Isn't it amazing that OT is a profession where 13 to 14 years in the business defines you as old (no offense Mary Alice - coming from another old OT). Jimmie
Mary Alice Cafiero <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: This discussion brings to mind a recent experience I had. I have recently moved from working full time in a pediatric hospital to working on my own in a variety of PRN contract positions in home health, SNF, and high end independent wheelchair evaluations for Medicare and Medicaid. Interesting stuff. I have been out of OT school since 1993 (scary that I am an OLD OT!!) and have pretty much practiced in all areas. I did a couple of days in a well-respected upscale nursing home with a high capacity rehab unit attached. They have a large full time therapy staff and a big patient population that actually goes home. It was a deal where I was just filling in for a few days so didn't really get to know the staff at all.....just came in, quickly got oriented to the paperwork and where to find things, and was turned loose with a patient list. I was horrified to see all the OTs and COTAs sitting in the gym watching their patients sit in little clusters doing arm bikes, pinching clothespins, etc. I didn't see any cones, but I'm sure they were lurking in a corner somewhere. With so little time and preparation coming in, it was very difficult not to get sucked in to just plopping my patients right down with the rest of them and letting the patients do their time and count their minutes. Instead, I spent a little time figuring out what each patient was planning on doing after d/c and what they actually liked to do with their time (how novel!). I actually incorporated that into treatment (again, such a rebel!) With one guy, who was returning to live alone, we did actually work on him showering by himself. I was chastised severely by one of the other OTs and by the rehab director (a PTA) because the said now nursing would expect for OT to help with all the showers for the rehab patients. It is just sad and frustrating that we seemed to be damned if we do and damned if we don't. How hard is it to incorporate function and a person's individual needs and goals into a treatment plan? It isn't that hard! AND it quickly shows how unique and wonderful OT can be. Now, I've had my little moment on the soap box. I will let someone else have a turn! Mary Alice, Texas -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ************************************************************************************** --------------------------------- Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music Unlimited. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
