The other day I was sitting eating my lunch on my steps by my classroom trying to tune out the children playing around me. However, right in front of me I started to notice an altercation between two preschool students. One wanted to pass between two particular cones, the other child was blocking. I thought, they'll work it out, the other kid can just go around. That is not what happened though. The child trying to pass starting pushing back on the other child. At that point, in retrospect, I should have said something. The kid blocking the cones pushed back and the other one fell. At that point another teacher noticed and disciplined the two students. She then turned to me and frowned and walked away. Whoops.
As I am around little people all day, I realize that as an adult I have a responsibility for all the children in my field of vision. I am learning that it is my duty to keep all children safe from harm whether that be from each other, themselves, or the obstacles around them.
Another byproduct of that is that when I see children in public space I have to stop myself from wanting to intervene. Sometimes, it is when a parent is mistreating a child or is allowing unsafe behavior carry on.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
"Hot Case" and a student
I heard about "hot cases" in the school system, but have yet to be privileged enough with one of my own. Hot case, is code for parents of a child you are treating or one that want you to treat is threatening to get lawyers. It is a very high profile case that has everyone stressed out and worried. At first, I was excited, wow my first hot case. I get to explain everything I'm doing and why. I feel like a real specialist. However, it reared it's ugly head when the principle was stressed out that I decided not to assess the little guy, especially when his mom wanted me to. Ok, to save everyone the headache it turns out I can assess him. My boss and I thought, if he's not in special education then he won't qualify for OT services, which is true. So it's a waste of time to assess, but I have to do it anyway. The rules change for a parent who is demanding and threatening to sue.
This week I also took on a college graduate that is gaining hours to apply for OT school. It's fun to explain everything. You know what they say, "you learn it better when you have to teach it". I hear myself talking about sensory integration, developmental milestones, OT in the schools, how I plan my treatments, etc. I've found that I learned a lot about OT in past few years.
This week I also took on a college graduate that is gaining hours to apply for OT school. It's fun to explain everything. You know what they say, "you learn it better when you have to teach it". I hear myself talking about sensory integration, developmental milestones, OT in the schools, how I plan my treatments, etc. I've found that I learned a lot about OT in past few years.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Back to school = Back to sick, Humility
First day of treating the kiddos on Monday and I think I squeeze-hugged the wrong little dude. Working in the schools is a peti-dish of viruses. I got my first cold and I'm sure it won't be my last. I was looking forward to really getting going this week, but alas I had to call in sick today so I don't infect everyone else.
I had dinner the other night with my OT cohorts and have found that working with kids is a privilege. There are lots of OT jobs out there, I had two job offers this summer, but working with children is a special type of OT job. Most new-grads don't get to work with kids right away if they didn't have an internship working with the little people. One friend waited 6 months to get her "peds" (short for pediatric) job. Another is moving to HI to gain more experience working in the schools, she already had a peds internship as well. I guess what I'm trying to do be grateful for the opportunity to start working with kids right away. Sometimes I can get caught up in politics of it should be like this, or it should be like that. Who am I to judge being a new grad? How long do I call myself that anyway, a year?
I'm still learning a lot about what it means to be an employee. I haven't worked for someone else in about 10 years. I did massage at places, but that doesn't really count for working in a professional work environment. I feel like I might make a couple blunders here and there, I get hard on myself for being too out-spoken and direct. I am learning that there is a certain finesse with working with others that I feel I might still be rough around the edges. I continue having to learn to be humble in my experience as a therapist and a person. I'm still working on who I am as a person, a job that will never be done.
I had dinner the other night with my OT cohorts and have found that working with kids is a privilege. There are lots of OT jobs out there, I had two job offers this summer, but working with children is a special type of OT job. Most new-grads don't get to work with kids right away if they didn't have an internship working with the little people. One friend waited 6 months to get her "peds" (short for pediatric) job. Another is moving to HI to gain more experience working in the schools, she already had a peds internship as well. I guess what I'm trying to do be grateful for the opportunity to start working with kids right away. Sometimes I can get caught up in politics of it should be like this, or it should be like that. Who am I to judge being a new grad? How long do I call myself that anyway, a year?
