Do you have what it takes to be considered an excellent travel PT? Beyond your knowledge and skills, you'll need to possess some key qualities and traits. If you would like to perform at your best and be on the top of the list when it comes to travel therapy professionals, keep these things in mind:
Passion is key
As with most professions, your clients will be able to tell if you are passionate about a career in travel physical therapy. Not only will you find it easier to make it through difficult and long days if you care about your career, but it will come through in the way that you interact with colleagues and patients. During your assignments, you'll be more likely to take the necessary steps that aid you in becoming an informed and active member of the PT community. Because of the constant interaction with individuals who are putting their faith in you, you'll need to make sure that physical therapy is something you deeply care about before beginning your career.
Attitude makes a difference
Perhaps your attitude will be greatly affected by your level of passion within the industry, but how you act can make a great impact in the way people view you. If you express confidence in your therapy routines and patients themselves, it's likely that they will have more faith as well. If you came to a patient saying, "I don't know if you'll be able to do this…,' odds are they won't be able to complete the exercise. Instead, you will want to approach a difficult position by stating, "This is going to be challenging, but I know you can do it!" Your faith in your client will morph into that individual believing in him or herself. Other key attributes to your attitude include remaining humble and kind, even when you're feeling worn out.
Constant communication
There are two types of communication that are important for you to become successful in travel PT jobs: translative and motivational. Although it's important to encourage your patients by letting them know when they are doing well, this won't necessarily make or break your effectiveness. The more important aspect here is that you are capable of clearly describing to your patients what it is that you want them to do. Explaining exercises and routines in a descriptive and decisive manner will allow less room for error. You also need to talk to your patient about why you are having him or her do a specific routine and how it will aid in recovery. If you are missing this skill there is a possibility that the confidence your patients have in you may be limited.
Experience makes perfect
Perhaps the most important attribute to being a successful travel physical therapy professional is your experience with the field. In addition to a professional history, this includes your personal experience of how and why PT is important. If you are or were an athlete and have ever needed therapy yourself, you may have a better understanding of this. In the event you are ever working with a patient who has suffered the same injury you once did, you can use this as an opportunity to share your experience as motivation for him or her. Although you won't always be able to directly relate to a patient's situation, take time to learn from each person you treat. Down the road, you may find that that professional experience comes in handy with another client. Make the most of each of your assignments and be sure to learn something that you can take with you.