Townsville not-for-profit and university foster learning and future jobs for graduates

Bianca Helander is the perfect role model for occupational therapy (OT) students from James Cook University (JCU) doing work experience with the Spinal Injuries Association.Four years ago, she was one of them.

“In 2005 during my studies at James Cook University, I decided to do part of my practical training at the Spinal Injuries Association,” Bianca said.

“This gave me great exposure to the type of work involved, the client base and the organisation’s ethos.

“After graduating, I waited months for a position to become available here and now I work full-time for the organisation.”

In the past five years, 25 students from JCU have benefited from work experience with the Association.

JCU Fieldwork Coordinator Kerry Garbutt said the work placement at the Association was originally established because there was a critical shortage of OTs in North Queensland.

“Since 2004, we’ve placed at least 25 students at the Association for either one, seven or 14-weeks duration,” Kerry said.

“The student feedback has always been extremely positive and the learning opportunities are varied involving consultation, evaluation, intervention, education, surveys and project management.

“A research collaboration has also been developed with students involved in completing honours projects through the Association.”

Being an OT at the Association involves assisting members who have a spinal cord injury with everything from wheelchair and hoist selection, to applying for funding to receive new equipment.

“Our clients come from a wide range of backgrounds and have a variety of hobbies and we assist them to lead an independent life in their home and in the community,” Bianca said.

“Recently, a fourth-year OT student, Elyce Lynam, started placement with us for seven weeks.

“On day one and two I introduced her to our service, our organisation and various policies, procedures and software. She also attended home visits with me and helped me out when measuring for a power wheelchair and manual wheelchair.

“Elyce was mature, professional and approachable, with all clients comfortable sharing personal information with her.”
Bianca said by Elyce’s third day, she attended a home visit independently to follow-up with a client she had met previously.

Elyce said nothing could prepare you for the workforce more than hands-on clinical experience with a community-based organisation.

“I was able to experience many different aspects of an OTs job and able to meet a wide range of clients with varying level of abilities and requirements,” Elyce said.

“The most significant moment of my placement was realising the huge impact that one OT role within the community can have on someone’s life.

“I now realise that being an OT is something that I love doing and an area I can see myself working in for a long time to come.”

The Spinal Injuries Association was established in 1960 and is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with a spinal cord injury.

For more information, visit www.spinal.com.au.

Issued 19 March.