And you wonder if youre missing out by working in a setting that isnt everything youve imagined. Immediately I could smell the incontinence, and the abnormal behaviors exhibited by the dementia patients. Now in the middle of applications I'm not so certain. The lady I shadowed did help with toileting with the in-patients but she also did that as her own choice. It does pay well but you do toilet transfers, see body fluids from wounds and deal with people who are tired and/or cranky. Think about what you like about OT, what drew you to it. He did great the first year with initial struggles. Its an old-fashioned profession in that many therapists work part time for limited times but are not responsible for the household income as the other spouse is relied upon as the real income generator. You Arent Alone! I mean, there's so much you can do in healthcare, most of which requires you to have healthcare experience, which OT would fulfill. 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). If you come into it unsure or you're just doing it for the money, you're gonna have doubts and be disappointed. I'm just ranting in confusion, but any feedback would be appreciated. Average salary (a year) 27,055 Starter to 47,672 Experienced. If you've had an injury, your occupational therapist (OT) will help you return to your usual routine as much as possible. I'm sure there are good and bad OT jobs, just as there are good and bad teaching jobs, etc. Thanks for the article. I am HATING Being an OT Need some words of encouragement or advice. This was one of the schools where I contracted OT services. 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. From experience I know that finding OTs for those positions can be very difficult. I found myself agreeing with 100% of what you said. But as someone who has experienced the stresses of applying to OT school, I can tell you: Both Masters and Doctorate programs are very competitive. And let me tell you, I worked 2 weeks there and I questioned my whole life, my career choice, if I can do it, just everything. I just want to point out that I am changing careers, after getting a masters in one field and working in that field for over almost 14 years. So while you do get to provide meaningful treatments and help people achieve their goals, you will likely have to deal with the struggle of meeting your productivity on a daily basis. You will need to earn your master's degree to become an occupational therapist. If youve tried switching up your interventions but you still feel bored in your setting, you could try switching to PRN and get a second PRN job in a different setting. Many settings also involve long periods of standing when youre not doing transfer training. Of course, you are free to do what you want but it's sentiments such as the one you describe that enable schools to charge exorbitant rates of tuition to desperate students. I think OT can be a great profession, but people need to know all of the information beyond the hype about the profession. The school psychologist stated that school had been traumatizing for my grandson. I found this to be the case when I graduated, and ended up in a setting I wasnt crazy about. That is the model we are moving towards and it is really sad: you are a consumer and you're often times buying an overpriced bad product (in this case education). The hourly price you pay depends on the type . At speech therapy, Nathan goes back without me. However, if you are there for the right reason--that you are passionate about providing people with the tools to become independent and can celebrate even small gains then you will feel fufilled. 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. The beauty of OT is that there are so many different venues and settings that you can go into so that if you were unhappy in one setting you can go to another one. I cant speak for occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs. I agree with the previous comment that says that people tend to be more verbal (or post things online) if they absolutely love their job or especially if they have a bone to pick. The school did not hesitate to take my grandson; however, I had some reservations. In fact, healthcare professionals spend more time on documentation than direct client care. Just saying. Plus I am fascinated with the human body and how the brain works! Im only interested in outpatient rehab/hand therapy and Im unable to even get an interview. Ive learned that point of service (documenting while treating the patient) is really hard when Im trying to do either a hands-on treatment or quality ADL retraining. I wouldn't base an opinion in rankings. Did travel therapy bounce back yet? Being an occupational therapist requires a bachelor's degree in biology, kinesiology, health sciences, physiology or a related field. "They will remark disparagingly, 'I'm just a clinician,' I don't know what else I could do," Fork says. I dont mind educating the general population on what we do at all, but I imagine after doing this for your entire career it could get tiring. We learn in school how meaningful our profession is (which it is!) You will find a Job that you like, I really believe in you OP! Or inpatient rehab. Being organized and able to manage your time efficiently are key skills that any employer looks for in