1. Demonstrates the ability to give constructive and timely feedback. 1. I had opportunities to work alongside COTAs during my clinical rotations. During these opportunities I was able build professional relationships and provide feedback on treatment strategies, and adjust plans of care as necessary. Providing constructive feedback to other professionals tested my educational knowledge, communication and professional skills. Please refer below for brief statement from a fieldwork educator.
2. Modifies behavior in response to feedback; seeks opportunities to apply feedback. 2. Presentations have been an area with room for improvement for me. Oftentimes I tend to speak quietly and quickly so that I am able to finish as soon as possible. While on a psychosocial clinical rotation, I was expected to present and lead many groups for primarily older adults. After completing my first go-round of leading groups, I received feedback that I had spoken too quietly and fast for the older adult clientele. This was particularly challenging in that many of the older adults I was working with had hearing impairments and slowed processing. However, I knew I had many opportunities in which I could modify and apply my behavior for presenting and leading groups. As time progressed, I gained confidence in presenting and leading groups. During the second half of the rotation, I was successfully leading a large range of groups utilizing the appropriate communication/presentation skills for the clientele. I went from nervously leading one small group of seven people once per week to leading four groups per day ranging from eight people to twenty-five people. I realized the modifications I had made were successful based on the request I was receiving to facilitate a wide range of groups.
3. Productively uses knowledge of own strengths and weaknesses. 3. It can be challenging to acknowledge one’s weakness, but acknowledging weaknesses allows us to become stronger and build supportive relationships. While completing a Level II rotation at an adult day center, I found that there were some groups that I was more successful at leading and some groups that were very challenging. I completed my rotation during the fall/winter months so there were many cases in which other staff members were absent for holidays, weather, etc. I gratefully took opportunities to assist as needed in covering extra groups; however, there was one group in particular (Music and Movement) that was unquestionably challenging. I had attended and assisted this group multiple times, but leading this group revealed an area of weakness. I struggled with finding fluidity of movements, maintaining moderate energy levels, and active engagement with all the group members. In order to successfully lead Music and Movement, I needed to work overtime by collaborating with others, researching, planning, and rehearsing. I watched countless videos and meet with other professional staff members for advice. I ended up leading three Music and Movement groups before the original leader returned. Afterwards, I was still unsure of my strengths and success in leading this group but I believe that with continued practice and experience I would have developed into the role. Overall, I was pleased to have the challenging opportunity.
4. Maintains balance in personal and professional life while prioritizing professional responsibilities and commitments. 4. Completing nine months of Level II clinical rotations is designed to prepare students for becoming an entry-level practitioner. During this period of time, I have embraced the importance of maintaining a balance in personal and professional life. Upholding professional responsibilities may include staying later than expected to complete work, organizing, researching and preparing. While there were times that I would be completely exhausted from a work day, I found it beneficial to dedicate time for personal health including mental, physical and social aspects. Maintaining active participation in a wellness center, getting outdoors and socializing with others are a few of the things that allowed me to stay balanced throughout graduate school. Scheduling and planning out my time was beneficial in achieving this balance. For instance, if I was to get home at 5:30pm that would leave me with ~4.5 hours to spend before going to bed. I found that creating a timeline (45 minutes for dinner, 1 hour for the gym, etc) is effective for carrying out intended tasks. Achieving this balance can prevent exhaustion and burnout which will greatly impact the care provided to clients.
5. Demonstrates functional level of confidence and self assurance. 5. At the beginning of each clinical rotation, I experienced a feeling of uncertainty. Luckily, during the first week or two of each rotation I spent time observing a trained, clinical occupational therapist. As I studied the ways in which each OTR/L interacted with clients, I discovered there was leadership yet it was balanced with humbleness and compassion. Every client is different is their own way, but one thing I’ve learned is that a good deal of clients are looking to you for guidance and direction. I have come to understand that possessing a certain level of confidence and leadership allows clients to trust the information and guidance you are providing them with. This was particularly true when working with clients post-op shoulder surgery. Occupational therapy was the first service to assess and mobilize clients post-up shoulder surgery. With that being said, most clients post shoulder surgery were incredibly nervous to remove their surgical arm from the immobilizer and then mobilize their surgical arm on post-operative day 1. Having confidence and assuring clients that I knew what I was doing made a huge difference in the outcome of these interaction.