I'm still learning a lot about what it means to be an employee. I haven't worked for someone else in about 10 years. I did massage at places, but that doesn't really count for working in a professional work environment. I feel like I might make a couple blunders here and there, I get hard on myself for being too out-spoken and direct. I am learning that there is a certain finesse with working with others that I feel I might still be rough around the edges. I continue having to learn to be humble in my experience as a therapist and a person. I'm still working on who I am as a person, a job that will never be done.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Patience
I want to talk about patience for a minute since it has come up a few times regarding the work I do. Several people lately have told me, surprisingly, how much patience I have to work with people with special needs- whether they are physical or cognitive deficits. First, I want to say that patience is a skill I learned over time. As a young person in my 20s I don't think anyone that spent any time with me could say I was patient. Quite the opposite really. However, over time starting with my work in massage therapy, I started to become more compassionate towards people in pain. I know what real pain feels like having scoliosis and feel I could relate to other people in pain. Secondly, by going to school and learning about different diagnoses I came to understand various predicaments of the human condition. I first noticed this aspect of learned patience when I was studying mental health and was in line at the grocery store. Someone was taking an extra long time to get their stuff together. Normally, I would have started to stamper becoming impatient with each passing minute. This time I found myself thinking to myself, what if this person has a mental illness or a brain injury (a condition that is not outwardly visible) and struggles with organization. Thirdly, as I've worked with people I have learned that it really doesn't help any situation to be impatient; it can have the reverse effect by making people stressed out and flustered. Lastly, I will work with someone for 30-75 minutes an then am done. When it comes to a family member or a close friend requiring patience you are with them a lot longer and patience can be a lot more challenging and emotional. When I have a family or friend of a patient say, "you have so much patience!" I remind them not to feel inadequate because it is a very different experience being the therapist.
The end of SNF (for now) and new beginnings
I start back at the schools in about a week. However, I'll be going back to work in the SNF environment per diem (on an as needed basis). The great thing about per diem is that I get to determine how often I want to work there.
My last day at the facility was great. I got to see most of my favorite patients and I ran a successful ice cream group. I did this particular therapeutic activity in my clinic at school with success. Everyone was surprised at how easy and fun it is to make ice cream. I think food tastes that much sweeter when you put a little effort into it. I received a thoughtful gift from one of my patient's daughters. It's a wall hanging about being compassionate and giving, along with a heartfelt card and scented candle. I feel I made a difference in her (the daughter's) life. This work really feels rewarding to me when someone acknowledges the impact that I've had on their life.
It's interesting to work so closely with people. Having worked with adults this summer I have gained better people skills. I can see people's attributes in a more clear way, and quicker than I used to. I used to think that my OT mentor (the person who introduced OT to me, Andrei) had x-ray specs on when it came to reading people. For example, if I felt any certain way he would comment on it. I thought, can he hear my thoughts? What I have come to realize is that people have common facial expressions and body language that indicate various emotions. This, combined with careful questioning and vocal tone can give a lot of important information. As a therapist, I have learned to read all of this information quicker and in more subtle ways. I use this to my advantage when I want someone to do something; by finding what does and does not motivates them and by being considerate of what they may feeling.
New opportunities await in my career that I am looking forward to. I got the schools that I was hoping for and hence am very excited to be working with my favorite population of people thus far, preschool age children with special needs. Examples of this are, speech and language impairment, autism, downs syndrome, hard of hearing and deaf, blind, drug-exposed, and genetic impairments. I know that a lot of these have a stigma attached to the diagnosis, so let me state that regardless of the impairment the quality of the person is very much present regardless of the stigmatizing diagnosis.
The other exciting career venture is that I have an opportunity to work in home health. I haven't agreed to anything yet, but a have a job possibility that would involve me going to people's houses and assessing what their OT needs are. It is an area of OT that is often reserved for very skilled and experienced OTs. I am honored that someone I worked with would refer me. It is a setting that feels very real, since the therapist works in the home.
My last day at the facility was great. I got to see most of my favorite patients and I ran a successful ice cream group. I did this particular therapeutic activity in my clinic at school with success. Everyone was surprised at how easy and fun it is to make ice cream. I think food tastes that much sweeter when you put a little effort into it. I received a thoughtful gift from one of my patient's daughters. It's a wall hanging about being compassionate and giving, along with a heartfelt card and scented candle. I feel I made a difference in her (the daughter's) life. This work really feels rewarding to me when someone acknowledges the impact that I've had on their life.
It's interesting to work so closely with people. Having worked with adults this summer I have gained better people skills. I can see people's attributes in a more clear way, and quicker than I used to. I used to think that my OT mentor (the person who introduced OT to me, Andrei) had x-ray specs on when it came to reading people. For example, if I felt any certain way he would comment on it. I thought, can he hear my thoughts? What I have come to realize is that people have common facial expressions and body language that indicate various emotions. This, combined with careful questioning and vocal tone can give a lot of important information. As a therapist, I have learned to read all of this information quicker and in more subtle ways. I use this to my advantage when I want someone to do something; by finding what does and does not motivates them and by being considerate of what they may feeling.
New opportunities await in my career that I am looking forward to. I got the schools that I was hoping for and hence am very excited to be working with my favorite population of people thus far, preschool age children with special needs. Examples of this are, speech and language impairment, autism, downs syndrome, hard of hearing and deaf, blind, drug-exposed, and genetic impairments. I know that a lot of these have a stigma attached to the diagnosis, so let me state that regardless of the impairment the quality of the person is very much present regardless of the stigmatizing diagnosis.
