In this episode, I am joined by Zack Box - an occupational therapist currently working in a specialized school setting. He shares his journey from the early days of discovering occupational therapy, his occupational therapy school experience (including fieldwork 2s) and lessons learned along the way ->> leading to his current role as an OT
TIMESTAMPS:
(4:58) Occupational Therapy School - what was that experience like?
(8:31) Memorable moments from OT school
(9:44) Fieldwork 2 clinical experiences : school-based OT
(12:40) Fieldwork 2 in Inpatient rehab - Yay or nay?
(18:54) If a current OT student is having a challenging time with their fieldwork 2 clinical placement — what might be something you tell/share with them?
(20:20) Applying to jobs as a new grad OT - your headspace & approach to the job search
(23:45) Working as an occupational therapist in a specialized school = how does it feel as of right now?
(25:41) Life as Occupational Therapist in the specialized school setting
(30:59) Favorite interventions or memorable moments for you?
(33:10) Real talk — what are some challenges and difficult aspects for you in this role?
(36:26) Your perspective and experience as a “brOT” or male occupational therapist
(41:20) Long-term goals as an occupational therapist ?
In this episode, I am joined by Isabella Quattrucci - who shares her honest experiences during her occupational therapy journey - from Fieldwork 2 placements in Lymphedema/Outpatient Ortho & Inpatient Mental Health to navigating new grad jobs in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and an Assisted Living Facility (ALF).
She shares the numerous les sons learned along the way — eventually leading her back to her true passion and best-fit work setting : Inpatient Mental Health
***Curious about OT in the inpatient mental health setting? Struggling to navigate new grad life? Then this episode is for you!
Follow on insta <> https://www.instagram.com/isabella.quattrucci/
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
TIMESTAMPS:
(5:22) Occupational Therapy School Experience
(11:22) Fieldwork 2 Clinical Placements — Outpatient Lymphedema/Ortho + Inpatient Mental Health
(23:31) What might you tell a current OT student on their fieldwork 2 rotations - and having a challenging or difficult time?
(27:13) Entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist | headspace & approach to the job market
(35:37) Early signs of burnout | how did you personally handle it? | experience transitioning OUT of the job
(41:48) Transitioning to your next job : Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | better or worse?
(47:47) Returning to Inpatient Mental Health : A Day in the Life as an occupational therapist in this setting
(1:00:30) In your experience so far — what are some common conditions, circumstances, diagnoses that you encounter in your day-to-day practice as an OT in this setting?
(1:01:41) Favorite aspects of being an inpatient mental health occupational therapist?
(1:05:09) The “not-so-fun” or least favorite aspects of the job | how you personally handle the challenging days
(1:10:37) Your personal favorite interventions/treatments
(1:17:45) Meaningful moments or stories that stick out to you as an occupational therapist
(1:22:15) What do you think deters occupational therapists from pursuing work in mental health settings?
(1:28:26) Long-Term goals as an occupational therapist?
(1:32:50) Why mental health OT?
In this episode, I am joined by Anjelika Bautista — a new grad occupational therapist currently working in the Acute Care setting
***If you are curious about life as an acute care occupational therapist, then this episode is for you!
Follow along on insta :)
https://www.instagram.com/anjelikabautista/
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
TIMESTAMPS:
(1:56) first and early encounter with the occupational therapy profession
(2:49) Memorable Moments from Occupational Therapy School
(5:20) Fieldwork 2 Experiences - a) Outpatient Pediatrics b) Acute Care
(12:05) If a current OT student is having a difficult or challenging time during their fieldwork 2 rotation, what is something you might tell them?
(14:12) How did you prepare for the NBCOT exam?
(15:55) Entering the workforce as a new grad occupational therapist (mindset & approach)
(17:59) How is your experience so far & at this moment as a new grad OT? | Level 1 Trauma Center
(19:04) Life as an occupational therapist in Acute Care — what does your day-to-day look like?
(25:02) The “not-so-fun” & challenging aspects of your current role — what are they?
(26:29) Final piece of advice for someone interested in acute care OT
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! Truly appreciate your time <3
In this episode, I have a conversation with Nikki, who shares her nursing journey and how it led her to pursuing aesthetic medicine in the present day
***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!
https://www.instagram.com/daniellenicole.aesthetics/
https://www.instagram.com/ndimaps/
TIMESTAMPS:
(1:47) WHY NURSING?
(3:21) Early Experiences as a New Grad Nurse (COVID, travel nursing, burnout)
(5:14) Transitioning to Aesthetic Medicine
(10:36) Navigating the pivot — from bedside nursing to wellness and aesthetic medicine
(17:03) How did your Nursing Experience prepare you for Aesthetic medicine? | translatable skills
(19:00) What is your current role and what does it entail? | A Day in the Life
(24:55) Do you see any men as clients in your practice? What are some reasons they might come in to see you?
