The atmosphere at physical therapy jobs is quite different than at most other jobs. Not only do you spend a lot of time around your patients, but in many cases, you work alongside other physical therapists as well. Since the environment is so collaborative, it's important that everyone work hard to not only provide quality care but also strive to be the best co-worker they can be. Here are a few tips for working with the other employees in your physical therapy office.
Work efficiently
Physical therapy offices don't have a lot of down time. In between patients, there is paperwork and other office duties that have to take precedence. According to New Grad Physical Therapy, the No. 1 thing that hiring managers in physical therapy offices look for is an efficient use of time. If you have time to socialize or play on your phone, you have time to strengthen your physical therapy skills or to make the clinic a more pleasant place for patients and your co-workers. It's not just your bosses who will appreciate your efficient use of your shift, either. If your co-worker needs some help and you have the time to lend, he or she will surely appreciate it.
Stay positive
While it's not necessary to stroll in every Monday morning with a smile on your face and a cup of coffee, a little bit of positivity can go a long way in an industry like physical therapy. An optimistic attitude is crucial to a quick recovery. If you find that you're surrounded by negative co-workers, simply remove yourself from the environment, and when you're acting negative, chances are they'll do the same. Working in the medical field, you can't have a bad day – and if you do have one, your patients shouldn't know about it. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to avoid feeling down in the dumps. If you find yourself upset at work, try excusing yourself for lunch. Treat yourself to your favorite restaurant in the area, or go for a walk when the weather is nice. If someone else is giving off a negative vibe, talk to him or her and focus on all of the good things you're all doing at your job and try to cheer him or her up.
Ask for opinions
Since you work in such a collaborative environment, your perspective isn't the only ones that matter. Whenever a decision affects other people you work with, ask for other co-worker's opinions before taking action. Not only will this make them feel like they're included, but you may also have your mind opened to a conclusion you had never considered before. In addition, don't hesitate to praise each other for a job well-done or a good idea, either. Physical therapy jobs can get stressful at times, but when you're surrounded by good co-workers, there's nothing you all can't accomplish.