The other exciting career venture is that I have an opportunity to work in home health. I haven't agreed to anything yet, but a have a job possibility that would involve me going to people's houses and assessing what their OT needs are. It is an area of OT that is often reserved for very skilled and experienced OTs. I am honored that someone I worked with would refer me. It is a setting that feels very real, since the therapist works in the home.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Fun stories from my patients
HM is also a happy-go-lucky person who will generally go along with whatever I throw her way. She also in her 90s with a bi-lateral amputation. FF is a smiley happy man that doesn't let too much get him down. I grouped them together the other day. She was telling me that FF to came in smiling at her aiming to sit next to her in the dining hall for lunch. HM says to FF, "What are you grinning at? I don't need the company of a man, go sit someplace else." I was asking her if she got a lot of attention when she was younger. She says not particularly, but one thing that stuck with her was when a man was giving her unwanted attention and told him to go away. He said to her, "You know what your problem is? You cute and you know it." Her response, "The only things I think are cute are babies and monkeys and I ain't neither one of those." Again, had me laughing.
When one of my patients first came to us she screamed all day and all night. She has dementia and I was intimidated to work with her. Since then, about a week ago, she has calmed down with the help of her daughter. I was monitoring her during a feeding group. She used to be feed by CNAs, turns out she can feed herself with a few verbal cues. Every time she takes a bite of food, she says, "Thank you" in her raspy voice. Periodically she'll say, "in the kingdom of God" in a sing-song voice between bites.
DH is a native american fighter. She tells me she been in many fights and been to jail ~4 times. She is one of my favorites too since she does anything I tell her :) The other day the PT and I took her for a walk to Starbucks. I ask her what her spirit animal is. She says she is a buffalo. I ask her what mine is, I'm a rabbit. I ask her what the PT is, he's a donkey. A donkey?! Oh my goodness I had to laugh at that one.
When one of my patients first came to us she screamed all day and all night. She has dementia and I was intimidated to work with her. Since then, about a week ago, she has calmed down with the help of her daughter. I was monitoring her during a feeding group. She used to be feed by CNAs, turns out she can feed herself with a few verbal cues. Every time she takes a bite of food, she says, "Thank you" in her raspy voice. Periodically she'll say, "in the kingdom of God" in a sing-song voice between bites.
DH is a native american fighter. She tells me she been in many fights and been to jail ~4 times. She is one of my favorites too since she does anything I tell her :) The other day the PT and I took her for a walk to Starbucks. I ask her what her spirit animal is. She says she is a buffalo. I ask her what mine is, I'm a rabbit. I ask her what the PT is, he's a donkey. A donkey?! Oh my goodness I had to laugh at that one.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The goings on
I have 3 interesting stories I have to get off my chest.
There is a patient of mine that told me her amazing story that I want to share with you. I'll call her CK to protect her identity. I was very curious what had happened to her hands that resulted in such deformity. The other day she unveiled her story to me. I was shocked and amazed. Here's the backstory: All of her the joints in her fingers are contracted (meaning she can't open her hand fully), and she has sever deviations of her knuckles (ulnar drift). Also her ankles and feet are severely affected. I've been splinting her fingers to maintain and increase her range of motion (ROM). She was originally on Prednisone for swelling in her joints. At the time, CK was happily working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in emergency care. She was living the good life, making money and liking her work, and was pretty and young. The doctors tapered her Prednisone intake too drastically that sent her into a coma. She was in a coma for 3-4 YEARS. She says she can't remember the exact time. While in the coma she was on life support (she had a tracheostomy to supplement her breathing). At the hospital she they did not do any range of motion of her joints. Her joints became contracted over the years that she was in a coma. Her mother would come in and move her joints so she didn't loose all range of motion. After 3+ years in a coma the doctors were thinking that they would try one more procedure before letting her go. They needed to transfer her to the LA hospital to do it. They put CK on a gurney to go to the airport. According to CK's story, the sun hit her face and she could feel its warmth and she sat up in the gurney and said, "Where are you taking me?" Everyone was shocked. Here is a woman that was in a coma on life support and suddenly she sits up and asks where she's going?!
She continues to take Prednisone and apparently that adds to her overall weight. Prednisone has such a bad reputation. I believe it helps people though. So I don't want to just say things that will steer people away; just be informed about the drugs and treatments that doctors prescribe. We have to be our own advocates. Regardless, an amazing story.
