How to maximise time at SaLT NHS work experience

[FluentUser]

I have years of experience as a domestic carer and support worker in mainstream school. I am training as an SaLT - due to qualify in 2 years. I would like to work in hospital setting, and preferably in inpatient rehabilitation. There is stiff competition for these jobs and I'd like to have as much advantage as possible on qualifying.

I've managed to get 2.5 days of shadowing experience in hospital settings coming up on an inpatient rehabilitation ward. What should I be doing/asking/observing to maximise the opportunity?

I don’t quite understand this question about how to maximise 2.5 days. Do you not have placements where you will gain experience as part of your course?

Yes, I have placements but not had one in this particular setting - this I set up myself with specific intension of getting some experience I can talk about when I apply for jobs in this setting. I would like tips of what to do/see/ask in order to maximise my chances when I come to applying for a job in this setting. What will recruiters look for/ask/expect etc.

Ah ok I understand now. I take it this is an adult setting?

I am not a SALT but an AHP who works closely with them so can give some advice and hopefully a SALT will come along to add to it.

When you’re there I would pay particular attention to/ask more about the range of conditions they see. Ask about the treatment approaches they take, assesment and outcome measures they use, how they evaluate effectiveness of treatment. Ask about Interdisciplinary working and working with families.

Also ask them what they are looking for in a new grad and any particular interview prep you should do. They will be used to interviewing and if they’ve offered you shadowing then they’re obviously keen to help.

Interview questions in healthcare are often “tell me about a time…....”
So you can tie in your experience in the hospital setting when answering some of those questions. “In my time at X …….”

Good luck