Appreciates the influence of socio-cultural, socioeconomic, political, diversity factors, and lifestyle choices on engagement in occupation throughout the lifespan My time spent at Baptist Health Hospital provided me with the opportunity to work with patients of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, religions, and socioeconomic status’. I worked with clients that were physically fit, overweight, wealthy, economically challenged, spiritual, non-spiritual, open minded, and close minded. One client in particular stands out to me. The patient was suffering from depression and was voluntarily on the unit because he admitted he was contemplating the idea of suicide. I conducted his evaluation and determined a need for a session on coping skills and leisure activities. He was an African American male, that held a respected job within the community, and he was from Great Brittain. He had moved countries in search of his family, had a terribly hard time with the language barrier, and he felt in isolation due to not knowing anyone. We discussed his coping skills and he disclosed that he mainly drinks to cope, but that only leads him into trouble. We searched for new skills such as exercise or taking some time to meditate and reflect. He was open to all of these ideas. He confided in me that he was very self-conscious about his accent and reported that many of his co workers would make fun of him and he would shut down. I told him I could understand him well with the exception of when he was talking at an increased rate. We discussed different leisure activities for him to pursue in his area. He reported he would like to ride bikes, go for walks, and read. I took his interests and gave him some ideas of where he could make friends by participating in these activities. For instance, a book club in his neighborhood, I told him to go rent a bike and find someone renting one as well and see if they wanted to ride together sometime. He was a nice man and he was in a foreign country with no one to turn to. I can appreciate his diverse background and I’m honored I could reach out to him and help him to provide someone or something to find comfort in during those tough times.
Communicates effectively with a wide range of clients, peers, and professionals both verbally and non-verbally My time at Baptist Health Hospital allowed me to meet this goal by having one on one sessions with clients focusing solely on their life and ways to adapt and change themselves or the environment to create a positive lifestyle. I communicated with 2 different COTA students throughout this process. One student was at the end of her rotation when I was just beginning mine and she was able to show me the ropes of documentation and leading a group in this specific setting. The second COTA began working a few weeks after I did, and she was placed under my supervision. This required effective communication since we were peers I had to make sure that we also were working to the best of our abilities and I was held responsible for any questions or concerns from the COTA. This rotation lead me to communicate effectively with the social workers that meet with the clients on a day to day basis. We would question one another about the client’s demeanor and attitude each day, while also comparing notes on what information the client had given us to ensure that we had the most accurate information to find them housing or jobs for when they left the hospital.
Collaborates with clients and caregivers in establishing and maintain a balance of pleasurable, productive, and restful occupations to promote health and prevent disease and disability While at Baptist Memorial Hospital in inpatient rehab I worked with a client that had recently undergone a CABG procedure. This was my first opportunity to work with a patient that was recovering from this surgery. She was an eccentric middle-aged woman that enjoyed traveling the country with her husband in their RV. She was originally from Florida but ended up at the hospital in Mississippi since they were traveling. She began her stay needing moderate assistance with her ADLs and several rest breaks throughout the treatment sessions. We had many good talks discussing places she had traveled and the places she would still like to go and see. She and her husband brought to my attention one day that they would like to continue their trip across the country instead of returning home to Florida. But they were unsure since she would still be recovering from her surgery. I discussed the concern with my fieldwork educator and we agreed that should be fine if she was comfortable and able to get adequate rest. One main concern was the size of the shower in their RV. Although, she had increased independence to stand by assist for transfers and dressing, we had to brainstorm a way for her to shower safely. The shower was very small and truly only allowed for standing room. After considering different options, it was suggested that maybe they cover a plastic folding chair with a grip liner to increase traction. Her husband would be able to remove it from the shower as needed and would still be able to safely move into the shower. Overall, I feel like I was able to collaborate with this patient and her family to promote her health and happiness, so that she could continue doing what she most loved. family_training_note_.pdf
