I know you are looking for a way to vent frustration. It often seems like there is a lot of work to do with only so much energy to do it and have a life also. However, what exactly do want AOTA to do that they aren't doing already? AOTA depends a lot on it's membership to volunteer to complete tasks. I know the consumer tip sheets are great for handouts to patients, families, and physicians. Not perfect, still need some work but, AOTA is trying. The website has been set up to be easier to use. There is marketing information. I know I'm always talking to people, all the time. It's how I come up with my 30 second rule for describing OT. There are less of us and yes, in the past, AOTA has been very reactionary instead of proactive. Find out who your RA is and let them know your needs. Be a member of your state association and hold them accountable to helping you out at the local level. And of course, join the many OT lists out there that you are interested in. It's important to know you aren't alone and to hang with other OT's who are committed to the profession.
Elizabeth Thiers, OTR/L FECTS [EMAIL PROTECTED] > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Cim Viken > Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 9:23 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [OTlist] OTlist Digest, Vol 24, Issue 30 > > > It's scary to hear all the misunderstandings of our > profression. I didn't have to worry about it a few years ago > when I was working in a bigger community hospital. At the > time I really didn't know it, but the doctors were informed > with what OT and PT's roles were. Most of the referrals came > from rehab doctors who worked closely with therapys. > > Now I work in a rural community and it's scary. PT has > ruled the roost here for years. PT treated all the patients > except for hand patients. I am rocking the boat here and > it's slowly changing. I keep the theme during my treatment > functional activities, so if I get asked if I am double treating I > can state my case. Boy though it's hard and sometimes very > frustrating to > fight to keep our profession alive. > > A few comments about cognitive rehab. I have worked > with both sides of the spectrum with regards to speech and OT > working as a team. I have had to take a stand and discuss > with the speech therapist how we can work together. This > speech therapist was very relieved with OT taking some of the > "burden". So I letted her know what I can do for our > patient, Some examples of areas I cover are Visual > perception, functional reading such as newspaper, phone book, > cook books, writing skills, safety/judgement situations, > problemsolving and memory such as time management, phone use, > job and school duties. These are just a few examples. Each > patient depending on the areas of improvements needed may > have different issues. > > I too feel we are in need of help from AOTA. We have > struggled with these issues long enough. We have to > adovacate on our daily level, but it's getting too hard, > especially when the media and legislation is creating this big wall. > > > Thank you for letting us voice our opinions and concerns. > It's nice to come to a place and know I can be heard and feel > safe doing it. > > Cimberly Viken OTR/L -- 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 **************************************************************************************
