But probably less scope to work at higher clinical bands. Creating safety at home and in at work is they key to read more. If youre open to other types of settings after graduation, this wont be a huge downside. Not many positions were available during what seemed like to be peak COVID. Thanks! The reason parents and ABA therapists can't see it as abusive is because they can't see it . As an OTA, you will experience unforgettable moments with your patients as well as face . You can't only know about the good, beautiful things about OT. 2. While it isnt for everyone, working contracts that are essentially paid fieldworks with long breaks between is awesome. Leave your reasons down below. In my own experience, I've talked to a lot of OT's over the years (in outpatient therapy and ped's mostly) and they have never expressed even an eighth of what those people said. I just graduated this year July and I got my "dream job" (rehab center for orthopedics) already last year august. Learn how your comment data is processed. Why???!!!! Please, anyone who is reading that and considering OTdo yourself a huge favor and SEE occupational therapists in real life before you make any life decisions. I'm just ranting in confusion, but any feedback would be appreciated. ugh, that horrid Indeed forum. This is what Ive done for the several years, and I really like the ability to have the change of pace. Almost every OT setting has productivity requirements, with some settings having less strict standards than others. If this is your first time posting, please read the sub rules. He might make your heart soar. They get rid of them. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This is super common. I hope the kiddies heard us loud and clear on this one. Loved every minute. Its okay to leave. I've never known anyone in any field who didn't have at least one not-so-great job. With the additional income from the above strategies or through a side hustle of your choice, youll have more time to rest, spend time with family or take some time to do something for yourself, which can really help with that burned out feeling! He might be the one who melts you quicker than snow in June. There are a lot of policy questions here: why isn't the government regulating these schools so that they can't charge 100k+ for a degree which will earn you 50k as an entry level practitioner? At speech therapy, Nathan goes back without me. So just know that and dont expect management or insurance to treat people like people. Thanks for the article. Many PTs and OTs that I know have suffered workplace injuries, particularly back injuries due to extensive demands of transferring patients. A quick note: I first wrote this post several years prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, which now has to be one of the biggest factors of OT burnout, even several years after it all began. That seems to be the one thing i have noticed i dont like about OT there is not alot of upward mobility. After being a US-based occupational therapist for over six years now and having worked in multiple adult-based rehab settings, I want to share with you 7 things I wish I knew before becoming an occupational therapist. If youre wondering if your city is saturated, check Indeed.com regularly and see if new job postings are listed, in addition to seeing how many OT and OTA programs exist in the city. I might have to see 80 students in. Occupational Therapist/Practice Consultant (2086) Norfolk County Council 3.7. Some may also have a doctorate. Keep applying, and dont give up! Every career has its ups and downs. My goal is to leave the profession, and find a way to promote inclusion and diversity in organizations. Permanent + 1. It is an active job. Mostly I am just worried about being a "glorified CNA." Crystal Smith, Occupational Therapist - Contact: [email protected] Paul Walker, Adapted Physical Education Specialist - Contact: [email protected] Occupational Therapists: Use meaningful activities (occupations) to help children and youth participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being. I met one that had been doing it for 30 years. I advise everyone to research into the profession and keep an open mind. (My OT Spot), Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career? Through her work, she's found that many doctors aren't always aware of the skills they have. Listen, I 100% appreciate that as new grads, you guys are coming out with toms of debt and into a healthcare field completely different from what you were promised when you entered. You can learn all these skills if you make an effort to do so , it doesn't mean you can not be an OT, but these are some of the skills you will need on the j. Unless you absolutely love OT and would choose it over being a M.D., or if you have the financial means to be comfortable, I would recommend choosing medical school. If you dont think you can handle the physical requirements that many OT settings demand but still are passionate about becoming an occupational therapist, you can look into outpatient settings like driving rehab, hand therapy, orworking in mental health. If you work in pediatrics, you will also be doing a lot of physical movement with crawling, kneeling, jumping, chasing, and handling, oftentimes on the floor or mat. The client-centered nature of this job can be both intrinsically enriching, as you are in a position to provide care and help to patients, but it can also lead to physical and emotional stress. I just like to be open-minded and hear all sides and weigh it all out. I think being an OT part time is very difficult as the work load is rarely reduced on a proportional basis especially in a community role. I agree with this. The first day I observed an SNF, which was for dementia, I had a negative perspective going in. stipend for their residency work. In any profession there are upsides and downsides. I agree with the previous comment that says that people tend to be more verbal (or post things online) if they absolutely love their job or especially if they have a bone to pick. Do any of you really think that an ot is a glorified CNA? Prepare for your Exam. It may be easiest to get a job in a SNF versus landing your dream job in pediatrics, acute care, hand therapy (or insert your ideal OT setting here). Maybe you could try joining your states OT association in order to network. Im officially a little over a month in as a OT and I feel a lot of what youre feeling too. Is it possible for the field to phase out? You have your toolbox, and know what interventions work for you. The school wants to collect all the federal funding they get for these children with special needs, but they wont provide them the help they need within the school setting. But honestly, being an occupational therapist is hard. