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Recently, I had the pleasure of asking Class of 2019 MScPT graduate Caitlin Connolly about her role as a physiotherapist and Clinical Instructor. Here's what she had to say.
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Being from St. John's, NL, Caitlin went to MUN to complete her undergrad in kinesiology. While working on her degree, she completed an Honours project with Dr. Michelle Ploughman (physiotherapist) at the LA Miller Centre. "This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in physiotherapy." She said "IÌý was excited to apply and be accepted to complete my master's degree at Dal. Halifax was close enough to St. John's to ensure I could travel home regularly!", which was an important factor for Caitlin.

Caitlin has worked as a Physiotherapist with the Newfoundland Health Service (NLHS) since 2020. She's had a wide variety of physiotherapy positions since starting with Newfoundland Health Services, which she says she found extremely helpful in developing her skills early in her career. Her current position is working in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, and the cardiology inpatient unit at the Health Sciences Centre, located in her hometown of St. John's. To Caitlin, the most interesting aspect of physiotherapy is the wide variety of career options. There are countless opportunities to incorporate a wide variety of skills and knowledge. "Every physiotherapy position I've had so far has been unique – it's hard to be bored!" Caitlin says.Ìý

When Caitlin graduated from the School of Physiotherapy, she knew she wanted to start offering student placements immediately. "As a home-sick Newfoundlander while in physio school," Caitlin shares, "I desperately wanted to get home for as many placements as possible – however, this was logistically challenging given the small number of placements offered." Caitlin promised herself that when working as a physiotherapist, she would offer as many placements as possible to facilitate other students' opportunities to return home (or visit Newfoundland!). Caitlin shares, "Along the way, I fell in love with being a Clinical Instructor (CI) and love having the opportunity to offer numerous placements. My CI experiences so far have been wonderful! Each student brings so much knowledge and fresh eyes to our clinical environment, and working with so many students has been a pleasure since 2021".

The challenge and the reward
When asked if it was challenging for her to offer student placements, she said that "ensuring that your caseload and job demands are still being met while simultaneously being a CI can be a "challenge" but also a benefit." She says that having a student who brings their own experiences, knowledge, and ideas to a placement improves caseload management and benefits patient care. So, while it may initially seem difficult to manage to be a CI with your job duties, it is beneficial throughout the 6-week placement. Caitlin believes communication between the CI and the student is imperative to a successful placement. She advises that ensuring open communication with the student is the key to responding to any placement challenges.

Caitlin loves watching students learn and grow throughout their placement. "Oftentimes, students come to the critical care environment full of nerves – however, this tends to resolve itself throughout placement. Seeing students first intimidated by the clinical environment grow and become more comfortable and confident throughout their 6 weeks has to be the most rewarding to me as a CI. I feel rewarded if I help students feel more comfortable and confident in their learning and clinical environment. That has to be what I love the most about being a CI."

For students heading out on placement, Caitlin advises them to be flexible and embrace the opportunity. It's a learning experience for clinicians offering student placements as much as it is for the students during placement; it's important to work together as a team (of CI and student) to ensure the best patient outcomes and to ensure the CI and the student have the best learning experience together. Caitlin encourages anyone considering becoming a CI to jump right in. "It's an excellent opportunity to mentor your future colleagues and to learn with and from your students!"

She goes on to advise students to communicate well with their CI. "You'll all be working shortly, and building relationships in the clinical environment will benefit you once you graduate. Now is the time to start your career-long learning, so take full advantage of your placements! Soak up any opportunities you can get during your placement – it will make you a more well-rounded clinician in your future careers."Ìý

"Physiotherapy is truly one of the most rewarding careers." Caitlin continues, "There is constant growth in the career itself, which plays a vital role in patient care." There are so many career opportunities and specialties to explore, and Caitlin feels lucky to work as a Physiotherapist in this evolving environment. In the future, Caitlin would like to see Physiotherapists utilized to maximize their role in patient care. Recent changes like being able to order x-ray images - has been a great start in activating PT skills to facilitate improved healthcare provision, Caitlin explains.Ìý

What does Caitlin do when she's not working? When not spending time with family and friends, She has two sweet and beautiful dogs that take up most of her free time – a goldador named Eila and a golden retriever named Briar. Caitlin loves to travel, see new places and experience new cultures and has become a spin class enthusiast, "as previous students I've had can attest to!" Caitlin adds. She is also a Newfoundland College of Physiotherapists member, and volunteers professionally in her free time. Caitlin's happiest when kept busy.Ìý Ìý