3. Support the trainee in taking responsibility for their own learning

We need to have high expectations of our trainees and to encourage independence and autonomy to prepare them for the realities of practice in the NHS and to develop a commitment towards lifelong learning. The journey towards independence will not be the same for everyone as some may need more time and support to reach their full potential.

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What are your responsibilities as a trainee?

As a trainee on a professional, work-based training programme, you need to take responsibility for your own learning and training. This involves you being an active participant in your own learning journey, not a passive recipient. Developing responsibility for your own training throughout your programme cements you as a lifelong learner.

Your responsibilities are to:

  • Respect the trainer as the professional expert.
  • Ensure there is communication and collaboration between you, your training officer and all other departments involved with your training.
  • Lead the one-to-one review meetings and engage in regular target setting. Know your agreed targets and work towards them. Discuss any skills gaps with your training officer and consider what to do to resolve those gaps.
  • Engage in reflective practice as it leads to greater insight and learning, which in turn lead to improvements in practice.
    • A learning resource on reflective practice in healthcare science can be found on the NHS Learning Hub.
  • Keep your training officer informed of any changes in your circumstances or any concerns you have which may impact on your training. If you are having problems or concerns, speak to your training officer as soon as is practicably possible.
  • Keep the NSHCS informed of any changes to contact details or training officer.
  • Share your current knowledge, abilities, needs and preferences in relation to learning and training. Helping your training officer to get to know you well is important to ensure that they can support you effectively through your training.
  • Be proactive. If you have a question, ask!
resources

Relevant NHS Learning Hub resources for trainees

external
Developing as an independent learner
Managing imposter feelings
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Non-urgent advice: How to sign up for the NHS Learning Hub

If you have an NHS email

To access the NSHCS catalogue of resources, you will need to sign up for free to the NHS Learning Hub. If you already have an e-lfh (e-learning for health) login, you can sign into the Learning Hub with your e-lfh credentials. Otherwise, you will need to sign up to the NHS Learning Hub. Underneath the green sign-in button you will see ‘create an account’. Click on this and follow the instructions.

Once you have access to the Learning Hub you can access the National School of Healthcare Science catalogue.

If you do not have an NHS email address

Complete this brief form to grant us permission to send your name and e-mail address to the NHS Learning Hub development team to request access.

Once you have access to the Learning Hub you can access the National School of Healthcare Science catalogue.