On Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 12:05 PM, John Campbell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I'm currently a student completing the prerequisites to pursue a > Master's in OT. This is a career change for me in my early 30s, and I > should be in the program in 2009. *[Michael] Hi John: Congratulations and all the best with your studies. * > I chose OT because it seemed a stable field (growing demand), and because > it focuses on psychological/social skills to a high degree, which really > appeals to me. *[Michael] Yes, like you, I chose OT because of the more holistic approach to treatment. Also, OT provides more opportunities for creativity and problem solving. * > 1) There's generally twice as many PT jobs available than OT, from what I > can tell. So both availability and pay scale seems to be a little more on > the PT side of things. *[Michael] I do believe that the ratio difference is more a function of the setting. One might argue that OT has the upper hand in mental health, driver rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation and environmental modification. * > > > 2) I keep sensing frustration among OTs and hearing about burnout, > lack of recognition, and being threatened as PT gradually extends its > sphere of learning into OT areas of expertise *[Michael] Having been an OT for almost 25 years (in numerous settings covering three countries) - burnout, lack of recognition or being threatened by PT has never been a major issue for me. I do agree that there may be a lot of negative comments around, but I do think that we need to look at the bigger picture. Just pick up any OT journal and you can see all the great things that are happening in the field and all the spectacular achievements of our colleagues. I believe that professional identity and profession confidence come from within. * > > 3) A couple of times I've heard of OTs doing nurse activities. Helping > someone learn to transfer themselves into a shower is one thing, but > cleaning their diaper just seems like something I wouldn't expect an > OT to have to do, and certainly something I'd never want to do. Is > this something that all OTs have to do from time to time, *[Michael] I do appreciate where you are coming from - I doubt any of us entered into OT to change diapers. But if we are to call ourselves professionals, we need to go beyond the proverbial call of duty and do what is best for the patient/client at any particular time and place. There may come a time when it is appropriate to assist a patient/client to change the diaper, and then continue on with our intervention. * *It is not my place to say what others should do, but the phrase 'It is not my job." just does not cut it for me if the patient/client has to sit there and wait for the nurse while I twiddle my thumbs or head off to do something else. Just my two cents worth. * <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