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It seems many new grads jump into the first job they can get, since it can be really hard to get your first job. Thats where I got my mentorship. I would love the opportunity to get good and confident in highly skilled areas such as making splints, or treating burns, and lymphedema. Because of this, your application has to be really strong to stand out among the massive number of applicants. I just want to point out that I am changing careers, after getting a masters in one field and working in that field for over almost 14 years. Remote in Norwich NR7. When interviewing for a new position, be sure to ask about productivity requirements, expected caseload, hours you will actually get, mentorship, etc. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you have a disability, they will . Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Best decision I ever made." Consider applying to hospital positions, many have outpatient clinics in the hospital and you may have the opportunity to 'cross train' even if you're hired in a different setting of the hospital. After earning a bachelor's degree, you need to get a master's degree in occupational therapy, which takes two to three years depending on the program you choose. Join us, and you'll help more people live better lives by achieving their individual breakthroughs. And it is these goals that, like gay conversion therapy, do long-term damage to the human psyche. You will find a Job that you like, I really believe in you OP! The OT is a wonderful profession for people who work part-time and their work is not the primary source of income for the household. I also chose OT for the fact that it combines healthcare and behavioral science, and I'm very confident in my choice. Global health through occupation is contingent upon our understanding of the human as an occupational being. Working a job with intense physical demands as well as high productivity challenges five days a week is really rough. In the end, my gf has decided not to pursue OT for other reasons. I really love being able to provide affordable therapy to folks who don't have much money. Occupational therapy addressing mental & behavioral health in non-psychiatric settings 08/24/2022 Occupational therapy can benefit our community by addressing mental and behavioral health concerns in every practice setting. How to Deal with Burnout as an Occupational Therapist, Burned Out in Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy could definitely use a gender-diversity facelift. This is a subreddit to celebrate all things Occupational Therapy. The first step to becoming an occupational therapist is to complete a bachelor's degree in a related field. State licensing requirements vary, so make sure to consult your state's occupational therapy regulatory agency. I love what I do as a health proffesional! That way, your faculty are likely PhD's and can write you a recommendation if you want to do a PhD later on. OT burnout is a tough topic to address since we all want to believe that every position as an occupational therapist or COTA will be amazing and our dream job. Absolutely not! Earning this degree typically takes four years. Thanks for the link. I stood up in front of a group every so often and I discussed how to prevent back injuries. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Very encouraging information! Are you or someone youre close to interested in becoming an occupational therapist? Are OTs really disrespected by other professionals and seen as a jack of all trades, who interfere with other professionals' areas of practice such as psyc, pt, and speech? The post covers the most prevalent situations that occupational therapists may find themselves in, especially as new grads. Almost daily Im rehearsing my OT elevator pitch, educating someone (patients, doctors, nurses, my own family!) THAT SPEAKS VOLUME!!!!!!!! You might find your second or third choice is actually a great fit for you. Some of my PRN coworkers even go to three settings (outpatient, acute and inpatient rehab) depending on the hospitals needs. Are you independently wealthy? Welcome to r/OccupationalTherapy!This is an automatic comment on every post. Unrealistic productivity demands and some unethical companies and managers can be the biggest factors for burnout, so after graduation, I advise you to do your due diligence on these factors before taking your first job. Honestly I am not feeling confidet in my knowledge, I'm always pretending I know everything I do but it's just a fassade. The rest of the human as an OTA, you will find job! A good Career 's and can write you a recommendation if you want to do a PhD on. Inclusion and diversity in organizations settings after graduation, this wont be a huge downside i really believe in OP. Three settings ( outpatient, acute and inpatient rehab ) depending on the hospitals needs able... R/Occupationaltherapy! this is an automatic comment on every post isnt for everyone, working contracts that are essentially fieldworks! 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