I recently had the opportunity to work with a PRN physical therapist who was subbing for our full-time PT. Initially I was excited that I would get the opportunity to learn under yet another well-seasoned therapist. However within the first hour, I realized this role would be reversed. Apparently, this particular physical therapist - who was ...

Since taking my first inpatient PTA position six months ago, I've developed a somewhat morbid habit that is completely career related -- I assure you. Most weekends (and I'll admit many weekday evenings), I find myself perusing the local online obituary websites. I scan the lists of the ''newly posted'' in search of my patients' names. I began ...

I'm always astounded at how many staff members at the SNF where I work smoke cigarettes. Everyone from housekeeping to the lead RNs can be found huddled under the aluminum-covered ''smoking area.'' Call me crazy, but after taking care of patients dependent on oxygen who can't even walk 50 feet before desating to 85 percent even with ...

I would not classify any aspect of my life as quiet and calm. My days begin with releasing squawking hens and turkeys from their coop and end with my kids refusing to go to bed and (on some nights) fighting the battle late into the night. The majority of my day is spent with patients; teaching, chatting, walking and coaxing one more exercise. Most ...

Working in a SNF, I've found I'm not reviewing my textbooks on grade III joint mobilizations on a weekly basis. This is the understatement of the year. The closest myofascial release I've done in my PTA experience thus far has been a gentle retrograde massage to a lower extremity with pitted edema. Regretting my inpatient career choice? No way (on ...

I was recently asked by a friend if I was enjoying my job. Was it all that I expected it to be, now that I'm finished school and applying my knowledge? I wish I could answer with a quick, convincing ''Yes, I love it - I was born to do this!'' The honest answer (and the one I give when asked) is that the work is hard, but is getting easier. Some ...

I recently worked with a patient who was not exactly motivated to participate in therapy, to put it mildly. This older gentleman had been willing to give 40 minutes out of his day, albeit unenthused, to a few lower-extremity conditioning exercises up until a few weeks ago. With little warning, he chose not to take part in any physical therapy ...

Way back in one of the first few quarters of the PTA program, I and many of my fellow classmates would project about what field of physical therapy we could most see ourselves working in. Most of us were on the fence. The general sentiment was work for the experience and then be choosy. Outpatient orthopedic was tempting - performing myofascial ...

As a recent former student in clinical, my experience with juggling patients and a daily schedule was next to nothing. I was ''given'' a few token patients (AKA the straightforward cases) each day and left to write a few overly detailed daily notes (hand- written, full-page SOAP notes, anyone?). I tripped over myself given the chance to assist my ...

As a brand-new PTA entering the field of skilled nursing physical therapy, I have found that I definitely suffer from a rampant case of idealism. Having volunteered and had clinical affiliation experience in different SNFs in the past, I would not have considered myself completely ignorant to the vast differences of the inpatient experience ...