Physical Therapist in Transition : orthopedics

Consumed by a Case Report

Karen Schiff — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:11:00 GMT

When it rains, it pours. That's the only thing I can think of as I write endlessly into the night about pelvic fractures, aquatic therapy, and my case report. Sentences are not scarce, and the time to condense the content of this paper is coming this...(read more)

Taking a Look Back for Rejuvenation

Karen Schiff — Thu, 30 May 2013 18:34:00 GMT

Organizing a case report is proving to be more challenging than ever. Although my patient case is, in my estimation, a complicated issue, I thought for sure that I'd have more than enough to research and background information to present than I'd know...(read more)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Last Day

Karen Schiff — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:51:00 GMT

My final day at Memorial Hospital West (MHW) outpatient rehabilitation has arrived. After 20 years of practice, the day has arrived when I'll walk out the doors as a senior physical therapist. This is where I practiced, learned, experienced, and enjoyed...(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)

The Year in Review

Karen Schiff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:02:00 GMT

As this year comes to a close, I'd like to reflect on a most productive, busy and emotional past 12 months. Final grades have arrived this morning for the fall semester of the DPT program. My capstone project will begin very soon. After narrowing down...(read more)

Lessons Unexpected

Karen Schiff — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:25:00 GMT

Completing the fall semester early led me to believe that my first week would be relaxed and quiet. Unfortunately, this was not the case. As the senior physical therapist in a busy outpatient department, I'm expected to mentor, counsel and discipline...(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)