Where Flowers and Healing Meet...
“Where Flowers Bloom so does Hope”
For my Transition Year Work Experience I choose two very different placements.
Why I selected my placements?
I chose to go to the Flower Basket as it is a unique option for work experience and I felt I would be kept busy while also learning and completing interesting tasks.
I decided to go to Fiona Collins ,physiotherapist as physio therapy is a career which I have a huge interest in pursuing. I hope going here will give me a clear indication of the job and show me what it really entails.
Day 1
Today I was with Fiona Collins ,physiotherapist
Instructions given
Fiona implemented very small but vital instructions such as listening to the client and making sure they are comfortable. In this industry it is also important to know the limits of each patient but you also need to be forceful and caring all at the same time.You need to push them to ensure they are helping their own recovery by doing their stretches and listening to the advice given.
Duties performed
I helped Fiona get each table ready, prepare her room and also assisted her in sorting the orthodontic moulds which were to be sent away. I was mostly involved in small talks like helping and assisting patients . I didn’t realise how simply tying someones shoe laces made an impact on their day.
Interactions with staff
I got to observe Fiona working on patients, with this they decided to chat with me as well. I not only got to know them, I helped them move around or get their coats or put their shoes on if needed. Though this sounds boring, it is a part of being a physiotherapist as well. I genuinely enjoyed being able to help people in this small way.
Observations
Throughout the day my role was to observe, as I am incapable of physically doing anything. I realised the patience and care needed for each patient.The detail of preparation and work Fiona did prior to appointments was also surprising to me.
Day 2
Flower basket
Duties performed
Today I took part in deliveries, dethroning and organising the shop.
Instructions given
As today was my first day here I needed a lot of training .This was kindly given to me by the staff at the Flower Basket I learned how to dethorn roses, conditions flowers eg. lilies and arrange products on display.
Interactions with staff
I interacted with staff by helping to clean up and general chats about the work to be carried out.During each task we were independent but were able to ask anything if we were stuck.
Observations
Today I observed a lot as I didn’t have a clue about the work of a florist . It was very interesting learning and watching how the different flowers are conditioned and treated.
Day 3
Flower basket
Duties performed
Today was filled with assembling many boxes for the flowers, dethroning over 200 roses and conditioning lilies. I also got to deliver flowers and package candle stands.
Instructions given
Today was a day of few instructions as the tasks given were of such large volume, it took me a while to get through them. Luckily, I was sent on errands as well which gave me a break from all the flowers!
Interaction with staff
We had little interaction with staff today as we were quite busy but the interaction we did have was filled with them continuously telling us different facts about the flowers.
Observations
I realised the fine detail , the patience and care,which is needed when working with flowers ,This has made me more aware of the individual thought that goes into the various arrangements.
Day 4
Flower basket
Duties Performed
As today is the day before Valentine’s Day we were quiet busy. We were mostly conditioning flowers as they were being used up quickly,.I also sorted out roses, made up boxes and delivered flowers.
Instructions given
All the staff were gladly giving us jobs that needed to be completed, as it meant they could continue to make up arrangements and finish orders.
Interaction with staff
Today there wasn’t much interaction with staff as they were all understandably occupied.With this they continued to make sure we were doing ok and also allowed time for a cup of tea.
Observations
I observed the care and organisation skills needed for this job. You have to care for the flowers and create a beautiful arrangement this ensures to bring out your creativity.
Day 5
Physiotherapist
Duties performed
Today Fiona gave me more responsibilities. I prepared the beds before and after each patient. Fiona also allowed me to help patients move from place to place and also look after them during the treatment by talking to them and making sure they were comfortable.
Instructions given
Fiona made sure I was doing all the tasks perfectly while also talking me through each treatment. She really broke down the terminology and stretches to make sure I understood what was going on and why she was doing it.
Interaction with staff
I had constant interaction with Fiona throughout the day. The reassurance and explanations I received were really beneficial
Observations
I observed how as a physiotherapist you need to be able to push patients to reassure them they can recover and reach their goals. Another observation i made was how social physio can be. Every patient who came in, Fiona made sure to have a chat with them,.This definitely benefited the patients especially the older ones. I felt this slightly settles then allowing them to become more comfortable.
Evaluation
I felt I met all the challenges given and that both employees were satisfied with my performance. In the physio I felt it was extremely easy to relate and socialise with the various people. The buzz I received from talking and joking with everyone was great, especially with the elderly patients.They enjoyed the chat just as much as I did. Some said it takes away from the seriousness of the appointment as they too enjoy spinning stories. This experience definitely helped me with my future thinking. It made me realise that physiotherapy is a career I am definitely considering as a career.
In The Flower Basket I didn’t have much as interaction with customers. All the staff were so lovely and were extremely happy to help. This was a very different environment for me to be in but I am extremely glad I chose to go here for my work experience. Although I have never thought of studying anything related to botany, It was an unbelievable experience from which I gained an immense amount from.
I am very grateful I was able to avail both of these opportunities.I say “thank you” to the employers in both placements.
Meibh Collins