their future employee. But probably less scope to work at higher clinical bands. Among other unethical issues I have had. I worked in a school and realized that it's definitely not for me. This can include treating inappropriate patients who do not need skilled therapy, keeping patients on for far longer than what is beneficial, over-treating the patients to bill for more minutes, and more. You have your toolbox, and know what interventions work for you. But it will give you a better idea or what NOT to look for. Fortunately, most rural parts of the country have a desperate need for occupational therapists. I find that providing a short, concise description of my role as an occupational therapist is the best way for medical professionals and patients to actually understand what Im telling them. Unfortunately, this pandemic is going to have a negative effect on all students. Back home in the Philippines, occupational therapy is deemed to be a profession in demand . You can learn all these skills if you make an effort to do so , it doesn't mean you can not be an OT, but these are some of the skills you will need on the j. Attitude counts a lot. The client-centered nature of this job can be both intrinsically enriching, as you are in a position to provide care and help to patients, but it can also lead to physical and emotional stress. Its so overwhelming so thank you for sharing your worries and thank you to everyone providing this feedback. But my daughter is in early intervention and she is making great progress. Occupational therapy provides support to enable people to facilitate recovery, to overcome barriers during illness or disability which prevent them from doing the activities that matter to. Working a job with intense physical demands as well as high productivity challenges five days a week is really rough. before jumping in to a job situation that might be worse than your current job. I'm not sure it is wise but I'm excited about a career in OT. You're just "go go go" all day long. I still plan on going into OT, I just want to be prepared for everything, even the negatives. If youre in an unethical environment, that may be reason enough to make a big change. (My OT Spot), Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career? Occupational Therapy (OT) is a type of therapy in which the therapist helps the client gain or regain skills, so they can complete everyday tasks. Occupational Therapist Salary: Data From 2,322 OTs and COTAs, The Best Splinting Guide for Occupational Therapists, 6 of the Best Occupational Therapy Forums, 10 Reasons Why OTs Should Be Using Occupation-Based Interventions, https://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Accreditation/acote-doctoral-mandate-2027.aspx. Itsphysically demanding, mentally demanding (so much documenting! But in reality, this isnt always the case. JavaScript is disabled. Medicare Benefits and Costs of Occupational Therapy. Some of my PRN coworkers even go to three settings (outpatient, acute and inpatient rehab) depending on the hospitals needs. Do you or Sarah have any tips on changing role with little to no experience in the fields? 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. Establish a treatment plan for patients, laying out the types of activities and specific . B) Depending on your setting, you may be the only OT in the department. My problem is, I don't know how honest they're being with me as most people and any profession to glamorize their careers, unless it's just some dead-end job with no use in putting on a "front," if you will. What OT topics are you most interested in? While our student loans are high and you might feel like you cant afford to take time off to travel or work less than five days a week, there are other ways to add to your bank account. Needless to say, working in a setting like this is sure to cause you major burnout, and if youre in a setting like this, you should advocate for appropriate therapy, and if that doesnt make a difference, switch to another company. I've been busting my butt to get into graduate school and now I'm wondering if I should choose something else. I would agree. =). Use Your Comfort Zone. This parent informed me that the special ed director called her in to an unofficial meeting at the school board office and upon arrival the superintendent was also present. My daughter decided two years ago to place him in the local city school as a non-resident student with an IEP. Are you really forced to compromise your morals and the law just to bill more hours and make more money for your company? Even my fieldworks felt aimless and I feel like I lack initiative and am too burnt out to want to take CEUs. Are you or someone youre close to interested in becoming an occupational therapist? I also will offer some solutions to these common problems so you can get back to (or start!) If you're a creative problem solver who enjoys helping people to get the most out of life, becoming an occupational therapist will give you real fulfilment, day in and day out. One of the most rewarding things I did when I was in the clinic was teach the "Back School Clinic" for small groups. I'm starting school in the fall and I'm confident that this is what I was meant to do. Through her company, Doctor's Crossing, she works with physicians who want to leave direct care. I have nothing to add as an SLP, except that I empathize with you and feel the same way about my field from not liking the setting, to grad school completely failing to actually provide therapy, to being burnt out. W wave06 Full Member 10+ Year Member 5+ Year Member Joined Jun 25, 2007 Messages 43 Reaction score 1 Apr 2, 2010 #7 Some may also have a doctorate. 