(26:17) Do you have to be a nurse to enter the “aesthetic medicine” field?
(27:02) What are some challenging or difficult aspects in the field?
(30:01) Investing in this venture $ - a hobby vs something you truly want to do for work
(31:20) ~Balancing~ Aesthetic Medicine with per diem Nursing
(32:15) Nikki’s Long-term goals
(36:20) FINAL PIECE(S) OF ADVICE
In this special Q&A episode, I meet with a new graduate occupational therapist who asks me all the curious questions she has regarding home health OT, transitioning into the workforce as a new grad, and overall advice entering into the field of occupational therapy.
This was definitely an enjoyable conversation and it's nice to be asked the questions for a change :)
So if you are looking to gain further insight on my own perspective and subjective experience with my current role as a home health occupational therapist in New York City... or simply just curious about the field - then this episode is for you!
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
In this episode, I have a conversation with Angeline Mendoza who shares her nursing story and how she followed her passion and intuition which led her to transformational life coaching!
***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:38) Who is Angeline? | the early days of nursing
(3:38) The fork in the road: what’s next after bedside nursing? More degrees?
(07:45) Diving deeper into Nurse Coaching? | what is it? Why did you pursue it?
(11:53) What was your experience like taking this Nurse Coaching course?
(13:10) Angeline’s personal experience working with a coach during a pivotal moment in her nursing career
(20:33) Present Day: Transitioning from Nursing to Coaching
(23:41) Diving deeper into what a typical day is like as a coach?
(29:40) In your experience, what is the nuance between coaching and traditional therapy?
(32:03) How does your nursing experience tie into your work as a transformational life coach?
(36:29) As a nurse, how did you handle/manage stress especially when you were in a high-stress work environment?
(39:48) How might you address a client that has difficulty leaning into their feelings or emotions?
(41:38) Angie’s Long-Term Goals
(44:43) Final piece of advice for someone interested in nursing | or what would you tell your younger self entering the field of nursing
(46:30) Final piece of advice for someone interested in becoming a transformational life coach just like you..
Follow along the journey on insta :)
https://www.instagram.com/alignwithangeline/
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
In this episode, I am joined by Kristina Camille Manapat - a new grad occupational therapist practicing full-time in the hand therapy setting & per diem in a hospital setting
She shares her journey through the phases of becoming an OT from early experience as a hand therapy aide > fieldwork 2s > NBCOT study prep > to making that transition as a new grad OT
In this conversation, we also discuss the many ways that OTs can highlight their skills and fill different roles in the world
***If you are a new grad OT with interest in hand therapy, this episode is for you!
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:45) What is your occupational therapy story? Who is Kristina?
(3:20) What was occupational therapy school experience like?
(12:29) Working as a hand therapy aide WHILE attending your occupational therapy program
(14:32) Fieldwork 2 Experience — Hospital (Ortho, ICU, ER)
(19:19) Fieldwork 2 Experience — Outpatient Hand Therapy (private practice)
(23:07) What might you tell or share with a current fieldwork 2 student going through a difficult time with their placement?
(26:00) How did you prepare for the NBCOT? (Resources, strategies, study tips that worked for you, etc.)
(29:43) Entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist | mindset & approach
(31:45) Any additional advice for a new grad OT starting their first job?
(34:03) Hand Therapy as a New Grad OT | what’s that like for you so far?
(36:18) What is a typical day in the life as a hand therapist?
(38:56) How do you handle time management/multitasking when seeing more than one patient an hour?
(40:46) What are some challenging aspects in your current role?
(42:08) Kristina’s favorite interventions/treatment ideas in the hand therapy clinic
(46:32) How confident are you with splinting & orthotics? Any advice for beginners?
(49:58) Your long-term goals as an occupational therapist | highlighting the variety of traditional, specialty and emerging settings of OT
(55:32) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND
Follow us on insta :)
In this episode, I have a conversation with Audrey Kao — a registered social worker (RSW) and practicing therapist based in Toronto, Canada. She also creates content on Youtube where she shares & discusses tools for improving our work lives, relationships, and overall mental health.
***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!
“Popular Career Advice I Wish I Ignored”
> https://youtu.be/dCHKHjHd-iw?si=yuQ1nwAXpn3zV_lU
(0:52) Who is Audrey Kao?
(2:18) Navigating the “early days” of figuring out what career or profession you might want to pursue
(9:03) Audrey’s experiences starting out as a new grad social worker in the hospital setting
(10:47) Quick shoutout to occupational therapists out there :)
(11:48) The moment you felt the need to leave and pivot from your role as a hospital social worker | reflecting on meaningful work & burnout
(17:32) 2 important lessons you learned from your social work experience
(22:46) Self-care & burnout
(26:02) Finally taking the leap : transitioning to being a therapist
(28:35) Why did you decide to focus on “relationships & attachment” as a therapist?
