Demonstrates the ability to give constructive and timely feedback A requirement for level II fieldwork is completing forms that allow both the student and fieldwork educator the opportunity to give feedback. I completed this required documentation for each level II fieldwork experience. Attached is a portion of feedback from the site SEFWE and my feedback to one of my fieldwork educators from my pediatric rotation.
Modifies behavior in response to feedback; seeks opportunities to apply feedback I value feedback. I feel as though that is one of the greatest ways to learn and improve my skills in occupational therapy. In each setting was a fresh start with different skills needed during each rotation. This gave me optimal time to receive feedback both positive and constructive. I was very appreciative of the feedback given because then I could take this new knowledge and increase my skills and effectiveness in occupational therapy. For example, I was working with a patient that had suffered from a stroke. I had never worked with a neurological patient before. I was unsure where to start my treatment session. My FWE gave me some ideas and sent me on my way. She watched from distance, taking her own notes on things that could be approved upon. That was the best experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to get through the treatment session and figure out how to complete the treatment activities. After the session, I sat down with my FWE and she provided me with some feedback. I went home that night and did some research on treatment ideas and suggestions she provided. The next day when I saw that same patient I was prepared with a full hour's worth of ideas and more confidence. impatient_rehab_final_.pdf
Productively uses knowledge of own strengths and weaknesses Continually, throughout this entire fieldwork experience I found that each of my educators reported to me that they believed my documentation was a strength. I took a lot of pride in this because I had always thought my documentation was not a strength, so for that to be confirmed 3 separate times in 3 different settings has given me more confidence in my documentation skills. On my last rotation I would even write up prior authorizations for insurance to ensure that our clients got the maximum number of minutes paid for by Medicaid. A weakness that was made known to me on my third rotation was that I was still a little hesitant to jump in and get started on the treatment session. I could see that within myself that I needed to improve and work on my initiating a treatment session with a child. So, I would make myself ask the child 3 questions right when I saw them to help build rapport so we both felt more comfortable for me to begin the treatment session. I would ask questions such as "How was your day at school," "What did you eat for lunch?" Even "Tell me what you are going to do when you get home today." These were all friendly conversation starters and made initiating the treatment session more comfortable.
Maintains balance in personal and professional life while prioritizing professional responsibilities and commitments At times it has been difficult to balance personal commitments while prioritizing professional commitments. Below is the calendar I used to prioritize my time and keep on track to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle by planning my workout times and when I was going to complete different projects as well as write up evaluations that I had completed that week. Within the clinic there was a set amount of time to submit a write-up for an evaluation, so I had to stay on top of writing those up while also providing myself healthy breaks, so that I would stay mentally focused and produce my best work. balance_in_personal-professional.pdf
Demonstrates functional level of confidence and self assurance I have demonstrated a functional level of confidence and self-assurance throughout these fieldwork rotations by being able to explain why we do the different things we do for clients, families, and other professionals, while also being able to answer any questions that arise. Over time I have gotten more comfortable with speaking about occupational therapy. Weekly interdisciplinary conferences were held at Baptist Memorial Hospital to discuss patient’s status and needs throughout their stay in rehab. I was able to listen to other points of view while also advocating for OT services based on the client’s needs. Also before the patient was discharged the facility required a “family training” by the therapist, so this gave me the opportunity to really explain to the family how important OT is and how they need to continue to incorporate it at home. (Below is a family training note I made for myself as to not forget anything I needed to discuss with the family. Also, an exert from my final evaluation from Beth Buchan OTR/L on my mental health rotation.) mental_health_final_.pdf family_training_note_2.pdf
Uses humor to diffuse tension During my rotation at CME, I was splitting time between two fieldwork educators. When midterm came upon us one of my educators filled out my evaluation and the other could make changes if necessary. I only reviewed my midterm evaluation with one of the educators due to scheduling issues. The next time I saw my other educator I wanted to ask her what she would like for me to improve upon. So, I asked her, and she said the one thing that she would like to see is for me to be less hesitant and take more control of treatment sessions. I knew this was something that I could work on and improve so I said, “Okay I’ll start holding my breath and just jump into the deep end”. That phrase made both of us laugh and a serious conversation more comfortable. From that point on I jumped right in with all the kids, had my plans ready for the next session before it began, and planned fun activities as often as I could.
