I find wound care interesting and a welcomed challenge, but for many, this in an “ugly” aspect of OT. Here is our list of the top 10 advantages and disadvantages of being a therapist. Being a mental health OT is my passion. At times I wish I could tell them that I understand – I have been there and I know it hurts – but I think this would be unprofessional. I was all excited about going to school to become an OTA until I came across forums on indeed.com with pages upon pages of people bashing the OT field and talking about how much they hate their jobs. Today our guest blogger shares the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of working in occupational therapy. However, we believe a PT, OT, or SLP is a rewarding career. I can remember thinking, “That’s it, my career as an OT is completely over. In some instances, I had to learn to help myself and be my own advocate, if you will. But if you can stomach through it, you’ll leave at the end of the day knowing you’ve made a difference. When someone close to me was permanently damaged after being admitted to a mental health ward, I thought my career was over, Last modified on Tue 17 Jul 2018 08.51 BST. Christina M Toohill, MOT, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Easter Seals Peoria-Bloomington, chose occupational therapy as a career because of her brother. Almost every setting has productivity requirements, with some settings less strict than others. It can be a dirty job, but I guess somebody has to do it. After months off work I began to think about my job. My website: http://wildtruth.netMy Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/danielmacklerI was a psychotherapist in New York for ten years. Listening to handover can still be difficult, particularly when a patient is admitted to the ward in similar circumstances. I immediately told staff on the psychiatric unit, as I knew the news would have a devastating impact. (I say almost every day because you will have the occasional bad or overwhelming day.) Join the Healthcare Professionals Network to read more pieces like this. I won’t pretend it’s always easy. Special educational needs teacher 8. Occupational therapy support personnel, or assistants, are individuals who have the job-related competencies to support occupational therapists in delivering occupational therapy services. High intensity therapist 6. I loved my job and worked hard with the team to keep patients safe, so it was extremely difficult when someone close to me became very mentally unwell. I walked to improve my mood and reduce the stress and anxiety. But if you can stomach through it, you’ll leave at the end of the day knowing you’ve made a difference. While I am extremely satisfied with my OT career, occupational therapy is no exception. I missed work, the structure, routine, and the patient contact. (stock photo), Join the Healthcare Professionals Network, Mental health (Healthcare Professionals Network). Or if you would like to travel and live across the country, you can do that too. I leave work knowing I have made a significant difference in someone’s life. Occupational therapist 7. He ended up passing away and his family was understandably devastated. It’s tough but you continue to fight for your patients’ recovery as you would fight for your own friend or family member. It was a very difficult situation to be in as a therapist. I’ve had one too many of my own experiences where I needed help – like, really needed help – and I thought no one was there. The work of an occupational therapist assistant is supervised by an occupational therapist. Play therapist 6. Each day I walk into the hospital I put my OT skills into practice for my patients and now for myself. You never imagine it will happen to you. 0. I truly do like helping people. I know this because people are often emotional about their progress and people frequently tell me how happy they are that they came to therapy. After surgery, people are frequently nauseous. Medical sales representative 5. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and can look at all aspects of daily life in your home, school or workplace. Anyone made a change? If you want to learn more about becoming an occupational therapy assistant in California or Virginia, contact an admissions advisor today. With the evolution of 3D printing, there has been a new and emerging trend for 3D printed splints for hand therapy and burn treatment. Daily plans are adjusted after the meeting to accommodate what has been discussed. Sometimes, situations you find yourself in at work will hit very close to home. In helping all kinds of disabled students by strengthening their physical body and.. Is also a career with a grain of salt music to aid sleep night. Learn how to become an occupational therapist or an SLP is no exception I will be... I advised my patients, to myself who have the ability as an therapist! 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