Case studies: Speech and language therapist: Pauline

Pauline gave up a 17-year banking career to study to become a speech and language therapist. She graduated with a BSc in Speech and Language Pathology from Strathclyde University and now works as a speech and language therapist at Stirling Royal Infirmary

I applied for six jobs before I got the job with Forth Valley NHS. Whilst looking for a job I volunteered in mainstream nursery and primary schools in an additional support needs role and with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland in order to broaden my experience. I got my present job as a direct result of their knowing me through a previous interview and because I had a final placement with them as a student. My training was essential as without it you cannot practise as a speech and language therapist.

I initially started as a community paediatric speech and language therapist and dealt solely with children up to age 12 in community clinics, often held in local primary schools. I then trained in dysphagia (eating and drinking difficulties) to work with adults. I did both roles for a time but I have recently changed to my existing role working with adult clients only.

I work in an acute setting, including a stroke ward, although I cover all the wards in the hospital. A typical day starts at around 8.30am. I check the referral book to see if any of the wards have referred new clients to our service. This can be due to swallowing difficulties, communication or speech problems. I then get out the files for each existing client before going to the stroke ward where I am part of the Stroke Multidisciplinary Team (Stroke MDT), comprising various medical professionals who are specifically trained in the area of stroke. We review and discuss the progress and plan for each stroke patient and I then deal with my caseload of clients for that day. I also deliver training to various people, including nurses, domestic and hospice staff, instructing on interaction with clients who have communication or swallowing difficulties.

I am very happy to continue in this role for a while. It takes years to learn your skill well across the client groups and every day is part of a continuous learning experience. Every day is different and although challenging, it can also be very rewarding, e.g. when you have helped boost someone's confidence to communicate or when a child's speech improves due to the work you have done together. I enjoy helping a client understand what is happening to them and helping their families find the most effective ways to communicate with them.

I am, however, dealing with adults who may be very unwell. It can be difficult to tell someone that they are not able to eat/drink because to do so would compromise their health. It can be challenging to communicate with clients who have dementia or have had a stroke.

I would suggest a prospective student contact their local speech therapy department and ask to spend time with both an adult and a paediatric therapist to see exactly what the job involves.