Small talk is something physiotherapy student Daan has become even better at through his part-time job at the UMCG, at the Healthy Ageing Campus. "When I walk down the hall with a patient, I immediately start a conversation. I think that's important, especially for when I work as a physiotherapist in the future."
On the nursing ward for heart and lung patients, the nearly fourth-year student takes care of the food and transports patients to appointments in the UMCG. From patients, he has learned what they go through when they become ill. "I encounter many different people. It could be someone my age or a woman in her eighties, for example." So, he talks just as easily about rock concerts as he does about knitting patterns.
Observing the physiotherapist
In September, Daan will start his fourth and final year of physiotherapy. "This is, of course, a part-time job through the Student Pool, but I have gained a very good understanding of the nursing ward and know who is who. One time, I approached the physiotherapist, and I was immediately invited and encouraged to observe their work. It also energizes the physiotherapist to have a young person observing."
How to enter a room
The past academic year was a busy one for Daan, as in addition to his part-time job, he also interned at Antonius in Sneek. "I noticed that people react differently to me as a physiotherapy student compared to when I am a part-time job student delivering food and drinks. At UMCG, I usually get a smile; when patients see me as a physiotherapist, they know I’m there for exercises. Not everyone is eager for that, so I received mixed reactions. Therefore, it was beneficial that I already had experience with patients. At UMCG, I learned how to enter a room and the various ways to respond."
Movement
On the thoracic ward at UMCG, he was warmly welcomed, he says. "They work with passion and precision, the entire team. And I appreciate that they have been so willing to teach me so much." Did he teach them anything in return? "I certainly shared with my colleagues that movement is incredibly important."
Author: UMCG, Margriet Bos
