I CAN DO IT! – AND I KNOW IT, BECAUSE I HAVE DONE IT

Abstract

Internships are the most important learning environments for all health and social care students. Practical training periods build up students’ professional self-reliance by crystallizing to them the competencies they have gained, but also indicating areas they need to develop further. The students need to be able to work together with experienced therapists who are capable and willing to encourage their younger-colleague-to-be to trust on themselves and to challenge themselves even more, of course without forgetting patient safety and other obligatory policies. The role of experts is challenging. They are in charge of patients and effectiveness of organization, but also crucial enablers for the students’ professional growth with all its aspects. The experienced therapists are the best in knowing their patients’ illnesses and therapy needs, but they might need some support from teachers to understand the level of students’ knowledge, skills and individual learning capacities.