I just can't pass up posting about today's OT experience.
First thing at the office, I hear a nurse say to a new-hire nurse:
"You how what OT is, right? I just want you to be clear on the
difference between OT and PT."
The new nurse replies, and I quote:
"Yea, OT is above the waist and PT is below the waist, right?"
The other nurse agreed and I was standing in the corner like a beat dog
with my head low...
After this lowly start, I'm off to my 1st therapy appt. A very nice
elderly lady sitting in her chair wearing only slippers, diaper, and a
shirt. I tell her I'm the OT and ask her if she knows what that is. She
say's
"Yea, you help get back to living their lives."
I smile BRIGHTLY and say:
"That's right, but how do you know that".
She says:
"I have Parkinson's and the support group talks about all sorts
of therapies and stuff. But, I've never actually had OT."
That's OK because at least she know why I'm there!!! So, off to the next
patient.
This patient has been treated by a COTA under my treatment plan. The man
is recovering from lung cancer and is frail, fatigues easily and is a
fall risk. The goals I wrote were basic self-care and transfer goals.
So, what has the COTA been doing?? Upper extremity exercises and
thera-putty. The man does have some neuropathy, but it does not
significanatly contribute to his problems. But, because of the whole "UE
thing" the COTA primarily focues on this part of his body......
Oh well, 1 out of 3 is what I consider a good day!!
Ron
~~~
Ron Carson MHS, OT
www.OTnow.com
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