The next little antidote from working in skilled nursing is just to document my awe of the human brain. I have a new admit patient that has moderate dementia. She had a hip fracture and that is why she is in rehab. When people with dementia and undergo anthesis their condition is more acute and they become more confused. When I saw her, the second day after her surgery, she kept trying to go back to her room at the assisted living place she lives. She would take off her leg brace and attempt to get out of bed. It would take 2-3 people to get her to transfer from her bed to her chair. I saw her in the morning, I was to help her get dressed and groomed. I asked if she wanted to brush her hair. She stated that she did, reached for her purse and grabbed a notepad and used the notepad to comb her hair. This is the first time that I have seen the condition of ideational apraxia. This is something that we learn about in school and can be seen with traumatic brian injuries (apparently, dementia too). This condition is when someone uses an item that is intended for a different purpose inappropriately. Later that day, she was in her chair taking off her leg brace when I went over there to stop her, I noticed her pillow. I had put a pillow under her leg to support and elevate her leg. She had somehow slit the pillow and was putting items inside the stuffing of the pillow. I realized that she thought it was her purse from where she was keeping the pillow (on her lap). Very interesting. This is another ideational apraxia event I was witnessing.
The last little note is just an example of the stuff that happens to people in working in the medical field. I have been helping a man who has had a stroke (or left-side CVA). His right side is paralyzed and contracted. I am splinting and trying to decrease the tone (spasticity that creates muscle weakness) by doing some massage and range of motion. I thought he was very appreciative of my good work since he cannot speak other than mumbles and he would hold my hand and give me a nod with his head and eyes, and a little smile. The past couple days he has given me a little kiss on my hand. Harmless, in fact I felt good about the work that I'm doing. Then on Friday, he tries to suck on my finger. I pulled my hand back, stated, "Ok, that's enough today." He chuckles. Then I state, "Inappropriate" and walk out. I'm not too worried about it or anything. I think it's kind of funny that I thought oh he likes the work I'm doing, I'm such a good therapist. I'm so naive.
There is a patient of mine that told me her amazing story that I want to share with you. I'll call her CK to protect her identity. I was very curious what had happened to her hands that resulted in such deformity. The other day she unveiled her story to me. I was shocked and amazed. Here's the backstory: All of her the joints in her fingers are contracted (meaning she can't open her hand fully), and she has sever deviations of her knuckles (ulnar drift). Also her ankles and feet are severely affected. I've been splinting her fingers to maintain and increase her range of motion (ROM). She was originally on Prednisone for swelling in her joints. At the time, CK was happily working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in emergency care. She was living the good life, making money and liking her work, and was pretty and young. The doctors tapered her Prednisone intake too drastically that sent her into a coma. She was in a coma for 3-4 YEARS. She says she can't remember the exact time. While in the coma she was on life support (she had a tracheostomy to supplement her breathing). At the hospital she they did not do any range of motion of her joints. Her joints became contracted over the years that she was in a coma. Her mother would come in and move her joints so she didn't loose all range of motion. After 3+ years in a coma the doctors were thinking that they would try one more procedure before letting her go. They needed to transfer her to the LA hospital to do it. They put CK on a gurney to go to the airport. According to CK's story, the sun hit her face and she could feel its warmth and she sat up in the gurney and said, "Where are you taking me?" Everyone was shocked. Here is a woman that was in a coma on life support and suddenly she sits up and asks where she's going?!
She continues to take Prednisone and apparently that adds to her overall weight. Prednisone has such a bad reputation. I believe it helps people though. So I don't want to just say things that will steer people away; just be informed about the drugs and treatments that doctors prescribe. We have to be our own advocates. Regardless, an amazing story.
The next little antidote from working in skilled nursing is just to document my awe of the human brain. I have a new admit patient that has moderate dementia. She had a hip fracture and that is why she is in rehab. When people with dementia and undergo anthesis their condition is more acute and they become more confused. When I saw her, the second day after her surgery, she kept trying to go back to her room at the assisted living place she lives. She would take off her leg brace and attempt to get out of bed. It would take 2-3 people to get her to transfer from her bed to her chair. I saw her in the morning, I was to help her get dressed and groomed. I asked if she wanted to brush her hair. She stated that she did, reached for her purse and grabbed a notepad and used the notepad to comb her hair. This is the first time that I have seen the condition of ideational apraxia. This is something that we learn about in school and can be seen with traumatic brian injuries (apparently, dementia too). This condition is when someone uses an item that is intended for a different purpose inappropriately. Later that day, she was in her chair taking off her leg brace when I went over there to stop her, I noticed her pillow. I had put a pillow under her leg to support and elevate her leg. She had somehow slit the pillow and was putting items inside the stuffing of the pillow. I realized that she thought it was her purse from where she was keeping the pillow (on her lap). Very interesting. This is another ideational apraxia event I was witnessing.
