Bethany Imms, the newly-appointed Student Representative at The Association for Perioperative Practice, says the launch of free student membership will make a significant positive impact on student training and overall practice.
“I think free student membership is one of the best things that AfPP has introduced,” said Bethany, an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) working on anaesthetics and recovery at The Walton Centre, a major neurology hospital in Liverpool.
“This will benefit every student as money struggles is a big part of student life. Having this organisation that offers webinars, journals, support, and a voice for students for free is just fabulous.
“I was introduced to AfPP, the leading UK organisation for theatre practitioners, whilst I was training and found it very useful to expand my knowledge. To have an organisation which offers so many tools to benefit my practice helped me to become the best practitioner I can be.”
Bethany has been a qualified ODP for two years and is loving the job. During her degree she was placed at The Walton Centre for the full three years of her training, and she grew to love neurology and decided to stay once she qualified. She is now looking for opportunities to further her knowledge and enhance her practice. She is about to start a role helping students settle into the theatre environment and support them through their training. She will also organise and facilitate audit days for theatre staff to enhance their knowledge, keep up to date with new technology and equipment, and build up team morale.
She has just become the AfPP Student Special Interest Group Representative and is relishing the opportunity to help students.
“I really resonate with students and how difficult training to be in this profession can be. I want to be able to relate and support students and those in the first year or so of this career. I want to offer my knowledge and support wherever I can to make this journey a little bit easier for those struggling.”
Bethany added: “Being a student can be very overwhelming, especially if you have not been exposed to the theatre environment before. My advice is to use the experiences and materials you are given to reflect on your practice. This enables you to enhance your knowledge and become confident in yourself and your ability.
“Always use those around you and ask for support, especially being newly qualified. Becoming a qualified practitioner comes with its highs and lows. If you are unsure or you need more support never hesitate to ask for it. Confidence is a key element to your practice; this allows you to communicate effectively within your team and results in the quality of care you give.
“AfPP is always there to guide and support you to what can be described as a rollercoaster of a career. Never play down your feelings and emotions.”
Speaking about the challenges facing ODPs today, Bethany said: “We are still a hidden profession. Not a lot of people who are not involved with the healthcare profession know what an ODP is and how much of a big part we play in your perioperative journey. It is important that we show how much of an impact we make to patients’ experience during a vulnerable and difficult time. We as a profession want to feel valued and not overlooked.
“Since Covid, the NHS has not been able to have a break and reflect on what has happened. In turn, it has had a momentous effect on morale. I think morale is such an important topic that we tend to ignore and push to the side. We as a healthcare organisation embody the ‘carry on’ attitude. Personally, it is vital that we look after our teams and reflect on situations; bringing everyone together to boost our overall mood and be there for one another. We are in a profession that, at times, can be upsetting and difficult.”
Bethany said she had a lot to thank AfPP for: “AfPP has allowed me to develop my skills and keep my practice current. AfPP benefits my practice and allows me to give the best patient care. The events that AfPP organises such as the annual conference has enabled me to learn new skills and be informed on issues and new movements within perioperative practice. This allows me to address any room for improvement in my own place of work and introduce new approaches to practice, resulting in the best quality of care.”
She recommends that all ODP students join AfPP: “AfPP offers so much material to refer to and to gain knowledge from which will benefit your personal practice massively. It allows you to network with people from different work backgrounds and expertise. It offers you support and a voice in a profession that can be overwhelming and constantly evolving.”
Bethany loves being an ODP, and her enthusiasm for her role shines through.
She said: “Personally, I love being a friendly face to our patients. For what can be an emotional, vulnerable, and difficult time we are always the hand to hold, the one to reassure you, the one to be your support system who is there every step of the way. One of the best things about being an ODP is being a key part of the team. We are all experts in our own field, coming together to give a patient the care they need and deserve. Whilst being there for the patient we are also there for each other. Learning from each other and sharing ideas to enhance our practice and patient experiences.”
Bethany has quite a busy life outside work, including the AfPP Student Representative role. In her spare time, she loves to bake, cakes and cupcakes for family and friends. She also loves to go to concerts and finds herself at the theatre most weeks to watch musicals and plays.
Her memorable moments include going to Buckingham Palace to receive her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and receiving the Mary Creagh Award for Volunteering whilst in her Head Girl role in sixth form.
Find out more and sign up to free student membership here.
Picture shows Bethany