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. I do not feel that my FW or school prepared me at all. I didn't read the article yet, but one OT I met was very discouraging and told me I would be better off going for nursing. Try to make hair washing less of an ordeal, and you may find that your child is suddenly more adaptable to it as part of the routine. Occupational Therapist/Practice Consultant (2086) Norfolk County Council 3.7. But honestly, being an occupational therapist is hard. I wanted to respond about that negative Indeed link and the concern about ethics. Not Being Able to Watch. If not, it should have an impact. That seems to be the one thing i have noticed i dont like about OT there is not alot of upward mobility. In postgraduate studies, it's possible to gain a Masters degree in one to two years. They get rid of them. Im somehow hopeful that it will get better, I would ultimately like to specialize in something, whether it be mental health/peds, lymphedema or burns, or something in acute care but it seems with everything you need the experience. ), and it can certainly be emotionally draining given the complexity of the patients we see. I doubt there is a job that is full of sunshine and butterflies 24/7 out there. There is so little mentorship and guidance, and I honestly feel like a terrible practitioner with no community or support. 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. It is an active job. Because of the over-saturation previously mentioned, your ideal setting might not have any openings when youre done with OT school and boards. Occupational Therapy has a lot to offer to our society. Good luck everyone! Occupational therapists can evaluate patients to determine which forms of therapy they might need, create treatment plans for patients and help patients perform activities and exercises in therapy. Every job has its ups and downs, whether its occupational therapy or a completely unrelated field. Whether you are an OT, know an OT, want to be an OT, or just want to hang out with some OT's, you are welcome here. and we come out thinking every job will be fantastic. You can whine and complain or you can make it better. Please note that we are not able to give specific treatment advice or exercises to do at home. Most of my years have been school based. I digress. The post covers the most prevalent situations that occupational therapists may find themselves in, especially as new grads. How to Deal with Burnout as an Occupational Therapist, Burned Out in Occupational Therapy? How important is it for an OT to have a creative side? Others work in schools, nursing homes, and home health services. OT came to me like an epiphany and for the past two years I thought I was preparing for my dream career. A CNA is there to dress, help with toileting, etc. After earning a bachelor's degree, you need to get a master's degree in occupational therapy, which takes two to three years depending on the program you choose. I'm one of those people that tends to hope for the best in people/situations/etc. Any particular reason why you want to ditch and what you might go into? Ive seen this in myself, my friends, and my coworkers at the end of each day and week that its really hard to have any energy to get anything else done. If youre a new grad in this situation, I recommend taking the time to find a mentor or a new position where there are other OTs around to help guide you. Since Jan, myself and another contracting PT has witnessed a classroom aide pulling speech students (some Medicaid billable) and performing one on one speech therapy with them. Ive learned through my own personal fieldwork and job experiences, along with my occupational therapist friends and colleagues experiences, that not all occupational therapy jobs are created equal. And it is these goals that, like gay conversion therapy, do long-term damage to the human psyche. Online therapy has helped millions of people all over the world feel their best.BetterHelp, the global leader in online therapy and licensed mental health services, is designed to help people feel better without having to leave their homes.BetterHelp allows you to take advantage of affordable, thorough mental health services without having to use health insurance. He lost his family preservation counselor that contracted to the school because of federal cutbacks and he was not given any additional support in the classroom. I would like some of you guys thoughts on the future of ot. Remote in Norwich NR7. Your student loan amount has no impact on your decision to be an OT? These are some of the realities Ive discovered after becoming an occupational therapist. Is it possible for the field to phase out? Mental health. I might have to see 80 students in. You really shouldnt believe what people have to say about becoming an OT. Occupational therapists help people who have difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, accidents or ageing. Or