Our true currency
There is something about working a full-time job for free that makes you realize the value of what you're doing - especially when you are at a facility like the one I'm currently fieldworking at.
This can go two ways.
On one hand, in acute rehab you begin to see first hand the incredibly important role of OT. When you are able to teach a person to live their life again with only minor adjustments, it's pretty amazing. I'm also seeing how much the occupational therapist plays the role of confidant and counselor at times, especially for patients who are going through very tough times and who might become frustrated with the slow pace of their progress. At times the therapists are the only holders of hope and motivation that a person has. I have seen therapists, both OTs and PTs, put in so many extra hours to try to get everything possible for their patients. We are advocates in the truest sense of the word.
On the other hand, I have also begun to see that we do not get paid nearly enough for everything we do. Most of my friends cringe when I explain a typical day to them. Granted, many of them aren't the medical/healthcare types (for good reason). However, their comments are all something along the lines of "I could never do what you do".
The more I think about it, the more I think they're right. It takes a special person to be an OT and an even more special one to be a good OT. So, pat yourselves on the back and be thankful that whatever we don't make in our salary is usually covered by good karma.