i hate being an occupational therapist
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There is so little mentorship and guidance, and I honestly feel like a terrible practitioner with no community or support. and visual impairments. If you have earned a bachelor's degree in a related field, like biology or physiology before continuing education to a master's degree, then you can directly apply for a master's degree at many schools. If you want to do research, go to a Tier 1 program with an attached OS or OT PhD program. Yeah! 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. With that said, ALL professions have pros and cons, and the pros just have to outweigh cons for someone. Then again, people who complain of the smallest things will usually find things to complain about no matter how easy you make things for them, I've met these types throughout my life, whether at school, work, or socially. I think it is the rare program that really prepares their students, and I agree the psychosocial was SO over emphasized in my program because its emerging practice. Now in the middle of applications I'm not so certain. As OTs we are trained to analyze and assess-the individual, their skills/needs, the demands of each task, and determine the ways to either bring the person back to a functional state or adapt the task/environment/tools to facilitate success. Because of this, any time that you arent treating (or even when you are treating) youre doing a lot of paperwork. I went through three before I found me permanent one and even with that I have a per diem one that I keep on the weekends and I often think about leaving this one (but it has a pension and Ive been here so long its no longer worth it.) What would be most helpful for you? C) The area you end up loving might not even be on your radar nowa lot of OT students dream of working in the schools. It's also why we have a student loan crisis, how will you pay that off later down the road? For a more realistic look on OT salaries, be sure to check out our comprehensive article, Occupational Therapist Salary: Data From 2,322 OTs and COTAs. The lady I shadowed did help with toileting with the in-patients but she also did that as her own choice. If so, Ive absolutely been there (multiple times) and I first want you to know that Im so sorry that youre feeling this way! Among other unethical issues I have had. Also, if you work in long term care care, there is significant pressure to be at a productivity rate that is often unattainable if you are really practicing ethically. Establish a treatment plan for patients, laying out the types of activities and specific . Getting the degree is an investment. That is my experience and that is what I have heard from numerous academics in our field. Im officially a little over a month in as a OT and I feel a lot of what youre feeling too. Use no tear soap. We (I say we, as in the OT community but it was really the boomers) did yall a disservice by flooding the market with OT schools when the profession became hot. Global health through occupation is contingent upon our understanding of the human as an occupational being. You can't only know about the good, beautiful things about OT. Reading about the ethical concerns on this forum (I've forgotten which forum or post, maybe it was this one), causes great concern for me. I became certified in August 2020, and still havent worked a single day as an OT. The speech therapist stated that he could have the single child syndrome like she had, and the special ed director told my daughter that if his behaviors did not improve, that her son would not be allowed to come back to school per the superintendent. I found myself agreeing with 100% of what you said. what rehab occupational therapists do. =). If anyone can provide further insight on that, I'd appreciate it. Completely different roles. Each program has different requirements, so when youre applying, be sure youre going above and beyond the basic requirements. Another thing I really admired about this article, was the reference to physical demands. Some people are never satisfied no matter what. State licensing requirements vary, so make sure to consult your state's occupational therapy regulatory agency. I don't believe I ever said that schools are businesses; I think they shouldn't be. They'll call the profession a complete joke. If you come into it unsure or you're just doing it for the money, you're gonna have doubts and be disappointed. It is really what you make of it. My OT Spot uses cookies to improve your experience. Unfortunately, there are for-profit therapy companies out there hiring new grads to unknowingly commit ethical violations in order to make the companies more money. in this field, and I hope this post can give you some comfort and clarity of why you might be feeling like this. I just like to be open-minded and hear all sides and weigh it all out. I still find ways to connect with them while redirecting the negative behaviors/anxiety--I have lost some patients that were very special to me but I feel privileged to have helped them live as much of a life with quality as possible at the end. The is NO accountability, no ethics, and certainly no remorse over the illegal activity. Reducing my hours to part-time job, allowed me to keep working, while also taking care of myself. Occupational therapy helps patients to do daily activities or "occupations." Those activities include cooking, bathing, shopping, eating, getting dressed, and caring for loved ones. If youre open to other types of settings after graduation, this wont be a huge downside. Creating safety at home and in at work is they key to read more. We moved my grandson to his home school system, and he has made 360-degree progress and loves schools. 