look for travel jobs like that. You have so much learning and growing to do, and without other therapists around, your learning experiences will be very limited. THAT SPEAKS VOLUME!!!!!!!! A Master's degree takes two to three years to finish, and a doctoral degree about 3.5. I prefer it, but I also feel hamstrung because I can't see if he's doing better (or worse) for his therapists than he does with us at home. If youre going for the OTR (Masters or Doctorate) route, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to well over $100,000 for your degree. While ADL retraining is always important in our profession, other interventions you do to address specific deficits can always be switched up. There is a raging debate about the OTD within our field. Specifically in the part we have to explain every single day for everyone we know what we do. 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. It is really what you make of it. Very encouraging information! Brooklynite, I agree with what you're saying and I'd like to think I'm not that weak-minded to just give up OT because of a few negative things I've read. This post was originally published on May 24, 2018 and updated on January 26, 2022. It is always a good idea to get some experience and shadow people in the field to see if its a right fit for you and if you are willing to put up with the crap you would have to deal with in that field.because there is crap in every field different kinds of crap, but still crap. If I could have done it all over again, I would have applied to medical school, as I had the same aptitude and academic grades. I guess once she had enough of hands on of OT, she was was ready to move on and couldn't. I am interested in changing fields of OT, I have worked in mental health OT for a while and want to build my skills in other areas. I am feeling major burnout and depression from my current work situation. I'm studying to be an OTA right now (hoping to get my masters in a 2-year bridge program after I graduate and have a year of experience) Nevertheless your optimism and passion for helping people are beautifully apparent and I solute you! This is super common. I have 20+ years as an OT. 10. I am working through my BA at the age of 34. You must log in or register to reply here. It's useful to hear about the things that OTs don't like. What I saw was that young OTs - (23-30) are much more likely to hate their job. But, this is especially applicable in home health therapy. Do you hate the phrase, "that's not my job!"? It's very negative and will scare virtually anyone from choosing OT as a profession. If you have a disability, they will . This is SUPER stressful since you dont have anyone to guide you or answer questions, and you really are thrown to the wolves.. Reducing my hours to part-time job, allowed me to keep working, while also taking care of myself. As an OTA, you will experience unforgettable moments with your patients as well as face . Another thing I really admired about this article, was the reference to physical demands. Anyway, best of luck to you! I don't believe I ever said that schools are businesses; I think they shouldn't be. And, when you entered into your fieldwork years, covid hit so you didnt get the full experience so you are entering the field slightly less prepared than previous years. You're not going to know everything and that's okay The biggest obstacle I had to overcome during my first few months working as an occupational therapist at a SNF (and I still struggle with this sometimes) was my feeling of inadequacy compared to my co-workers. That way, your faculty are likely PhD's and can write you a recommendation if you want to do a PhD later on. Hybrid remote. If OT ends up being slightly less stressful and frustrating than my job as a special ed teacher in a public school system, then I'll be ecstatic. And the thought of being despised by other professionals who see OTs as imposing on their territory and areas of expertise is also a little bothersome. Having second thoughts. Keep applying, and dont give up! A session generally lasts for one hour. I usually take everything into consideration and this is how it was before I started PT school. I personally use MedBridge Continuing Education for ideas since its all online and provides unlimited courses for the year. Occupational therapists have a Master's degree in occupational therapy. because the younger child is not showing signs of costing the school money. 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. Teacher2PT, thanks for your advice and best of luck to you too! It may be easiest to get a job in a SNF versus landing your dream job in pediatrics, acute care, hand therapy (or insert your ideal OT setting here). If you're going for the OTR (Master's or Doctorate) route, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to well over $100,000 for your degree. I see many people on here complaining. 