Inspires confidence in clients and team members During my time spent at Baptist Health Hospital in the behavioral health unit I had the opportunity to mentor and work with a COTA student. I had only been working at the facility about 3 weeks before the COTA student, Hannah, began her rotation. At this point I was independent with evaluations, one on one sessions, and leading movement group. She began by working with our fieldwork educator on conducting one on one sessions. Shortly, after Hannah started working, my fieldwork educator gave me the responsibility of aiding Hannah in her one on one sessions if she needed assistance or if a problem arose. One day Hannah asked me to come and help her through a one on one session with a substance abuse client. The patient was very charismatic, talkative, and did not seem to have a serious attitude about his substance abuse problem. She was worried that she would not be able to overcome his personality to truly address his addiction problem. We asked the patient if it would be okay with him if we both sat down for a two on one session. He agreed, and I let Hannah take the lead on the coping skills session. The patient was making light hearted jokes and divulging very little information. I politely inserted myself into the conversation and asked why he felt the need to constantly drink. This turned the conversation to become serious and Hannah did a wonderful job using the information she was uncovering to continue to question him about his addiction. I never had to say anything else in the session. She did an excellent job of being empathetic, staying focused on the topic at hand, and making good suggestions about alternatives for his addiction. After the session was completed I told Hannah I thought she did wonderful and she kept an understanding feel as well as being strong enough to keep the conversation going in the right direction. She was appreciative of my guidance and I was proud that I was able to give her confidence in her one on one treatment skills. img_4117.png
Considers client motivation when using occupation based intervention to maximize functional independence Considering client motivation when using occupation based intervention to maximize functional independence is so important. I feel as though, I have considered client’s motivation regularly throughout my entire fieldwork experience. In pediatrics finding what motivates each child to work on their goals whether it be a sticker, free play time, or listening to music can maximize independence, as each child is so different. In inpatient rehab, many patients wanted to go home, so that became the motivational strategy, and in mental health I had an interest checklist that was used regularly. An example is one day during my mental health rotation a young man was refusing to go to our group session, but he wanted me to listen to a rap he had written. I told him that if he would come to group with me then I would let him rap it for the whole group at the end (after I proofed the lyrics). He agreed and came to the group session. At the end I let everyone know we were having a special song to end the group session. This young man stood up, started a beat and began his rap. It was about believing in God and turning to Him in our times of need. By the end of the rap, the entire group was clapping along with the beat and a few ladies even jumped in and sang back up notes. After that everyone was uplifted and in a positive mood. It was truly a magical experience to see all these people from different walks of life come together through this young man’s song. I took what motivated him and used it to have him achieve maximum functional independence during the group session and it turned out to be an inspirational session. Attached is a piece of this patients evaluation with no identifying factors.
motivation--eval_.pdf Applies theory regarding the therapeutic use of occupation and adaptation to screen and evaluate, plan, and implement intervention, while establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with the client During my time in inpatient rehab I utilized theory throughout the therapeutic process with each of my clients. During the evaluation phase I was focused on occupational adaptation and listening to the client to find out their needs. I started each evaluation by introducing myself and explaining what occupational therapy was in this setting. I would learn about their life and their home while also assess the necessary information to see how much assistance they required with their ADLs. I also spent time testing ROM, MMT, sensory testing, and performing a short cognitive screen. Next, during the plan and intervention phase. I collaborated the clients needs and motivations with the problem areas. This helped to create a good rehabilitative environment because we would focus on the patient’s basic needs while allowing them to enjoy the work. For example, one patient with decreased ROM was previously a construction worker. He enjoyed building different things. So during one session I gave him several pieces of PVC pipe and a picture of a design. He built each PVC pipe design from the picture while working on increasing his ROM. He enjoyed this activity and I was proud to help him enjoy his stay at rehab. Finally, I used the MOHO model to help establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship. Volition was a main property used because if you can find what is motivating to your client then they will likely show their appreciation by participating and working hard during therapy. Overall, there is constant use of theory throughout the therapeutic process and within each setting there are various theories to be utilized. in_patient_eval_.pdf