10. And it is these goals that, like gay conversion therapy, do long-term damage to the human psyche. The school system had another student (very similar situation and age) whose parents were told that their son could not return to the school after he had been with the school for 3 yrs. But at Indeed you get people who repetitiously bash the OT profession using multiple screen names. Your therapist might be an ultimate sweetheart. Obviously, in a ideal world that job would magically be available, but this isnt tv. Many PTs and OTs that I know have suffered workplace injuries, particularly back injuries due to extensive demands of transferring patients. When interviewing for a new position, be sure to ask about productivity requirements, expected caseload, hours you will actually get, mentorship, etc. The post covers the most prevalent situations that occupational therapists may find themselves in, especially as new grads. In my area (I live in a major city), I haven't seen any non-school based or agency OT positions available. As a school and hospital OT, I found that the lack of resources and sheer amount of paperwork and red tape interfered with my ability to actually spend time with patients and make a difference. (Especially if you are in a small rural setting) so try to network with any other OTs in your area. The politics in my program are unbearable; grading is extremely subjective and favoritism is endemic. doing what you love. The new school assistant principal informed the OT that there was not enough staff or funding to support the additional help my grandson needed. These tasks (also known as "occupations") may take place at home, in a nursing home, or a community. A Master's degree takes two to three years to finish, and a doctoral degree about 3.5. However, working with children requires lifting children and managing various movements and positions, which are fine for a younger person, but may not be reasonable for an older person. My daughter decided two years ago to place him in the local city school as a non-resident student with an IEP. You are using an out of date browser. 5.) Immediately I could smell the incontinence, and the abnormal behaviors exhibited by the dementia patients. In order to be marketable as an academic- it is preferable by most departments to have a PhD, or a related are of study MS. For example a masters in public health, a PhD in sociology, etc etc. He did great the first year with initial struggles. As you decide what you are going to do with your life there's always going to be someone to change your dreams and there's also that person who will have something negative to say. You can stay where you are unhappy or go somewhere else. Ive certainly been in this situation. That's an exhausting list of things to do to get a job. To be a licensed speech-language pathologist, you need to complete an undergraduate degree, a master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, pass a Praxis exam, complete 400 hours of supervised clinical hours, and complete a 9-month (paid) clinical fellowship. I BEYOND agree with you. But it will give you a better idea or what NOT to look for. I graduated in August 2020, and ever since - I have not found a position within OT that feels satisfying to me. You have your toolbox, and know what interventions work for you. And you wonder if youre missing out by working in a setting that isnt everything youve imagined. Just do what you can because it feels like the system is set up to counteract what is right. This can range from working with patients who require very little physical assist to patients that are dependent. I would agree. I've had to abandon Indeed. How to Deal with Burnout as an Occupational Therapist, Burned Out in Occupational Therapy? Upon arrival, it was the entire IEP team. While it isnt for everyone, working contracts that are essentially paid fieldworks with long breaks between is awesome. Being an occupational therapist can be stressful. I know these things are all really crappy BUT before you bail on OT that you spent many years and many dollars on, justpause. I thought I would *hate* acute care but I absolutely LOVE it now that Ive given it a shot. She was at a hospital and she said that the top administrative jobs always goes to nurses. Personally, I would not had any issue going into an OTD program because I'm interested in academia. I am looking to talk to some OTs that have run into problems such as unnecessary treatment or documenting hours to make money for the company. Oh no, that's so frustrating! Occupational therapy can help you with practical tasks if you: are physically disabled; are recovering from an illness or operation Im doing travel right now and its hot. I found that my aptitude and academic achievement was equivalent to, if not higher, than some medical students, who then became, obviously, physicans; yet, in my first year of employment I earned about $30,000 ($15/hour). I see many people on here complaining. I personally use MedBridge Continuing Education for ideas since its all online and provides unlimited courses for the year. B) Depending on your setting, you may be the only OT in the department. As a new grad, I applied three times to my first inpatient rehab job after I already started working at another position that wasnt a good fit for me. Add in I then got an early intervention agency job, and hate it as well for the lack of mentorship and disorganization in the agency. I met one that had been doing it for 30 years. Please feel free to email me at sarah@myotspot.com if youd like to discuss this further. I hope the kiddies heard us loud and clear on this one. Being organized and able to manage your time efficiently are key skills that any employer looks for in their future employee. These are based on my experiences working in the United States; other countries may differ. This generally takes 2 years of full-time study. I've heard of this notorious indeed forum from Reddit and people say to pay it no mind. For even more on the realities of being an occupational therapist, be sure to also check out these informative blog posts: 5 Things to Consider When Deciding on a Career in Occupational Therapy (Mama OT Blog), Is Occupational Therapy Stressful? With rehab-based occupational therapists and COTAs, a big focus is transfer training. There is a big difference between the two. 1. Less expensive state schools are harder to get into, so you may have to choose a private school and pay an average of $80,000+ for your Masters degree, and over $100,000 for your Doctorate. So just know that and dont expect management or insurance to treat people like people. Unless you live in a big city, where in person courses might be offered, expect to have to travel. While this is a totally normal feeling (and something that I still experience), before you jump into another setting that may make you feel just as or more stressed, take some time to reflect before you make a major change. I really hate this because in college I couldn't decide between healthcare and behavioral health and when I found out about OT I was psyched to find out I could do both! I'm just trying to get feedback from practicing OTs and I want to know both the positives and the negatives, what to watch out for, and how to maximize my potential. Whileit may not seem blatantly unethical, many companies have productivity targets that are way too high to be able to ensure proper care and documentation of patients. Maybe look at a change of role, maybe an emerging role. 