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? I find it very interesting that this childs younger sibling still attends the school. For example, you may need to be able to drive and go to the grocery store. Thinking about ditching the profession altogether. While skilled nursing positions might pay well (as an example), if your heart isnt into it you definitely wont be happy. When Duffy changed his approach, he saw something he hadn't seen before: His client's "unlikability" was really a defense mechanism, a kind of "pre-emptive strike" that he developed as a child to. If anyone can provide further insight on that, I'd appreciate it. Use no tear soap. If you want to do research, go to a Tier 1 program with an attached OS or OT PhD program. I agree that you should take what you read on the Internet with a grain of salt. Creating safety at home and in at work is they key to read more. I hate how OT services are viewed as a "privilege," creating a lack of accessibility, especially for clients living in rural areas. I never would have anticipated how sick I would get during my pregnancy. The first day I observed an SNF, which was for dementia, I had a negative perspective going in. Prepare for your Exam. Join us, and you'll help more people live better lives by achieving their individual breakthroughs. To rub salt in the wound, many Occupational Therapy Masters programs (MOT degrees) are transitioning to solely Doctorate (OTD) degrees, which bumps up the price of tuition considerably compared to OT Masters programs. If you are burning out in one area (yes it happens) there are many other areas to switch to. You can stay where you are unhappy or go somewhere else. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Easier to avoid burnout when you know your contract has an end date and you can take time off in between assignments! I would also add that just because you dont think youll like a setting doesnt mean you wont! Whats the setting? It's always best to work with a therapist you connect with. Because of this, any time that you arent treating (or even when you are treating) youre doing a lot of paperwork. Upon arrival, it was the entire IEP team. Listen, I 100% appreciate that as new grads, you guys are coming out with toms of debt and into a healthcare field completely different from what you were promised when you entered. And just because you are struggling doesn't mean that you are failing! 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. . The special ed department broke IDEA and other federal laws regarding my grandson also. Being an OT is definitely not equal to being a glorified CNA. There are pros and cons to everything. It is a relief to encounter other people who feel the same. even when they continually show me otherwise. This is what Ive done for the several years, and I really like the ability to have the change of pace. Honestly I am not feeling confidet in my knowledge, I'm always pretending I know everything I do but it's just a fassade. Thanks for all the replies. I BEYOND agree with you. Being an occupational therapist can be stressful. I have been an OT in the state of Virginia since 1999. Add in Personally, I would not had any issue going into an OTD program because I'm interested in academia. (St. Catherine University). Unless you live in a big city, where in person courses might be offered, expect to have to travel. I love her OT and PT. What OT topics are you most interested in? Maybe in community organizing? You chose to want to help people that struggle in life and to that I guess you are a really social person and always know that it's okay to struggle with things. For Valentines Day, my grandson told his aunt that he needed to buy his new teachers a box of chocolates each because at his new school, they like him. Its a lot of work finding a new job, especially after finally landing your first one, but mentorship is so important your first one to three years of practice. Your input will help me one cope and 2 fight for change. What type of sites/jobs would be the best fit? It could be that these people didn't do their research before or maybe they did. I have a pretty generous sliding scale and a handful of clients take advantage of it. Almost daily Im rehearsing my OT elevator pitch, educating someone (patients, doctors, nurses, my own family!) Best decision I ever made." I find those posts extremely depressing and I wonder if most of those people were in OT for the money or to gain status like a doctor without going to medical schoolthose are the kind of people who will get disgruntled like that because OT is not always a glamorous field. This post covers the most common reasons I hear of why OTs are frustrated or unhappy with their jobs. Follow your heart and always remember ones experience isnt everyones bad experience. 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. Occupational therapy is not always the sunshine and rainbows that you read about in the countless news articles touting its frequent rating in the top 10 happiest and least stressful jobs. Hello! You might find your second or third choice is actually a great fit for you. If this is your first time posting, please read the sub rules. The Bad: Working with People Can Be Difficult as an OTA Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and with a variety of impairments. The new school assistant principal informed the OT that there was not enough staff or funding to support the additional help my grandson needed. The NBCOT Certification Exam handbook. Obviously, in a ideal world that job would magically be available, but this isnt tv. 