(32:32) The importance of nourishing our meaningful relationships and connections | navigating friendships as adults
(35:40) Why did you decide on private practice as a therapist?
(38:51) What is your “typical” day like as a therapist?
(42:43) What are some of your favorite aspects of being a therapist?
(44:10) What are some of the challenging aspects in your current role as a therapist?
(46:21) Any memorable stories with patients in your therapy practice so far?
(47:47) What piece of advice might you give a college student interested in becoming a therapist?
(50:24) Motivation/story behind starting your YouTube channel?
(56:50) Discovering Audrey’s Youtube Video “Popular Career Advice I Wish I Ignored” [ https://youtu.be/dCHKHjHd-iw?si=yuQ1nwAXpn3zV_lU ]
(1:04:08) Final piece of advice for anyone hesitant about leaving their job and pursuing what they truly want to do?
(1:06:58) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND
Follow us on insta :)
In this episode, I welcome Gabriella Timuscuk who is currently practicing as an occupational therapist in Alaska!
Earlier this year, we were able to formally meet and bond during our UNE (University of New England) Alumni gathering during AOTA Conference - which allowed me the opportunity to connect and set up this podcast conversation.
I hope you enjoy the episode :)
Timestamps:
(2:03) Mindset going into Occupational Therapy School - what was your experience like?
(9:27) Fieldwork 2 experiences — a) Acute Care & Sensory b) Pediatric Outpatient Clinic
(13:28) If a current occupational therapy student is listening right now - having a difficult or challenging time at their placement — what might you share with them?
(19:36) How did you personally prepare for the NBCOT? Any helpful study techniques or methods that worked for you?
(21:12) On entering the field as a new graduate OT - searching for your 1st job?
(23:38) Piece of advice for new grad OT pursuing their first job
(30:07) Working as an occupational therapist in Alaska | pediatric outpatient setting
(35:24) What are some of the challenges or difficult moments that you face as an OT in your current role?
(37:04) Favorite interventions? How do you approach treatment sessions?
(38:15) Memorable stories?
(39:12) What does it feel like at this stage of your OT career (~4 years experience) ?
(42:15) Long-term goals as an OT?
(43:35) FINAL piece of advice for someone starting their OT program on Monday
(44:36) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND
Following along the OT journey on insta!
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
In this episode, we hear from Erica Aborlleile - a pelvic floor OT who shares her OT journey and how she found her way into the field and WHY she decided to further pursue specializing in pelvic floor therapy.
Timestamps:
(4:45) What was your experience like in occupational therapy school?
(8:00) Your clinical fieldwork 2 experience in (1) outpatient hand therapy & (2) hospital
(11:09) What ADVICE would you give a fieldwork 2 student that is currently struggling or having a difficult time in their clinical rotations?
(14:09) Starting out as a new grad occupational therapist | mindset going into your first job*
(17:34) WHY Pelvic Floor OT? How can I pivot and transition into pelvic floor OT?
(19:46) Pelvic Floor OT - what is it like? What do you see on a typical day?
(24:23) Memorable moments or stories in your role as a pelvic floor occupational therapist
(25:50) Any thoughts or advice for new grad OTs considering pelvic floor?
(28:18) What are your long-term goals as an occupational therapist?
(29:36) Your social media presence: (@thepelvicfloor_ot) — what type of content or resources might we expect?
(30:58) Final piece of advice for someone interested in pelvic floor OT?
(32:25) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND :)
Follow along on insta :)
Timestamps
(0:00) WHY OT?
(5:41) What was OT school like for you?
(11:14) Memorable moments as an occupational therapy student?
(13:20) Fieldwork 1 & 2 experiences - what settings were you in?
(17:39) If a current OT student is listening right now and having a difficult time during their fieldwork rotation, what might be something you tell them??
(19:55) What was it like as a new grad occupational therapist? | mindset & headspace
(21:30) How do you balance full-time & per diem roles as an OT practitioner?
(24:49) Is there something you wish you knew or did more of in OT school?
(28:33) What advice might you have for a new grad OT?
(31:20) How did you approach negotiating salary/rate as a new grad occupational therapist? | Financial aspect of being an OT
(37:36) Life as an occupational therapist | what is a typical day like?
(40:05) Typical caseload per day
(41:41) Favorite aspects of being a SNF OT
(43:09) The “not so favorite” parts of the job
(44:10) Anderson asks me about home health OT
(49:27) Life as a male occupational therapist
(55:30) Long-term goals as you move forward in your occupational therapy journey?
