Uncertain

["Username"]

Hi Everyone, I am entering my second year of a master's program in physiotherapy and am just reaching the end of my first placement - orthopaedics in an acute hospital setting. I have found the experience to be very overwhelming and my self esteem has taken a downward turn. The most troubling thing is it has made me wonder about my decision to study physiotherapy. Can anyone else tell me about their experiences on clinical placement and if it is normal to not enjoy some of them? Thank you.

[toddchaney]

Although, I myself didn't study physio but my friend did and what you're experiencing is quite normal. My friend also lost all his motivation at the time of clinical placement, but this feeling is temporary and will go away soon.

["Username"]

Thank you Todd - that is a huge relief to hear that others have felt the same way. I'm glad to hear it goes away because I still think there are so many wonderful things about the profession. I guess the experience you get as a student is different to actually performing the job as a professional. Thanks again for your answer :-) I'll try to just put my head down and get through this final year...

[Fyzzio]

Hi,
it's only your first placement. There are so many areas where Physios work and you will only be able to access a few of them through clinical placements.
So, if Inpatient Ortho is not for you - don't worry.
If you are genuinely interested in the topic, I'm sure that there will be an area of speciality that will be more to your liking.
Cheers,
Fyzzio

[toddchaney]

Thank you Todd - that is a huge relief to hear that others have felt the same way. I'm glad to hear it goes away because I still think there are so many wonderful things about the profession. I guess the experience you get as a student is different to actually performing the job as a professional. Thanks again for your answer :-) I'll try to just put my head down and get through this final year...

That's absolutely correct. Both experiences i.e. as a student and as a professional are different and you'll get to know once you completely adjust in this profession.