Physical Therapist in Transition : Pediatrics

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)

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)

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)

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)

Confusion Revisited

Karen Schiff — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:34:00 GMT

The first week at a different rehabilitation center has proven to catch me off guard, by giving me much to think about while I attempt to absorb the complexity of the entire situation. As the first manager of a busy rehabilitation center, I'm attempting...(read more)

A New Role

Karen Schiff — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:02:00 GMT

" A New Beginning " was a topic I covered over the past few weeks. As a firm believer in rapid, positive change with unbridled energy, I decided to apply for a higher position within my healthcare system. As of this week, I was honored with the offering...(read more)

Staying Profitable and Productive

Karen Schiff — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:28:00 GMT

One thing is true in the field of rehabilitation: Change is constant. This has never been more true than at the present time. Within the past year, there have been staffing shortages followed by staffing surplus; needed equipment, but not enough room;...(read more)

PT Advocacy

Karen Schiff — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:19:00 GMT

As a therapist and candidate for a doctorate in physical therapy, I have several opportunities to speak up and make a statement for the patients we treat on a daily basis. Over the past year and a half, I've learned it is in our scope of practice to make...(read more)

Friendships Abound

Karen Schiff — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:43:00 GMT

During this summer "break" from school, I have come to realize how appreciative our patients are. I have the best days only because I am lucky enough to hear the praise of our patients about the staff at our facility. Even on the most difficult of days,...(read more)

Another Close Call

Karen Schiff — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:22:00 GMT

The first week of summer vacation has been relatively quiet. The most excitement has been switching from satellite to digital television in my home. Timing is everything. With Tropical Storm Debby hitting Florida, satellite would have been interrupted,...(read more)

‘Repeat Offenders'

Karen Schiff — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:40:00 GMT

Another eventful week in outpatient rehabilitation. Seems as though we are seeing many "repeat offenders," as some call them; however, for different diagnoses than before. Working in the same facility for 20 years, we have patients who started with us...(read more)

Full Circle

Karen Schiff — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:06:00 GMT

Our daily routines often get so busy that we overlook the needs of those around us, besides our patients and their families. At any given time, we as physical therapists may be able to extend a gracious hand to assist others, while reaping the benefit...(read more)