Maintains professional behavior, regardless of problem or situation During my final week at BMH I had been working with a patient that was in isolation due to C. Diff (Clostridium difficile.) She was recovering from a THA and was in need a of a speech language pathology evaluation, but adamantly refused. Cognitively she was in and out of what was happening around her. I would conduct treatment sessions and she would need constant reminders of what to do during an activity or exercise. On her discharge day I went into her room to do the family training with her and her husband. I introduced myself and began explaining to her husband what OT is and the skills we had been working on with his wife. He quickly started asking me questions about things out of my scope of practice such as medicine and dealing with insurance about her hospital stay. I politely informed the husband that I could not answer those questions, but that I would gladly go and find someone that could answer his questions. He began yelling at me and shaking his finger in my face. I apologized that I could not answer his questions, and I tried to continue with my family training for the client’s safety. He was unwilling to listen, so I excused myself and went to the nurse’s station and informed them of the situation. I gave the client and her husband time to calm down and then my fieldwork educator returned with me to finish the family training. Even during a family member’s anger, I was able to stay calm and professional to handle the situation in a professional manner.
Takes risks to maximize outcomes Taking risks can be difficult for me. One day on my pediatric rotation I was on my way to a patient’s home when my fieldwork educator was telling me about how the young mother was always slightly afraid of her own child due to his extreme involvement. My educator explained to me that the child was over a year old before he was started in therapy and frequently she would show up to their house and he would not be using the necessary medical/therapy equipment that the child needed even though it was provided. She said she talked to his mother several times and finally figured out that she was scared she would hurt him or make things worse because she was not sure how to interact with a child that was so involved, even though it was her own. I took this as a challenge for myself. Previously, I had not had the opportunity to work with children that had extreme physical disabilities. For example, this toddler was hypertonic with severe neck extension, and left side neglect. He had no specific diagnosis. Before I left this rotation, I wanted to be comfortable working with children having more severe physical disabilities, so I made it my goal to initiate contact with this child and transfer him as much as I could. I worked with him once and occasionally twice a week. I can proudly say that I can confidently work with children that suffer from more physical issues without fearfulness.
Uses knowledge and information in an innovative way For my second rotation I was asked to submit an intervention project for the inpatient rehab unit to use during treatment sessions. They had a storage room full of wonderful and creative projects, games, and activities. I truly had to consider my patients and what they most needed to decided on a project idea. After careful consideration I decided to use my knowledge ROM to create an intervention that my clients would enjoy. Often my clients would use the ROM arc and would quickly become bored with it. So, I thought about how I could make it more enjoyable for the clients while also working on maintaining or increasing their ROM. I utilized my resources and personal skill to create a wooden maze that would stand vertically, therefore patients would have to reach in various directions to guide their knob through the maze. This maze included 3 different switch out knobs to help increase grip strength. The maze was also a cognitive challenge as they had to use their visual motor skills. The maze could be turned each time to create a new pathway for the client to maneuver through. Below is a picture of my maze.
img_3737.jpg Empowers clients and team members During my second rotation at Baptist Memorial Hospital I had the amazing opportunity to work with my first ever THA patient. She was my first patient that I was allowed to treat on my own. I went into her room at 7am to start our ADLs. She was an encouraging woman that only made positive remarks regarding herself and other clients that she had made friends with on the unit. We reviewed the hip precautions and I taught her the most effective ways for dressing, along with showing her how to use each item in a hip kit. When it came to using the sock aid, she was truly amazed that she could independently put on her own socks. She was a weak elderly woman, so during our treatment session the next day in the gym we worked on using the sock aid and increasing her upper extremity strength. By the time her family training day came she was well prepared to go home. The first thing she wanted to show her daughter was how she could put her socks on with no help. They were both so proud. I truly felt like I had empowered my client by increasing her independence even if it was in a small way.
Actively participates in leadership or supportive roles in local, state, and/or national associations One way that I have actively participated in a local leadership role is by spreading the word about the Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center on my fieldwork rotations. I have educated others about the services offered at the clinic and ways that they can contribute to keep the clinic up and running. My last rotation at CME in Jonesboro, Ar I had the opportunity to work in pediatrics. I took advantage of my placement and asked to have some of my clients submit artwork for the 2nd annual RKSTC art show to help raise money for the clinic, so that services for under insured children can continue. My fieldwork educators were more than willing to let me create artwork with the kids during a few of our treatment sessions. I am thrilled that I was able to contribute to our local community through the RKTSC fundraiser.
One other way that I support OT is through AOTA. I have been a member since I joined OT school and continue to utilize their resources, so that I can provide the best care possible for my patients.
Maintains values over self-promotion or profit I maintained values over self-promotion or profit by being honest with time schedules. Patients were scheduled back to back and as in the real-world people are late or busy doing something else. On my last rotation there were often instances where a child was late for their appointment or maybe they were asleep when we went to go get them from class. All of these factors can make a good schedule get off course. I strived to mark down the true time of when I saw each patient, to ensure that we were not profiting from waiting 10 minutes for a child to arrive. I documented strictly for the time that the client was being treated for OT services to maintain my personal values and the values of our profession.