Physical Therapist in Transition : General Interest

Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Karen Schiff — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:47:00 GMT

As the dust begins to settle from separating one department into two, this extended break from school allows me to get a grasp on what being a manager really entails in an outpatient rehabilitation facility. From balancing payroll to juggling hours in...(read more)

In Preparation for the DPT

Karen Schiff — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:01:00 GMT

Amazing what can happen in one week. In a major healthcare system of a large metropolitan area surrounded by water, we've successfully accomplished separating pediatric from adult rehabilitation in preparation for our growth as the Rehabilitation Institute...(read more)

Good Timing

Karen Schiff — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:12:00 GMT

A short break between semesters has proven to come at the best time for me. Today brings with it a major change in my facility, where one department is becoming two. Employees have been preparing for months for this change, with hopes that everything...(read more)

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Karen Schiff — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:21:00 GMT

Registration for the final two courses has taken place. Mental, physical and emotional preparation is next on my agenda. Although I have a pretty good idea about what my case report will be, I often question myself and my ability to develop a doctoral-level...(read more)

Safety Zone

Karen Schiff — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:32:00 GMT

A most disturbing week has occurred, once again, for the citizens of our country. As I look forward to starting a new semester once again and booking a flight to attend a weekend course for the final session in the quest for my DPT, I'm shaken by the...(read more)

Organized Chaos

Karen Schiff — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:39:00 GMT

As we move toward the formation of a major rehabilitation provider in the region, meetings, conference calls and webinars fill my schedule. My new role is quickly becoming a challenge, in that therapists are being designated as working for the adult hospital,...(read more)

Case Report Preparation

Karen Schiff — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:08:00 GMT

After a long three-day weekend over the holiday, I was surprised to find in my school email in-box a quick response to the second submission of my abstract. I was sure to have a response that I completed the class successfully with this project. However,...(read more)

Graduation Day

Karen Schiff — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:54:00 GMT

A big year is in the making. I've successfully completed training to become a Guardian Ad Litem. The next step is to wait for a case to be assigned to me. Quite often, friends and family question me about how I'll manage the guardianship of a minor or...(read more)

Making Progress

Karen Schiff — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:32:00 GMT

All aspects of this busy schedule are coming together, finally, with much loss of sleep, sweat and tears. Attending classes for the Guardian Ad Litem program after work twice a week, with one more week to go, I'm determined now more than ever that this...(read more)

Blended Lifestyle

Karen Schiff — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:39:00 GMT

One thing most people think of my schedule is that I have a very well-balanced work and personal life. Unfortunately, this isn't true. When I think of balance, I think of a controlled environment, even as obstacles get in the way. This is definitely not...(read more)

Abstract Formation

Karen Schiff — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:40:00 GMT

The formation of an abstract that's limited to 150 words is quite challenging, especially after performing an exhaustive literature search on several aspects of my patient case report. I'd even refer to the task as exhaustive, and I haven't even started...(read more)

Two Options

Karen Schiff — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:31:00 GMT

Numerous case reports and journal articles later, I'm contemplating two separate case reports for my final project in the quest for my DPT. The position I'm in now is trying to decide between two trauma patients and their complicated surgical procedures,...(read more)

Adding to my Plate

Karen Schiff — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:58:00 GMT

Literature reviews, reading case reports, contemplating how to approach this case study, gathering sources for a case report. A hectic week has kept me on my toes, as I work in an extremely busy outpatient department and juggle my school responsibilities,...(read more)

Sweet Procrastination

Karen Schiff — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:26:00 GMT

As the acuity of my vision improves in this new role of manager, I realize my attention has been drawn only toward work and home. Successfully completing a final exam in school has left me relieved, but perhaps a little too relaxed in regard to working...(read more)

Getting Ahead of Myself

Karen Schiff — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:15:00 GMT

Isn't it interesting how things fall into place? I'm well into week two of my new position, and meeting many new people. I'm learning names, disciplines and experience levels of those who now surround me. Interestingly enough, I'm already familiar with...(read more)