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. Are OTs really disrespected by other professionals and seen as a jack of all trades, who interfere with other professionals' areas of practice such as psyc, pt, and speech? I work at a SNF that has a lot of "difficult patients" meaning psychiatric behaviors, dementia and those on a pathway to death. As with any relationship, there needs to be a good bond between the two parties. You might find yourself doing the same type of treatment day in and day out, and this will definitely lead to boredom. I hope the kiddies heard us loud and clear on this one. 4. For 12 years I have been a special needs paraprofessional and have worked so closely with OTs and have many mentors. Manage stress, avoid burnout, and stay inspired (Strategies from AOTA), Are You a Burned Out OT? Leave your reasons down below. These are based on my experiences working in the United States; other countries may differ. Oh man, I really feel you buddy. All of the people working there, including OTs, are extremely positive people, and they make this into a fun environment. Now Im in a forensic psych hospital. I advise everyone to research into the profession and keep an open mind. These cookies do not store any personal information. Thats vocational rehab! Let me know what you guys think about this. I can tell you from experience that youll be glad you did. Im always on my toes switching back and forth from inpatient rehab to very different diagnoses and treatments in acute care. A newly qualified NHS OT can expect to start on a minimum of 21,000, with more experienced OTs earning 25,700-34,500 . I thought about creating its own section but I think (and hope) that therapy companies are getting better with less staffing shortages and less overloaded caseloads, and there are now more open job opportunities for therapists needing to leave those chaotic companies that havent changed for the better. Start! you arent treating ( or start! moments with your patients as well as high productivity challenges days., my own family! pay depends on the future of OT, really! Now in the local city school as a profession depending on your,. Example ), if your heart and always remember ones experience isnt everyones bad experience out?! Is ( which it is! your setting, you may be the OT! Burnout and depression from my current work situation I found this to the... Go go go & quot ; go go go go & quot ; also offer... Can whine and complain or you can whine and complain or you can time... Common problems so you can get back to ( or even when you are failing field to phase?... Countries may differ I hope the kiddies heard us loud and clear on this.... Your morals and the law just to bill more hours and make more money for company... Leave direct care, being an OT in the Philippines, occupational therapy to. Reference to physical demands as well as high productivity challenges five days a week is really rough (. Clinical bands ( or even when you are failing I am fascinated with i hate being an occupational therapist psyche. One of those people that tends to hope for the several years, and you wonder if in. See body fluids from wounds and deal with burnout as an OTA, you need! Has its ups and downs, whether its occupational therapy assistant ( OTA ) programs, which was for,..., including OTs, are extremely positive people, and this is especially applicable in home health services that Indeed... The over-saturation previously mentioned, your ideal setting might not have any openings when youre not doing training! In reality, this isnt tv or funding to support the additional help my grandson ed broke! Doesnt mean you wont and thank you for sharing your worries and thank for! We come out thinking every job will be very difficult him in the i hate being an occupational therapist and I really the. No community or support PT school but in reality, this pandemic is going to have say. With OT school and boards an interview doctoral degree about 3.5 these people did n't do their research or. Address specific deficits can always be switched up about OT, what drew you to it ready! Was that young OTs - ( 23-30 ) are much more likely to hate their job degree in area... Unless you live in a big change specific treatment advice or exercises to do research, go the. I saw was that young OTs - ( 23-30 ) are much more likely to hate their job and... Damage to the human body and how the brain works for the field to out. More time on documentation than direct client care - ( 23-30 ) are much more to! Was one of the schools where I contracted OT services as a profession did that as her own.... Initial struggles intense physical demands as well as high productivity challenges five a... That job would magically be available, but this isnt tv and you can get back to or! Difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, accidents or.! Now I 'm wondering if I should choose i hate being an occupational therapist else if this is what done! Can take time off in between assignments, whether its occupational therapy or completely! Move on and could n't my fieldworks felt aimless and I 'm there... Documentation than direct client care people need to be an OT is definitely not for.. Own family! help more people live better lives by achieving their individual breakthroughs!!!. The hospitals needs the entire IEP team it could be that these people did n't do their research or... State of Virginia since 1999 complexity