The last little note is just an example of the stuff that happens to people in working in the medical field. I have been helping a man who has had a stroke (or left-side CVA). His right side is paralyzed and contracted. I am splinting and trying to decrease the tone (spasticity that creates muscle weakness) by doing some massage and range of motion. I thought he was very appreciative of my good work since he cannot speak other than mumbles and he would hold my hand and give me a nod with his head and eyes, and a little smile. The past couple days he has given me a little kiss on my hand. Harmless, in fact I felt good about the work that I'm doing. Then on Friday, he tries to suck on my finger. I pulled my hand back, stated, "Ok, that's enough today." He chuckles. Then I state, "Inappropriate" and walk out. I'm not too worried about it or anything. I think it's kind of funny that I thought oh he likes the work I'm doing, I'm such a good therapist. I'm so naive.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Making People Feel Better
I had a good day at work today and so I thought I'd share what has been happening in the world of the skilled nursing facility (SNF).
Today I changed out two wheelchairs that were not right for the people that occupied them. One of my patients was so happy that he said that he wanted to do what we (OT & PT) do. He is about 75+ years old and has had a stroke among other health complications. He says to the PT and I, "I want to be a nurse, how do I become a nurse?" The PT tells him, "Well you have to go to school for a while, but if you're referring to what we do we are rehab therapists." Our patient says, "I want to be a rehab therapist then, you make people feel better. How do I become a therapist?" This was all a big surprise to me and the PT I was working with. This coming from a soft-spoken man who only really talks when we ask him a question. For him to be asking us questions and carrying on a conversation was surprising.
One aspect of working in a SNF that like is the comradery of the people that work there. Everyday I see about the same people so I get to develop working relationships with the CNAs, nurses, students, aids, and the rehab team (OT, PT, ST). I will get a patient up and dressed (or am teaching them how to do it for themselves) and the certified nursing assistant (CNA) will thank me and do other tasks for me when I need them too. I like the scratch my back and I'll scratch yours type of relationship.
I like how there are people there that are looking out for you. I like that some of my patients really like me and will request working with me. I like hearing about their life stories. I like working for someone's trust and receiving it. I love doing community mobility (grocery shopping at the dollar store) and home evaluations. These are all aspects of working in the school that I don't get to do.
Today I changed out two wheelchairs that were not right for the people that occupied them. One of my patients was so happy that he said that he wanted to do what we (OT & PT) do. He is about 75+ years old and has had a stroke among other health complications. He says to the PT and I, "I want to be a nurse, how do I become a nurse?" The PT tells him, "Well you have to go to school for a while, but if you're referring to what we do we are rehab therapists." Our patient says, "I want to be a rehab therapist then, you make people feel better. How do I become a therapist?" This was all a big surprise to me and the PT I was working with. This coming from a soft-spoken man who only really talks when we ask him a question. For him to be asking us questions and carrying on a conversation was surprising.
One aspect of working in a SNF that like is the comradery of the people that work there. Everyday I see about the same people so I get to develop working relationships with the CNAs, nurses, students, aids, and the rehab team (OT, PT, ST). I will get a patient up and dressed (or am teaching them how to do it for themselves) and the certified nursing assistant (CNA) will thank me and do other tasks for me when I need them too. I like the scratch my back and I'll scratch yours type of relationship.
I like how there are people there that are looking out for you. I like that some of my patients really like me and will request working with me. I like hearing about their life stories. I like working for someone's trust and receiving it. I love doing community mobility (grocery shopping at the dollar store) and home evaluations. These are all aspects of working in the school that I don't get to do.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Skilled Nursing Facilities
I'm done with working the school year and have begun my summer work in the skilled nursing setting. I realize that not everyone knows what that means so I'll take a minute to explain. When someone goes to the hospital for some reason (such as getting hip or knee replacement, amputation, stroke, bone fracture, etc.) that person stays in the hospital for a few days in what is called acute care in the hospital. They have access to doctors and nurses 24/7, they will also receive some rehab. That person may not be ready to go straight home, so they get sent to a skilled facility (SNF), also described as post-acute care. Once there, they receive rehabilitation treatment of PT and OT (and sometimes Speech) so that they can get strong enough to go home. Most of these patients are older adults, 65+. This is where I work.
In this setting, occupational therapy does a lot of training in activities of daily living (ADLs), learning how to do all the things you normally do for yourself everyday such as taking a shower, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, etc. OT helps the person readjust to their routine after a hospital stay, and uses ADLs as a way to get stronger. Also, OT does strength training rehab (therapeutic exercise) needed to be independent to perform everyday life activities.
Today I got to spend some of my treatment sessions just trying to make my patients feel better. That felt good. I had 3 patients today that did not want to move for treatment so instead I worked it to both of our advantage. I was educating them on what I'll be doing with them and why it's important, getting them ice, massaging them, ranging their joints, propping them up with pillows and letting them tell me what hurts. It's called building rapport with your patients :) Which later, maybe tomorrow, they will bend over backwards to make gains in therapy.
I will continue to work in SNF for the rest of the summer through a registry, it's like a temp agency for medical professionals. This week I was in Concord. Then, for the next 7 weeks, I'll be in San Pablo at another skilled nursing facility. It feels more like work work, and less play as with the kiddos, but it has it perks too. I don't have any reports to prepare and when I'm done at 5, I'm done.
