Saira Tahir is studying Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care. She recently undertook work experience at St Helier & Epsom Hospitals.
Saira says: “I found out about an opportunity to gain work experience within the NHS from the Employability Team at Merton College. They sent me a link for a placement at St Helier and Epsom Hospitals and I applied because I hope to pursue a career in Oncology, so hospital work experience would be of great value for my future ambitions. However, these placements are very competitive so I did not expect to be offered the opportunity.
I was surprised to receive a phone call from Epsom Hospital offering me a week’s placement to start just two days later! It was the last placement they had available and I was keen to take it up. I checked with the Health & Social Care team at College and they agreed to release me from lessons for that week.
I was really nervous on my first day. The first thing I did was meet with the hospital co-ordinator to review all the emergency procedures. My placement was based in Radiology and Frailty Medicine, although I was allowed to go into other departments too. I observed one of the patients going into cardiac arrest and watched the staff using defibrillators. It was in that exact moment that I thought 'this is what I want to do!'
The placement was an amazing experience, I learned so many things and it was really valuable for my future career. It also taught me to have more confidence in myself and go for more opportunities."
