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COTA Thoughts

Why I Love OT

Published September 13, 2009 8:53 PM by Tim Banish
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            Actually there are lots of reasons. The people you meet and work with. Those unforgettable moments when a patient is able to complete a task for the first time. Those funny moments. And so many more.

            Working in OT you get to meet some of the nicest people. Sure, some of the people aren't so nice, and yes some can be pretty downright grumpy. But there's always the few who really have an impact on everyone. They are the one who is always motivated despite their handicap or illness. They are the ones who cheer on the rest of the patients. And they always have a smile on their face. Day after day.

            Some of the nicest people I've met have been during my years in OT. From travelling to seminars to the people I've worked side by side with, you can't ask for a better group of people to be associated with. I still remember my first supervisor as being one of the friendliest persons I've ever met who wasn't related to me.

            The patients you work with sometimes seem to be just going through the motions, some are trying but only partially, and then there are the ones who give 110%. Although they are far and few between, these memorable people make the day worthwhile. They are the ones who are in the gym first thing, and hang around even after the session is done. You might see them working in their room later, giving a few words of encouragement to one of the other patients, or alerting the nursing staff that another patient needs assistance. These are also the patients that you applaud as they reach every goal, small or large.

            Some of the times I remember most though are the funny happenings. There are the funny hysterical moments, and there are the "you had to be there" funny moments. Either brightens up a person's day. Funnier yet is it is usually the same people who are your super achievers that come up with some of the funniest things.

            Every day in OT is a bit different. Some can be boring, some can be hectic. Some days you'll remember more than others. One thing is for sure, the more days you spend in the field, the more memorable days you'll have.

 

Until next time, hope all your "Thoughts" are Good-

Tim

posted by Tim Banish
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5 comments
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Tim, for all the reasons you mention I love OT as well.  I can't imagine any profession that offers as many options for work sites/variations in ages and issues that can benefit from the services of an OT, any place in the world.  There is as much diversity in the specialties of practice and ways of working with clients as there is variety in populations.  We have options to change our minds, to go with what works from moment to moment (not a rigid routine), an explanation why my creative mind is ever challenged and has never been bored in 36 years doing this work, and still working at age 63.  

Even at my age, if I decided on doing something else with OT, I likely would not have difficulty finding a position.  This profession (I do believe) is recession proof.
Mary Scholer, occupational therapy - Facility Director, Simoneon Pediatric Development Center September 26, 2009 7:02 PM
San Jose CA

Thanks for your comments everyone-

Good Luck with school Jamie
Tim Banish, LTC - COTA/L September 20, 2009 9:27 PM
Cincinnati OH

Tim, you are so right on!  This business of OT is so diverse and the types of people we meet are so interesting!  I especially love working with the members of my team - learning and sharing.  Humor is so therapeutic; and when I find myself bogged down, one of them will inevitably tell me to "get over it!"  And then I can laugh at myself and get on with the day!  They are great!  This was a super blog!
Katherine Collmer, OTR/L September 17, 2009 4:28 PM
Sandwich MA

I agree with you 100%. It was as if I had written this blog myself.I will hold dear to my heart many of the patients/residents &, staff,I was blessed to work with for over 37 years.Continue to be the caring ,loving OT you appear to be.My thoughts are good.
Helen, retired COTA September 15, 2009 3:52 PM
Buffalo NY

Very exciting and reassuring to read, because I just started my first semester in OTA school. The more I learn about OT the more and more I fall in love with it.

Jamie, Occupational Therapy - Student September 15, 2009 10:42 AM
Daytona Beach FL

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