In this setting, occupational therapy does a lot of training in activities of daily living (ADLs), learning how to do all the things you normally do for yourself everyday such as taking a shower, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, etc. OT helps the person readjust to their routine after a hospital stay, and uses ADLs as a way to get stronger. Also, OT does strength training rehab (therapeutic exercise) needed to be independent to perform everyday life activities.
Today I got to spend some of my treatment sessions just trying to make my patients feel better. That felt good. I had 3 patients today that did not want to move for treatment so instead I worked it to both of our advantage. I was educating them on what I'll be doing with them and why it's important, getting them ice, massaging them, ranging their joints, propping them up with pillows and letting them tell me what hurts. It's called building rapport with your patients :) Which later, maybe tomorrow, they will bend over backwards to make gains in therapy.
I will continue to work in SNF for the rest of the summer through a registry, it's like a temp agency for medical professionals. This week I was in Concord. Then, for the next 7 weeks, I'll be in San Pablo at another skilled nursing facility. It feels more like work work, and less play as with the kiddos, but it has it perks too. I don't have any reports to prepare and when I'm done at 5, I'm done.
Monday, May 16, 2011
IEPs, reports, assessments, oh my!
Wow, my job is in full swing right now. I have 7 IEP meetings coming up in the next 3 weeks. IEP = Individualized Education Plan. That is the academic plan that my kiddos have that receive OT services. Every year the special education team meet with the parent(s) to determine the treatment plan and the progress made. We get to have these anytime there is a change to this plan, and get to do assessments for triennial meetings. I say "get" facetiously because it is a lot of work. I have to present to the team what I am doing and why and where I am going with my little friends. However, I have consistently put it off to finalize my reports for the meeting. It's like I'm back in school and procrastinating on doing my homework. I put it off, let it hang over my head and do something else (dare I admit this?). This is the administrative part of this job that isn't just playing with kids.
I have been loving my career thus far. I love being in control of my environment and truly enjoy the time that I spend with my kiddos. I like feeling like an expert on something. I spend the after school time talking with teachers about the kids on my caseload so they can help them in the classroom. I spend a lot of time following up with teachers for kids that have been referred to me as well. I'm starting to get the information that I need to communicate down in a way that makes sense in everyday language.
This is all going to change very soon as the school year comes to a close. I have to look for some summer work. I might work in skilled nursing, or a hospital setting per diem (on an as needed basis).
Stay tuned.
I have been loving my career thus far. I love being in control of my environment and truly enjoy the time that I spend with my kiddos. I like feeling like an expert on something. I spend the after school time talking with teachers about the kids on my caseload so they can help them in the classroom. I spend a lot of time following up with teachers for kids that have been referred to me as well. I'm starting to get the information that I need to communicate down in a way that makes sense in everyday language.
This is all going to change very soon as the school year comes to a close. I have to look for some summer work. I might work in skilled nursing, or a hospital setting per diem (on an as needed basis).
Stay tuned.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Authority
It is strange for me to be in a position of authority. Among the children that I treat and the ones around the schools I feel authoritative. I have to be. They need me to have clear boundaries so they know what they are supposed to be doing. Often it feels I have to test my own boundaries of what I'm willing to put up with. One I have to be clear on is safety, no problem there. For example, I'm experimenting with giving them two options "You can either take your socks off (so that they don't slip) or I'll take you back to class you have 5 seconds to decide 1, 2,.."
At one of my schools I have kids that come in and out of my class to use the bathroom. They like to play around in there so I have to tell them to go play outside. I have to get out my teacher voice every once and a while and it sounds strange to my ears.
Among the other professionals, specialists and teachers I have to be authoritative. I have to stand up for what is best for the kids that I'm working with. In my newbie state I have let them led me a little. After talking to my colleague yesterday, I determined that I was being too lenient, and have to push back at principles and teachers. This is going to be a challenge. It'll be ok though, I have had good training to be able to notice what is or is not going to work for children to be able to have two feet to stand on.
At one of my schools I have kids that come in and out of my class to use the bathroom. They like to play around in there so I have to tell them to go play outside. I have to get out my teacher voice every once and a while and it sounds strange to my ears.
Among the other professionals, specialists and teachers I have to be authoritative. I have to stand up for what is best for the kids that I'm working with. In my newbie state I have let them led me a little. After talking to my colleague yesterday, I determined that I was being too lenient, and have to push back at principles and teachers. This is going to be a challenge. It'll be ok though, I have had good training to be able to notice what is or is not going to work for children to be able to have two feet to stand on.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Officially an OT
I've been meaning to write this post for quite some time now...
It's been a month since I took, and passed, my national board exam. *phew*
Almost three weeks ago I started my job working in the public school system. So far it has been a dream job. I have an allowance of money that I can spend on therapeutic games and activities to play with my kiddos. I feel even more invested in their success and have so much fun playing with them.
