All above comments are good. I too sometimes struggle with my identify sometimes. This week for example, a patient w/ Guillian Barre received orders "PT services-eval and treat UE and LE's. The PT dept knows I have worked w/ this same patient last year for B UE function and ADL's. I directly went up to the doctor and asked if he would like this patient to have OT services. His comment, "Well you are being picky. Isn't OT under the Physical Therapy department?" I kindly stated, "No, I have to keep my occupation separate."
I haven't needed to separate OT and PT or UE and LE domain before when I lived in Washington state. We had plenty to do and the doctors were well aware of OT and PT services. But where I live now is a rural community. Historically before I came, PT treated all patients except for hands which OT treated. I have had to separate the domain and fight to educate the doctors what OT services can do for their patients. I want to use my skills and experience to treat patients. I don't want someone telling me that I am limited to only hands. I haven't won them all and won't ever, but have gained some good respect and get referrals continually from 3 doctors. The bad thing here is this has created some bad feelings bw the PT and OT department. Thanks for letting me voice my opinions. 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 **************************************************************************************
