There has been a lot of recent controversy around the number of physiotherapist jobs available to newly graduated students.
However, one young physiotherapist employed by the Western Health and Social Care Trust in the Erne Hospital is confident that if this is the job you really want to do, then you will persevere until you secure a position.
At 26-years-old, Chloe Hamilton, is herself an example of the dedication and professionalism you need in order to secure a full-time post in this competitive profession.
Originally from Lisburn, Chloe's career has already taken her to Belfast, Derry, and now Enniskillen, where she has been based for the last two years.
Looking back to how she first became interested in the job, Chloe said her first thoughts of becoming a physiotherapist were sparked by a careers' event at her school: "There was a physiotherapist at our Careers Day, and they were really passionate about the job, and I just knew that's what I wanted to do."
As a result of this chance encounter, Chloe then had her heart set on achieving her goal. There followed some work experience placements from school which reaffirmed her ambition, and led her to choosing A level's in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, along with an extra GCSE in PE to secure admission to the University of Ulster Physiotherapy Course.
Back then, this was a four year course which has now been reduced to three years. Chloe secured her place with A levels grades of A, B, and C but, due to the high competition for places today, she explained, current school-leavers are looking at three A grades to get on to the course.
Her university degree course was 60% practical, with a big emphasis on getting 'hands-on' experience to back up what is being taught in lectures. With a requirement that the students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical placement, all in six week blocks, this is a physically and mentally demanding course.
After graduating, Chloe secured 'a basic grade' physiotherapist post in Altnagelvin. This was a rotational post which allowed her to work in a variety of departments, dealing with everything from respiratory problems, elderly patients, stroke patients, through to outpatients.
As a result, she was able to gain a range of skills right across the board. The position in Altnagelvin was only a temporary position, so when the job came up in Enniskillen Chloe was keen to make the move. With no connections to the County, her only motivation for coming to Fermanagh was: 'I was lucky to get the job, and glad to take it.'
One of the key requirements of a physiotherapist is that they are able to work as part of a team. And, as Chloe explained, this is very much in evidence in the Erne where around 20 physiotherapist work across all the Departments in the hospital. Again, they work on a rotational basis, which ensures their skills are kept up to date when dealing a range of patients.
Currently, Chloe is working in the Outpatients Department at the Erne. Her day involves appointments with 14 patients, two of whom will be new referrals, and the other 12 review patients.
In any given day, Chloe will be faced with a range of injuries, from fractures, to back pain, sports injuries to stroke recovery. As such, she can be dealing with people from babies right through to elderly patients. And, it is this interaction with a variety of people which she felt is one of the highlights of the job.
As for the most rewarding aspect of life as a physiotherapist, Chloe points to seeing people relieved from their pain.
"It is nice when you are able to help someone and relieve their pain. But, also, to see someone get back to doing things, maybe if they have been injured playing sport and you can help them return to that sport."
Along with every patient who is treated in a practical way, the physiotherapist is required to write up a report on each person they treat: "That is probably one of the downsides to the role. But, it is a legal requirement to detail the treatment within 24 hours. So, we just have to fit in writing it up. Here we try to do them the same day we see a patient. This means that it is done when everything is still fresh in your mind, and it also allows you to stop thinking about work when you go home."
As a result of the paperwork element of the job, Chloe believes it is essential that physiotherapists are able to manage their time well.
She also believe it is imperative anyone thinking of taking up the career is able to mix well and motivate people: "Physiotherapy is very much a two-way thing: people have to do a lot of their exercises at home to see the benefits.
"We do see a wide range of people, and it is knowing how to relate to each one, from a child right through to someone who has suffered a head injury. In some cases, maybe when dealing with a brain injury, it is often how much you don't say which can have as big an impact. And, it is essential you are able to pick up on this, read body language, and respond appropriately."
Chloe's job is based at the Erne where she works from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Each of the team take it in turns to be 'on call' during the weekends, this usually works out about one weekend every three months. This is necessary, she explains, to administer 'Respiratory Physio', possibly to people who have chest problems, or who have just come out of surgery.
In her role as a physiotherapist, Chloe is an enthusiastic example: "It is a rewarding job. I don't think I'm the type of person who could go to work if I didn't enjoy my job. You have to like working with people. Also, with the current job situation you have to be prepared to go where the work is.
"In a way, it has something of a vocational aspect to it. I know that I definitely knew that it was the job I wanted to do, and I think it helps if somebody really wants to be in the job."
With ever increasing demands and targets being set for members of the Health Profession, Chloe says patients can play their part in helping staff achieve these goals.
"We do have targets to meet, and this is to the advantage of patients. However, if somebody fails to turn up for an appointment, or doesn't cancel it in time, then we are not able to reallocate that appointment to another patient."
There is a big demand for physiotherapy treatment in Fermanagh and, in order to help make the system work for everybody, Chloe urges patients to keep their appointments or make sure they inform them of a non-attendance as early as they possibly can.
