Focus on the PATIENT
I always check out a few different OT forums to keep up with the on-line chatter and views of other OTs around the country. As much as many of these comments are good, there are quite a few negative ones. Comments such as; "the work is so hard", "productivity stinks", or "they have no hope of getting better" just make me mad to see. It seems like a few bad apples are spoiling the whole notion of what OT can really be.
OK, I can see the crabbing about the productivity, the corporate greed, and tracking of minutes, but none of that is your patients fault. They didn't make the rules. Most of them didn't ask to be where they are, illnesses and accidents are unavoidable. Yes, the rules stink, but blame Congress. Blame all the greedy companies who figured out how to get all they could from the system before the money pipeline ran out. Blame the corporate structure of the OT world we live in. But don't take it out on the patients.
I believe that all of us had the same opportunity to explore the field before entering it. In fact, today it's easier than ever to explore the in's and out's of many professions with just a computer and an internet connection. If you got into OT because you thought it looked like a glamorous job and now you can't handle it, then move on or change your attitude.
All I can say is if you think the work is hard, try working in a hot, smoky factory. If you think dealing with people is easy, try working at McDonalds. I've done both, and find being a COTA is easy and rewarding. Yes, working with sick people isn't easy. They're crabby and tired, but then aren't we all when we're sick? Yes, the older populations we are dealing with are set in their ways. Just like you will be when you're 70 or 80 or older.
I believe the "key" to being a good therapist is contained in one word; Compassion. Forget the PPS, Part A, ARD's and other business matter when you're treating. Remember these patients are human beings. It's Mrs. Smith, not the lady with the fractured R femur. Treat them like you are in their home, not just the place where you work. Give them the most you can, even when you have five other patients waiting. If nothing else, give them a smile and make just one moment special.
Until next time, hope all your thoughts are good,
Tim