Missing School

Having been out of school for two months and getting a taste of the feeling of being a student today made me long for my academic days. Most of my graduating class met today to discuss our internships/fieldwork. I had a relaxed morning of waking up at 8:00am versus my normal 5:00am arousal time. I was able to squeeze in errands and chores that I am normally too tired from work or too busy to do. I long for the days that I had time to do stuff during the day. Maybe I will choose to work part-time or per diem when I officially get a job.

It was really nice to hear other students share some of their frustrations they are dealing with, as well as positive aspects of working as an OT. Most of us have had similar experiences with being challenged and experiencing how rewarding it is to work with people. I felt less isolated to hear that other people felt similar ways to the unique experience of being an "intern". Having other peers around is therapeutic.

I miss the camaraderie that came with seeing the same group of peers day in and day out. I like having people around me that know me. I feel that I have to start all over when it comes to making "work friends". My fieldwork site is temporary and thus am hesitant to put much effort into forming lasting relationships. Also, it takes some time to develop friendships and feel I don't have the opportunity.

I'm sure I'm having a grass-is-always-greener moment. When I was in school I couldn't wait to be done with it. Now, I'm in this weird holding place where I'm neither in school or working. I'm just paying my dues.

overwhelmed

It's my 3rd week of my fieldwork requirement (internship) at a skilled nursing facility and I got a little overwhelmed today. It's not the first time, I've had one day like this each week so far. Today I got overwhelmed with paperwork. I had my caseload of seeing patients for a total of 4 hours, then took on another patient making it about 5 hours of seeing patients one after the next: giving showers, exercises, activities of daily living (ADLs), running groups, etc. I knew at the end of the day I was going to have lots of paperwork (a discharge, an evaluation, insurance, and billing for each patient). I'm still learning what's involved with each of those since I don't do them everyday. After messing up several times with the wording and levels of progress the last paper I messed it up again! Didn't I just learn this mistake?! Man! I felt like an idiot. I realized I was overwhelmed when I was on the verge of tears. Really?! I'm going to get this upset over this minor thing?! On the drive home I was able to calm down a bit. Upon reflection, I start to feel the flow of working in OT and I get excited. Then, I realize I still have so much I am still learning. Sigh, to be a novice. I'm so ready to start working already!