On Our Mind
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides integrated healthcare services including intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire.
Our On Our Minds blog shares lived experiences from colleagues at the Trust and patients who use or have used our services on a variety of topics from a wide range of services.
Student praises Step 4 Psychology Service team for valuable placement
After a wonderful and rewarding year, Kimi Zimuto , student Assistant Psychologist, has officially completed her placement year with the Step 4 Psychology Service at the Trust. Kimi says it's hard to believe it's already been two weeks since she finished and looking back, it has been a year she will always value. She shares how valuable the placement has been and thanks the Trust for giving her the opportunity to complete the placement as part of her degree.
"I am incredibly grateful for everything I have learned and experienced during my placement, explains Kimi. This placement has been such an important part of my degree, both professionally and personally. It has given me a real insight into how psychological services operate within the NHS, and what it means to support and develop services behind the scenes. I have particularly enjoyed learning about the wider work of clinical psychology services and how data, processes, and clinical understanding come together to support patient care. Being able to apply my clinical knowledge in a real world setting has honestly opened up my eyes in a new lense, in how we view clinical psychology as a profession.
"Over the course of the year, I was involved in supporting service processes through updating databases with referral outcomes, assisting with referral outcome information, writing audit reports used within the service. I also had the opportunity to present waiting list data in monthly clinical business meetings, which helped me grow significantly in confidence when communicating in a professional setting.
"One of the most valuable aspects of the placement was how much it supported my personal development. I have improved my time management, built more consistent routines, and learned how to balance work within a professional environment. These are skills I will carry forward with me far beyond this placement.
"More than anything, this year has confirmed my ambition to pursue a career in clinical psychology. I am leaving with greater confidence, a deeper understanding of psychological services, and a real appreciation for the work that goes into supporting mental health within the NHS.
"A huge thank you to my supervisor and the entire Step 4 Psychology team for their support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the year. I am also very grateful to my peer supervision group and to those I learnt from along the way, for making this such a positive and supportive experience.
"Finally, thank you to Nottinghamshire Healthcare for giving me the opportunity to complete this placement year as part of my degree and for the University of Nottingham for supporting me throughout my year on placement.
"As one chapter ends, another begins. I'm excited to return to university for my final year and apply everything I've learned during my placement. I look forward to continuing to develop both personally and professionally as I embrace the opportunities ahead."
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