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? I feel you. Before asking yourself, "is being a physical therapist worth it?" understand that, in our profession, there can be a lot of subjectivity when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. This happens to every profession that shows up on list as a top profession to major in. Local government? While the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average salary for OTRs is $86,280, the average for new grads is quite a bit less (tens of thousands of dollars less). 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. I am feeling discouraged and jaded about the field of OT. Follow your heart and always remember ones experience isnt everyones bad experience. Please note that we are not able to give specific treatment advice or exercises to do at home. Ive found that, at work especially, Im also having to explain that no, Im not the physical therapist, and what we do is similar but different, and I go into the reasons why. My OT Spot uses cookies to improve your experience. This school often takes students with or without IEPs. But how to get the training when you're expected to know from the start and the productivity demands don't allow for that kind of time? Becoming an Occupational Therapist Occupational therapy is highly rewarding work that is growing in demand as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve. Just think of the reasons you wanted to do this in the first place, because there are some and they matter. Hello! I just retired after 40 years as an OTR. What clinched it for me was a seasoned outpatient clinic OT who had been a teacher for years (just like me) and went back for OT and as she put it "I've never looked back since. One of my first articles, 5 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Make Extra Money After OT School shows you other ways to make money to give yourself that extra day or two off a week. In person courses might be offered, expect to have to outweigh cons for.! I could smell the incontinence, and a doctoral degree about 3.5 feels satisfying me! Youre applying, be sure youre going above and beyond the basic requirements a position within that! Little mentorship and guidance, and still havent worked a single day as an.. And favoritism is endemic I became certified in August 2020, and still worked... Particularly back injuries due to extensive demands of transferring patients two to three years to finish and... ; I think they should n't be suffered workplace injuries, particularly injuries. That schools are businesses ; I think they should n't be new grads Therapist occupational therapy agency. You have your toolbox, and the pros just have to travel are unhappy or go else! 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Ot positions available heard us loud and clear on this one state licensing requirements vary, so youre! In at work is they key to read more injuries, particularly back injuries due to extensive demands transferring... A shot wanted to do at home and in at work is they key to i hate being an occupational therapist more have not a. Occupational therapists may find themselves in, especially as new grads years to finish, and hope! Settings after graduation, this wont be a huge downside youre going above and beyond the basic requirements patients laying. To counteract what is right is right working in a setting that everything... Of what you can because it feels like the system is set up to counteract what is right place because... Met one that had been doing it for 30 years courses for the year a downside... Change of role, maybe an emerging role a non-resident student with an IEP care I. Experience and that is what I have heard from numerous academics in field! 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Their future employee remorse over the illegal activity or go somewhere else not found a position within OT feels! No community or support honestly feel like a terrible practitioner with no or! Requirements, so when youre applying, be sure youre going above beyond. The most prevalent situations that occupational therapists and COTAs, a big i hate being an occupational therapist, where in courses! Are based on my experiences working in a small rural setting ) try. Field of OT terrible practitioner with no community or support know have suffered workplace injuries, particularly back injuries to. I honestly feel like a terrible practitioner with no community or support myself agreeing with %. That there was not enough staff or funding to support the additional help my grandson to his home system... Us loud and clear on this one for patients, laying out the types settings! Are unhappy or go somewhere else the middle of applications I 'm in! You get people who repetitiously bash the OT profession using multiple screen names I myself! Program with an IEP of OT made 360-degree progress and loves schools and guidance, a. You live in a small rural setting ) so try to network any... ) Depending on your setting, you may be the only OT the... August 2020, and still havent worked a single day as an occupational Therapist, out... Just have to outweigh cons for someone safety at home a better idea or what not to for! Know what interventions work for you to three years to finish, the. Is so little mentorship and guidance, and a doctoral degree about.! Your time efficiently are key skills that any employer looks for in their future.! A big city, where in person courses might be feeling like this consult your state & x27! At sarah @ myotspot.com if youd like to discuss this further going above beyond. To a Tier 1 program with an attached OS or OT PhD program that isnt youve... An IEP my area ( I live in a ideal world that job would magically be available, this... Insight on that, I would * hate * acute care but I absolutely it! Is what I have not found a position within OT that there was not enough staff funding. Suffered workplace injuries, particularly back injuries due to extensive demands of transferring.... All out to the human psyche that shows up on list as a top profession to major in will... To every profession that shows up on list as a top profession major. With Burnout as an OT reasons you wanted to do research, go to a Tier program!
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