National ODP Day 2021

May 14th is National ODP Day and this year's theme is 'Celebrating personal and professional diversity'. To mark this occasion we have three guest blog posts by our University of Bolton's ODP students, who wish to share their experiences studying and training as ODPs. Read their stories below and check out their Library book recommendations. 

Many thanks to Pip Halliwell, Stephanie Kennedy, and Lauren Brett for their contributions to this blog post.

Pip Halliwell, a first-year ODP student on placement at Salford Royal Hospital

I am a first-year operating department practitioner and so far my journey has been extremely interesting, to say the least. With no previous health care experience, I didn’t know what to expect entering into the theatre environment. During my placement I have had an abundance of memorable experiences, such as witnessing how fascinating and intricately designed the human body is, allowing it to withstand things you wouldn’t believe. The element of teamwork within theatre is outstanding and has further encouraged me to pursue my career as an ODP. My favourite experience so far is providing care and support to patients, knowing you’ve made someone’s day in theatre a little easier.

Pip's book recommendation:

A book I would highly recommend for any ODP or healthcare student is A Beginners Guide To Evidence Based Practice In Health and Social Care by Helen Aveyard and Pam Sharp. The guide provides an array of information relating to the importance of evidence-based practice and how to apply it. It has encouraged me to apply this whilst in placement and has allowed me to gain relevant knowledge within my role.

Stephanie Kennedy, a first-year ODP student on placement at Royal Bolton Hospital 

I started my journey in September 2020 and I would not look back. I have had vast exposure to so many different new experiences from emergency theaters, trauma, assisting with airway management and difficult airway management, transferring critically ill patients to Intensive care, Surgical scrub, ENT, working through the pandemic lockdowns with theater closures and major theater changes. Each day is completely different and set with its own challenges. I have been able to get hands-on and learn so much whilst being on clinical placement, and at university in the clinical simulation suite. I have found this a great way of learning and it allows you to reach your full potential in assessments. The support from all the lectures at the University of Bolton is excellent, their own experiences and knowledge and encouragement when things can get tough shines through to the students.

Being on placement I feel part of a great team with the fantastic support from the whole team, practice educator and mentors, who help guide you gain the knowledge and develop you through clinical placement. Some days can be tough but also very rewarding at the same time. Everyone is always willing to help! I would encourage anyone who wanted to come and train as an ODP to do so.

Stephanie's book recommendations:

I would recommend these books as they really help me with upcoming assessments and gain more knowledge and understanding. 

Clinical Pocket Reference: Operating Department Practice by Nigel Conway, Nikki White, Paul Ong and Chloe Rich 

Foundations for Operating Department Practice: Essential Theory for Practice by Helen Booth and Hannah Abbott 

 

 

Lauren Brett, a first-year ODP student on placement at Royal Bolton Hospital

My first year as a student Operating department practitioner has provided lots of new experiences that I have thoroughly enjoyed and although I have worked in theatre before beginning my course, I was still apprehensive about going into work within a new role. Both the university and my placement hospital have been nothing but supportive in my transition as a student. I’ve been made to feel like a valuable member of the team and encouraged to get involved in whatever I feel comfortable with.

My new scope of practice allows me to have opportunities I didn’t have in my previous post, I have learned not only what is considered best practice within the theatre environment but what makes it so.

Lauren's book recommendation:

 

A book I would recommend for future student ODPs is Ross & Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in health and illness by Anne Waugh and Allison Grant. It explains in great detail how the human body is made up, how organ systems work together and how they can be affected by illness.