My learning experience at Royal Children’s Hospital
Swinburne Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Psychophysiology) student Mark Katugampola writes about his experience working at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
I spent my 12 month Industry-Based Learning (IBL) placement in 2011 in the department of Respiratory Medicine at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Parkville.
As a trainee scientist, my role was to book patients in for a respiratory function test, perform tests, input results into a patient manager system database and bill patients as required. Calibration of equipment, minuting department meetings, replacing laboratory stock and doing the all important weekly coffee round for other staff members were also among my duties.
I found it rewarding to successfully apply the skills in instructing I had learnt to coach patients and ensure they achieved maximal results. My sense of compassion developed as I realised how fortunate I was to not have to endure the struggle that our patients were facing on a daily basis.
Some conditions were so debilitating that the repercussions of illness meant a significant time away from school. I was also humbled by the strength of parents who fought to keep their children in a positive mind set.
In addition to the knowledge I had attained during the academic component of my studies at Swinburne, the practical experience allowed me to develop additional key skills relevant to a broader real work context.
I learnt about demonstrating a duty of care toward patients by minimising exposure to cross infection, gained an appreciation for ethical conduct while contributing to a research study, built up an abundance of self-confidence and established my place in the team by being able to work independently.
The majority of patients tested were affected by respiratory diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. I performed many different lung function tests including spirometry, lung volumes and exercise challenges. The respiratory function tests required effort from the patients in order to obtain meaningful results and this meant that an important part of my role was to encourage and motivate them.
This was particularly challenging for our younger patients as some were as young as five. I was able to develop a vast knowledge of respiratory diseases and also gain a good rapport with patients and fellow staff members during my time at the hospital.
My IBL year gave me the opportunity to gain practical experience in the health care sector. With this experience, my career aspirations are a lot more defined now. Previously I knew which line of work I was interested in but was unsure if I would achieve personal satisfaction when I began my role in the workplace.
I now know exactly the type of role I see myself performing as an employee once I enter the workforce on a full-time basis.
Find out more about Industry Engaged Learning (IEL) at Swinburne
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