It’s been one crazy year…well, for me, and I thought this holiday season would be the best time to reflect on my experiences. First and foremost, I have to say, that life isn’t a bowl of cherries. In fact, there are oranges, apples, bananas and a whole basket of other fruits. I’ve started the year with a new role where I’m able to interact with students and new graduates coming into the healthcare field and it’s been fantastic. No one is the same, of course, and no matter the field (PT, OT, or SLP), everyone has their own “flavor”, if you will, that they bring to the table. I just love it!
OK, it’s game time. Pomp and circumstance is approaching fast, which means, you are now about to start your post-school career. A whirlwind of questions and decisions will be coming your way, but no fear, help is definitely here.
First and foremost, preparation! You wouldn’t walk into boards without cracking a book so why would you start your career without first doing some basic homework. Preparation starts with you and that means knowing all about what you have to offer your potential employer.
The top question reported by our recruiters: “Do you have a position in (fill in the blank with OP/IP/SNF…)?”
This is followed by the top statement: “I don’t feel comfortable in (fill in the blank with OP/IP/SNF…)?”
The point is that most new graduates want to be in a specific setting. More often than not, a student or new graduate will tell you what an area of interest is and will then focus on finding a job in that setting only. There isn’t anything wrong with this method, but please know that not all settings are readily available just because you are.
“Should I travel as a new grad?” is one of the most asked questions I receive when talking to students. Choosing a travel job versus a full time position is truly based on what your goals are or what motivates you. When you identify those factors, making a decision becomes fairly easy. I’ll address a few of the common motivators that can influence the ‘to travel or not to travel’ question in this and the next couple of blogs.
October is National Physical Therapy month! This is a great opportunity to step back and pat yourself on the shoulder for all of the work you do and for the good that comes from it. As many healthcare workers do, we focus so much on pushing ourselves to help others with their own treatment and wellness, that we often times neglect ourselves. Take time this month to not only take pride in your career choice, but to make sure your patients get the healthiest and most focused you. With all of the stressors in life (family, money, and work to name a FEW), it’s easy for us to overlook ourselves as a priority.
As winter turns to spring we celebrate National Occupational Therapy Month. These dedicated professionals are out on a daily basis helping individuals and families recover and get back to work, sports, and just being able to take care of themselves at home. These caring professionals include both Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist Assistants.
From a personal [...]
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