As with any new job, I'm still feeling my way around a bit. To make things a little bit more of a challenge, I am taking over for a woman whom's "contract ended", "moved" and "no longer with us"; yeah, she was terminated. The relationship between therapist and teachers, principles and children have to be rebuilt and the trust re-established. I have to go a little further than I probably normally would have to, to gain the trust and confidence of my new colleagues. Such as, doing more observations, follow-ups, giving out supplies, talking with everyone on each child's team to demonstrate that I will hold up my end of the bargain.
I look forward to next school year when I can start fresh with my caseload, write goals that I think are more beneficial to the child, and watch them succeed in obtaining their goals.
Another aspect that I really enjoy is being autonomous at work. I don't have anyone breathing down my neck. I'm responsible for my kids, and it's up to me to make sure that they get seen. Turns out I really like having the control and freedom to treat how and when I want.
Yesterday I was talking to a couple other OTs that are using a more sensory-motor approach to treating academic goals. That means playing more with them to get them to motor-plan (think about how they are moving through space). This ends up being more fun for everyone. I get work on the building blocks for success in handwriting for example; they get to play kick-ball, swing, jump, and throw.
I love my job.
Side note: PBS is doing a story on Autism. I've listening to it on NPR about 3:30pm for the past several days. I commented on their website about Occupational Therapist and their role with these children in the school.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism4treat_04-21.html#disqus_thread
It's been a month since I took, and passed, my national board exam. *phew*
Almost three weeks ago I started my job working in the public school system. So far it has been a dream job. I have an allowance of money that I can spend on therapeutic games and activities to play with my kiddos. I feel even more invested in their success and have so much fun playing with them.
As with any new job, I'm still feeling my way around a bit. To make things a little bit more of a challenge, I am taking over for a woman whom's "contract ended", "moved" and "no longer with us"; yeah, she was terminated. The relationship between therapist and teachers, principles and children have to be rebuilt and the trust re-established. I have to go a little further than I probably normally would have to, to gain the trust and confidence of my new colleagues. Such as, doing more observations, follow-ups, giving out supplies, talking with everyone on each child's team to demonstrate that I will hold up my end of the bargain.
I look forward to next school year when I can start fresh with my caseload, write goals that I think are more beneficial to the child, and watch them succeed in obtaining their goals.
Another aspect that I really enjoy is being autonomous at work. I don't have anyone breathing down my neck. I'm responsible for my kids, and it's up to me to make sure that they get seen. Turns out I really like having the control and freedom to treat how and when I want.
Yesterday I was talking to a couple other OTs that are using a more sensory-motor approach to treating academic goals. That means playing more with them to get them to motor-plan (think about how they are moving through space). This ends up being more fun for everyone. I get work on the building blocks for success in handwriting for example; they get to play kick-ball, swing, jump, and throw.
I love my job.
Side note: PBS is doing a story on Autism. I've listening to it on NPR about 3:30pm for the past several days. I commented on their website about Occupational Therapist and their role with these children in the school.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism4treat_04-21.html#disqus_thread
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Writing about stress
I read an article stating that writing about your anxieties and stress can help performance especially during testing situations. This is good news because I have test anxiety and I write a blog.
So here I am 2-3 weeks from taking the big exam. I still have not received my permission to test letter allowing me to set my test date, but I am shooting for March 5th. I have some serious anxiety about taking this exam, but am starting to gain some self confidence in my knowledge base. I am finally remembering some rote information (ACL levels, SCI levels, GCS, Brunstrumm's stroke Scale, etc.). I stayed home from a beautiful bluebird day of snowboarding to work through some of the content on the test. I really hope it pays off.
To add to the pressure I was recently offered a job position as an occupational therapist. Good news, right? I am having a hard time getting excited about it until I pass the test and sign paperwork that this job is for real. In fact, I'm not really telling everyone about the job yet because I don't know how real it is. Also, what if I don't pass and this job is yanked from me? Then I'd feel like even more of a failure. But I WILL pass this test, damn it! I have done well in school, studied my butt off and should do well on the exam. However, there is a little guilty conscious in the back of my brain saying if I don't pass this test it's because I went up to go snowboarding on a Tuesday night.
I am going to get my temporary license to start this job as soon as possible. I have to jump through a whole other application submittal process but it will allow me to relax a little bit by not rushing to take the exam. *Sigh* yet another thing I have to DO.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/choke/201101/worried-about-performing-well-under-stress-write-it-out
"Why does such a simple writing exercise have such a big impact? We think the answer has to do with the content of the writing itself. Writing reduces people's tendency to ruminate because it provides them with an opportunity to express their concerns. Expressing concerns gives people some insight into the source of their stress, allowing them to reexamine the situation such that the tendency to worry during the actual pressure-filled situation decreases."
