Worried about coping with new job (I have disabilities)

[Usernamqwerty]

Posting for traffic...

I have recently qualified as an Allied Healthcare Professional and will start my first qualified position in a few weeks in a private practice... won't say area or client group as it's outing.

I am really nervous as they told me they are expecting me to do 6 sessions a day and this sounds like way too much! I have disabilities and health conditions (which they know about) and will only be doing 3 days a week but it still feels like I will not be able to cope with doing 6 sessions a day... my conditions affect me in various ways including fatigue. I've been told that all the other staff members do 6 sessions a day, so I am expected to do this too.

A 7.5 hour working day would mean 6 x 45 minute sessions with 30 minutes of lunch and 15 minutes inbetween sessions to write notes which doesn't seem like enough time for me to recover inbetween sessions...

I never did 6 sessions in one day as a student. Is this normal?

I am then nervous that I won't pass my probation and I'll be let go if I can't do the required number of sessions per day. It's a small practice with two practice managers, so no HR / OH etc.

Any advice welcome. Thanks for reading x

Have you discussed what adjustments you need and what that looks like before accepting the post?

Will it be reasonable to ask for fewer sessions? (I don't know - it all depends on the cuts - so what do you think?).

If not, then you'll just have to give it a go.

Also - I don't understand why / how no HR...who employed you / did interviews etc?

Thanks for your reply. Re: adjustments, I said a use of a quiet room or headphones in a busy office (I am neurodivergent). They were ok with me being part-time due to my energy levels at the moment; however I only found out last week during a pre-work chat that I am expected to do 6 sessions a day and now I am panicking a bit!

I am scared to ask for fewer sessions in case they no longer want me...

I was interviewed by the practice managers.

Just out of curiosity what made you go into private practice for your first job? Personally I feel you might be better supported in the public sector, or did you have bad experiences as a student on placement in the public sector? As awful as it sounds private companies are all about making money and tend to expect newly registered staff to be up to speed rather than prectorships etc.
have you talked to them about reasonable adjustments you will need? Perhaps they will start by giving you the less complex cases so it's easier to write up their notes etc? What kind of supervision will they offer you?

It sounds like a communication failure on your part tbh. You’ve told them what you need (I assume these things have been agreed to) but you’ve not been open about your work capacity.

This needs to be addressed asap - before things start to go ‘wrong’ in their eyes, as what they’re expecting sounds quite normal to me (also an AHP).

Why don't you see how it goes, then discuss with them if you can't keep up. They may able to help you with ways to make the the note taking quck and clear, so 15 minutes is adequate.

Thank you for your reply. I got interviewed for NHS roles but no offers unfortunately. The private practice offered part-time which is like gold dust and I also have young children so took the offer.

Supervision is regular but not sure how regular. Might ask them to pin it down a bit more.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. This is really helpful :)

Thank you, these are great suggestions.