Chelsea

Why did you apply for a placement? What was important to you?

Experience is more valued in the psychology profession than qualifications. It also gave me insight into real-world clinical practice and allowed me to assess what kind of career I wanted following my degree.

I wanted to find a supportive environment and team, and work that would be interesting and mentally challenging at the same time. 

What advice would you give to future placement students?  

Don’t be disheartened by rejections or setbacks, those are the best opportunities to learn and adapt your interview style. 

How did your placement shape your early career?  

Without my placement I would not be where I am today: almost five years on and I still work at Broadmoor Hospital – I’m now a Senior Nurse (Clinical Team Leader). I had a slight career change and did a nursing apprenticeship which the Hospital supported me through. I truly believe that my placement year helped me understand the Hospital and the importance of forensic care and treatment. Without the relationships I developed with professionals during that year I would not have had the opportunities that I have had to date. I am so glad I did a placement; it changed the course of my career for the better. 

Read more about Chelsea’s nursing apprenticeship and her fantastic achievement of being shortlisted for Student of the Year – Mental Health Nursing in the Student Times Awards 2023: https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk/news/latest-news/trust-nurse-apprentice-shortlisted-prestigious-student-nursing-times-award

What was your best memory?  

Being part of a team, attending away days and my contributions being highly valued in team meetings – that was where I developed confidence in a clinical setting. 

Find out more about our Psychology BSc and our Mental Health Nursing BSc.