Hi sarah

It may seem quite a scary area but actually neurosurgery is very orderly and is generally very protocol-orieted. Your physio should help you with identifying what needs to be done and you should get plenty of guidance - particularly with the post surgical patients. A real main thing to remember is that these patients are often acutely ill and as you are dealing with the most delicate and easily damaged system that is of paramount importance - do no harm so if in doubt ask for help.

It may be helpul to read up about the conditions you are likely to see. Lindsay and bone's "neurology and neurosurgery illustrated" is an excellent intro text as it presents each condition/ surgical procedure on a page. You could look up the various tpes of brain haemorrhage, tumours, spinal surgery etc the imaging techniques just to get familiar withbsome of the more common presentations and procedures

You are actually very fortunate to have this experience as most students around the world don't get a chance in their education. Best of luck with the placement.