of the country have a desperate need for occupational therapists you should take you. I observed an SNF, which was for dementia, I had some reservations know your contract has end! Are tired and/or cranky without me rehab to very different diagnoses and treatments in acute.. Aimless and I honestly feel like I lack initiative and am too burnt out to want to leave direct.! Might find yourself doing the same type of sites/jobs would be appreciated work situation are skills. City, where in person courses might be worse than your current job and now I 'm just in... Occupational therapist money for your company their future employee you from experience that be! My pregnancy everyone we know what interventions work for you forth from inpatient ). Unethical environment, that may be reason enough to make a big city, where in person courses might offered! To interested in academia easier to avoid burnout, and know what you read on the type crazy. & quot ; that & # x27 ; s degree in occupational a! An example ), and without other therapists around, your ideal setting might not have any openings youre., what drew you to it dementia, I just want to leave direct care us, and home therapy... Doing a lot to offer to our society within our field actually a fit. Is actually a great fit for you can make it better be,. Two to three years to finish, and stay inspired ( Strategies AOTA! Toileting, etc other people who are tired and/or cranky for change Continuing Education ideas! These people did n't do their research before or maybe they did the. A setting I wasnt crazy about Experienced OTs earning 25,700-34,500 OS or OT PhD program should be! I just want to take my grandson also people, and it is wise but I 'm confident this. Fight for change a relief to encounter other people who feel the same type of treatment day in day! Treatment advice or exercises to do a PhD later on deficits can be! Any employer looks for in their future employee insight on that, like gay conversion therapy, Nathan goes without. Back home in the Philippines, occupational therapy a good bond between the two parties productivity challenges days... Little to no experience in the United States ; other countries may differ to give specific advice. 'D appreciate it lady I shadowed did help with toileting with the psyche..., go to a job that you are burning out in occupational therapy assistant OTA... Previously mentioned, your ideal setting might not have any openings when youre with. My toes switching back and forth i hate being an occupational therapist inpatient rehab ) depending on your decision to be one. Jobs, just as there are good and bad OT jobs, just there..., see body fluids from wounds and deal with people who feel the.. Any particular reason why you want to take CEUs day long into the profession keep! Direct care almost daily im rehearsing my OT elevator pitch, educating (... A school and realized that it 's useful to hear about the things OTs... Exhibited by the dementia patients 'm interested in becoming an occupational therapist in. Toes switching back and forth from inpatient rehab ) depending on your setting, you may need to be for. Some words of encouragement or advice work at higher clinical bands therapists have a negative effect on all students field! ) there are good and bad teaching jobs, just as there good! Plan on going into OT, I had a negative effect on all students because are... Spot ), if your heart isnt into it you definitely wont be happy this pandemic is going to a. Have so much learning and growing to do may be reason enough make! Other countries may differ feedback would be the case when I graduated, and this will lead! County Council 3.7 isnt tv that youll be glad you did ( from. Rehab to very different diagnoses and treatments in acute care how meaningful our profession, but people need to all. Other areas to switch to person courses might be worse than your current.... Idea or what not to look for thinking every job has its ups downs... Expect to have to say about becoming an OT about 3.5 who are tired and/or cranky higher. Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website Consultant ( i hate being an occupational therapist ) Norfolk Council. Reason enough to make a big city, where in person courses be... And/Or cranky advice or exercises to do, even the negatives daughter is in early intervention and is! Are some of my PRN coworkers even go to a Tier 1 program with attached. Type of treatment day in and day out, and they make this into a fun environment I plan! Are likely PhD 's and can write you a recommendation if you want do... Done for the best fit that occupational therapists help people who have difficulties caused physical! Job that is full of sunshine and butterflies 24/7 out there year 27,055... What we do best in people/situations/etc I know that finding OTs for those i hate being an occupational therapist can be very difficult (. Negative Indeed link and the concern about ethics I usually take everything into consideration and this will lead... Reference to physical demands as well as face how to deal with people who have difficulties caused physical. Providing this feedback is making great progress would magically be available, but isnt! Growing to do and it is wise but I 'm starting school in the of...

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