So here I am 2-3 weeks from taking the big exam. I still have not received my permission to test letter allowing me to set my test date, but I am shooting for March 5th. I have some serious anxiety about taking this exam, but am starting to gain some self confidence in my knowledge base. I am finally remembering some rote information (ACL levels, SCI levels, GCS, Brunstrumm's stroke Scale, etc.). I stayed home from a beautiful bluebird day of snowboarding to work through some of the content on the test. I really hope it pays off.
To add to the pressure I was recently offered a job position as an occupational therapist. Good news, right? I am having a hard time getting excited about it until I pass the test and sign paperwork that this job is for real. In fact, I'm not really telling everyone about the job yet because I don't know how real it is. Also, what if I don't pass and this job is yanked from me? Then I'd feel like even more of a failure. But I WILL pass this test, damn it! I have done well in school, studied my butt off and should do well on the exam. However, there is a little guilty conscious in the back of my brain saying if I don't pass this test it's because I went up to go snowboarding on a Tuesday night.
I am going to get my temporary license to start this job as soon as possible. I have to jump through a whole other application submittal process but it will allow me to relax a little bit by not rushing to take the exam. *Sigh* yet another thing I have to DO.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/choke/201101/worried-about-performing-well-under-stress-write-it-out
"Why does such a simple writing exercise have such a big impact? We think the answer has to do with the content of the writing itself. Writing reduces people's tendency to ruminate because it provides them with an opportunity to express their concerns. Expressing concerns gives people some insight into the source of their stress, allowing them to reexamine the situation such that the tendency to worry during the actual pressure-filled situation decreases."
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Where to work?
Thing that I want in a job:
A supportive like-minded team
Pediatrics
Local, it'd be nice to ride my bike to work
Possible per diem (part-time)
In that order. I want to manifest my reality. Are those things too much to ask?
A supportive like-minded team
Pediatrics
Local, it'd be nice to ride my bike to work
Possible per diem (part-time)
In that order. I want to manifest my reality. Are those things too much to ask?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
One major hurdle left
Last Friday I completed (and passed) my second internship. Phew. Now I have one more hoop to jump through--the licensing exam. This is the scariest part of my journey. I have major test anxiety. Seriously. I can't see straight, my heart is in my throat, and a literally can't read the text of the questions. However, I have made it this far and completed my masters degree. An amazing feat for someone with a debilitating form of test anxiety. Even though I love learning, I've never been a super academic person partly due to my disinterest in school until about 25 years old when I discovered something I really cared to learn. I studied, I did well in school and now I have to maintain my strength and interest in the topic of Occupational Therapy long enough to get through the next couple of months of studying. I'm actually enjoying it to some extent. I like to watch Jeopardy and try to have the same type of pride when knowing the answers to questions on practice tests.
After I pass (god willing) I will receive two more initials after my name, earning me the titles of "Registered" and "Licensed". Let's how that would look in text: Lee-Anne Bloom, MS, OTR/L. Right now I am Lee-Anne Bloom, MS or Lee-Anne Bloom, CMT (Certified Massage Therapist)
Also on the horizon, and possibly another hurdle, will be looking for a job. I want a job in pediatrics (children). I love the little buggers. They are so full of life, hope and play. How cool is it to be paid to play with kids? Not just a babysitter salary either. This is a licensed and skilled profession by the United States of America. Also, it happens to always rank as one of the top 20 jobs. The last rank I saw was #13 from Money Magazine.
It's fun to have the depth of knowledge in a subject. I feel more comfortable talking to parents, friends, family and other health care professionals about treating (with OT) diseases, disabilities, medical conditions, mental health impairments, etc. Studying for the big exam has renewed my knowledge on so many of the things I learned in school; it is contributing to the confidence I need to really be a licensed therapist.
Wish me luck!
After I pass (god willing) I will receive two more initials after my name, earning me the titles of "Registered" and "Licensed". Let's how that would look in text: Lee-Anne Bloom, MS, OTR/L. Right now I am Lee-Anne Bloom, MS or Lee-Anne Bloom, CMT (Certified Massage Therapist)
Also on the horizon, and possibly another hurdle, will be looking for a job. I want a job in pediatrics (children). I love the little buggers. They are so full of life, hope and play. How cool is it to be paid to play with kids? Not just a babysitter salary either. This is a licensed and skilled profession by the United States of America. Also, it happens to always rank as one of the top 20 jobs. The last rank I saw was #13 from Money Magazine.
It's fun to have the depth of knowledge in a subject. I feel more comfortable talking to parents, friends, family and other health care professionals about treating (with OT) diseases, disabilities, medical conditions, mental health impairments, etc. Studying for the big exam has renewed my knowledge on so many of the things I learned in school; it is contributing to the confidence I need to really be a licensed therapist.
Wish me luck!
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