and clinical reasoning to identify concerns, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• developed intervention plans
• delegated tasks to physiotherapy assistants
• participated in weekly interdisciplinary rounds
• developed discharge plans
• conducted functional and mobility assessments (including BERG, community balance and mobility scale, etc)

While I was on placement at CBI Health, I had the opportunity to refine and expand my clinical reasoning abilities. I acquired expertise in conducting assessments, thinking critically, establishing rapport and trust with patients, creating treatment plans, and was able to practice time management techniques during this placement. This placement allowed me to gain independence and foster a sense of confidence in myself as a student physiotherapist.

During my placement at St. Martha's Regional hospital, I split my time with the Outpatients clinic and with the Geriatric Acute Rehab Unit (GARU). In the outpatients clinic, i was immersed in a true MSK experience, where I had the opportunity to rehabilitate post-operative patients, post MVA, those experiencing chronic pain, and I also had the opportunity to work with pediatric patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy and those with developmental delays. In GARU, I worked with patients who were medically cleared, but needed the proper rehab to be able to return home safely. I participated in weekly rounds with various health care professionals and developed and individualized intervention plans for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient units.

My role as a research assistant was to find and explore resources and supports in Nova Scotia for individuals with Dementia and their care partners. These resources were put onto an interactive map for Alzheimer’s Nova Scotia to use with their clients. My research position has enabled me to utilize what I have learned in my health research methods course and apply it to real life work in the field of health, specifically, dementia care in the community.

I shadowed many of the health professionals, as well as assisted with certain treatments under supervision (i.e., cupping), prepared exercises for the patients, prepared the patient rooms, and helped set up the TENS machines.

I worked at L’Arche Antigonish where I assisted with residents’ everyday activities of daily living such as personal care, supervision, medication administration, meal preparation, as well as assisting with and encouraging recreational activities. Through my work at L’Arche, I have been able to forge meaningful connections with the residents and gain experience and insight into working with individuals who have cognitive and physical impairment.

I assisted with various aspects of the Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP), including fielding client and health care providers’ calls and emails, managing waitlists for equipment, data entry for loans and returns, and cleaning and repair of equipment based on established policies and procedures. I assisted with increasing awareness of Red Cross programs, specifically the Health Equipment Loan program and their services to the community. My role was also to support other Red Cross initiatives, as needed, to provide for a coordinated team effort in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in the community.

I assisted with planning and organizing events for the residents, one-on-one interactions with residents with advanced dementia, and led group activities with the residents during the day and some evenings.

As part of the St.FX medical response team (a student-run volunteer team that attends on/off campus events in the case of an emergency), I have developed strong assessment skills, especially in stressful situations, and this has further developed my confidence and ability to work effectively as a respectful and supportive team member who puts the patient/client first and works toward a common goal.

I assisted with various aspects of the Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP), including fielding client and health care providers’ calls and emails, managing waitlists for equipment, data entry for loans and returns, and cleaning and repair of equipment based on established policies and procedures. I assisted with increasing awareness of Red Cross programs, specifically the Health Equipment Loan program and their services to the community. My role was also to support other Red Cross initiatives, as needed, to provide for a coordinated team effort in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in the community.