6. Uses humor to diffuse tension. 6. I often utilized this humor to diffuse tension and anxiety in the acute care setting. In many cases, clients in the acute care setting have recently undergone some kind of medical intervention impacting his or her life. There is a fine balance in utilizing humor to allow clients to relax and ease into the process of rehabilitating skills that have been impaired. I would frequently begin by stating that I was first going to ask the hardest question of the day, “What is your name and date of birth?” I found utilizing light humor to be advantageous in building a therapeutic relationship and once a therapeutic relationship was established I would have greater success in participation.
7. Maintains professional behavior, regardless of problem or situation. 7. Professional behavior refers to the way in which one conducts himself or herself including respecting others. While completing a clinical rotation at a skilled nursing facility, I encountered a male client that often refused therapy services. One of the factors for individuals attending a skilled nursing facility who are there to receive therapy services is that they must receive a set amount of time with therapy in order for the facility to be reimbursed. There were moments when this particular client would be cursing, swearing and becoming aggressive at the fact that I was attempting to interact with him for therapy. Some days, I would attempt OT service multiple times per day with this client. Regardless of the reaction I received from the client, I always strived to maintain composure and respect for the individual. Some days were better than others but I found it to be beneficial to communicate with PT for back to back therapy sessions or allow the client to have a say in when he would prefer to participate in therapy. Establishing appropriate communication, re-enforcing goals and purpose for OT session, meeting the client needs, and active listening were all effective ways in which I was able to maintain professional behavior and address the client's need for OT intervention. Through diligent effort from both parties, we gained mutual respect for each other and each other’s needs. I learned that with some clients, they prefer to be straightforward and know the exact plan and rationale for all aspects of things.
8. Takes risks to maximize outcomes. 8. I have taken risks by challenging client's abilities to their just right challenge in order to assist them in meeting their goal. For instance, while leading a group exercise class I encouraged two ladies to attend even though they were hesitant and didn't believe they could participate in all the exercises. I assured them I would be there to assist them through the exercises and that whatever exercises they could participate would be enough! I positioned the ladies in a location that I could have frequent contact with them. While I believed in them and they believed in me, we all took the risk together to maximize on potential outcomes but made appropriate adjustments for safety.
9. Uses knowledge and information in an innovative way. 9. While completing my psychosocial rotation at an adult day center, I began to lead a weekly small men’s group. Oftentimes, the men attending the facility were uninterested and not engaging in the programs offered. Leading an engaging men’s group proved to be very challenging. I spent many hours planning and preparing for leading these groups because I truly wanted the men to have something that they enjoyed and that was just for them. The underlying goals I set for these small men’s group ranged from coping skills, problem solving, perceptual skills, daily reflections, and social participation. In order to engage the men, I centered the group around topics of interest including vintage cars, music, airplanes, tools, outdoor activities, home maintenance, etc. Much to my surprise, I was successful in leading these groups and producing positive results enhancing the performance and engagement of men attending the adult day center.
10. Empowers clients and team members. 10. During my Level II clinical rotation at an adult day service center, I discovered the office space was in need of organization. For me, it is important to have my work environment setup in an organized manner. I find it helpful for improving workflow, productivity and quality of work. After organizing the office space at the facility, I found that many team members were empowered by the change in the work environment. This action facilitated a mini-movement at the facility to organize/clean work areas in order to maximize their work environment and quality of work. In addition to this, organizing the office space will also allow future students to find resources, ideas and educational material to advance their learning.
11. Actively participates in leadership or supportive roles in local, state, and/or national associations. 11. In order to advance our profession, we must participate in advocating and evolving our practice. To do so, I have taken on an active role in different opportunities during occupational therapy school. I have served as SOTA Treasurer and Rachel Kay Stevens Center Operations Coordinator for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. On a larger scale, I have maintained membership of AOTA and TNOTA as well. Through membership of AOTA, I receive the OT practice journal that I actively read to stay updated on opportunities, news, changes, and research. I plan to continue to be a part of enhancing the future of our profession by actively participating in local and national associations.
12. Maintains values over self-promotion or profit. 12. This concept of maintaining values over self-promotion or profit calls attention to being able to appropriately terminate or hold occupational therapy services when a client has plateaued or maxed out on functional potential/return. I have observed situations where the client has continued to seen by therapy services although the client has not progressed in an extended period of time. While on my Level II rotations, anytime I occured a situation like this I would document my observations and converse with my fieldwork educator on the appropriate process to take. It is our professional responsibility to always have the client’s best interest in mind.