(57:41) *BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND*
In this episode, I am joined by Mandy who is an occupational therapist with many years of experience in a variety of settings working with older adults. She shares her journey from the days in occupational therapy school to starting out in home health OT as a new grad.
She also elaborates on "OT Accelerator" and the "OT Flourish" Podcast which are valuable resources for occupational therapy students and new grad occupational therapists looking for more ideas & insightful perspectives when working with the geriatric population.
For any students or current OT practitioners, this episode is for you!
Timestamps:
(1:39) Discovering occupational therapy | WHY OT
(4:35) Mandy reflects on occupational therapy school experience
(9:12) Level 2 Fieldwork Experience
(11:26) Your experience transitioning from classroom to fieldwork
(18:33) If a current OT student is having a difficult/challenging time during their fieldwork 2 — what might you share with them?
(20:05) Entering the field | finally starting as a new grad occupational therapist
(25:02) What is a critical access hospital? What is that experience like?
(26:45) The advantage of trying different OT settings
(30:24) Starting in Home Health as a new grad occupational therapist?
(32:47) What is “OT Accelerator” & why did you create it?
(37:05) Activity analysis is KEY + documentation + the importance of goals for our clients
(42:55) WHY the OT Flourish Podcast?
(49:26) Present day: what work are you doing today as an occupational therapist? | Future plans as an OT?
(53:27) One final piece of advice
(55:42) *BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND*
For more information on Mandy + resources:
https://learn.otflourish.com/join/ (OT ACCELERATOR)
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kCa4frHNqaDuZ50V88c9J (OT FLOURISH PODCAST)
https://www.instagram.com/ot.flourish/ (@ot.flourish)
In this honest conversation, Erle shares his occupational therapy journey highlighting how he first learned about OT from his dad. He discusses the personal & professional challenges along the way, and how he navigates difficult situations in the workplace.
If you are a current occupational therapy student or new graduate, this episode is for you!
Timestamps:
(4:08) 3+3 Dual Degree Program for OT ?
(5:50) memorable moments in occupational therapy school
(5:40) What OT setting(s) were you exposed to early on? What setting did you want to get into as a student?
(9:07) Tell us more about your Fieldwork 2 clinical rotations - Assisted-Living Facility (ALF) and Adult Day Care
(11:02) What was the transition like from classroom to hands-on experience during fieldwork?
(13:30) If a current occupational therapy student is listening right now and having a challenging time with their fieldwork 2 … what might you tell them?
(14:40) Applying to jobs as a new grad occupational therapist
(18:40) Favorite interventions or “go-to” materials?
(19:58) Deeper dive into home health life as an occupational therapist - what was your experience like?
(23:22) Facing & handling a tricky situation in the workplace
(28:03) Erle in the present day - sharing his personal story & intent to specialize in neuro OT
(31:34) Challenging moments for you personally during your OT journey through different workplace settings
(35:17) Memorable or meaningful experiences as an OT
(38:10) Any long term goals as an OT? | struggles with insurance and productivity
BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND
Follow us on insta :)
In this episode, I welcome Alina Lieu who shares in-depth about her occupational therapy journey through the years, lessons learned and memorable experiences along the way.
For any occupational therapy students or new grad OTs, this episode is for you!
Timestamps:
(4:56) Why Occupational Therapy?
(8:13) Tell us more about your OT program experience — getting accepted to school, favorite classes, memorable moments
(18:22) Fieldwork 2 experiences
(27:24) If a current OT student is listening, and is having a difficult or challenging time — what might be something you tell them?
(29:35) How did you prepare for the NBCOT exam? Any helpful tips, tricks, strategies and materials used?
(33:00) How did you adjust your approach to pass the NBCOT on your 2nd attempt?
(39:07) What was your experience like applying for jobs?
(44:22) What is your current role?
(46:03) What is it like to work per diem? | plans to go full-time work?
(49:18) Advice for the new grad OT applying for jobs
(51:47) Life as an occupational therapist in a skilled-nursing facility (SNF)
(56:58) Treatment ideas?
(58:49) the “not so favorite” parts of being an OT
(1:01:42) Your future as an occupational therapist
(1:04:32) **BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND**
Follow along the occupational therapy journey on instagram :)
In this episode, Amber shares her story from the early days of discovering occupational therapy and her present day work as an occupational therapist working in fitness - plus everything in between - from fieldwork 2 > to SNF > home health OT > travel occupational therapy > and navigating the pivot to fitness.
Timestamps:
(4:24) What was your occupational therapy program like?
(8:23) Please share more about your fieldwork 2 clinical rotations
(14:38) How did you get through a fieldwork 2 rotation that you don’t necessarily like or prefer?
(17:27) How did you handle any difficult moments, imposter syndrome and overall challenges as a new grad occupational therapist?
(19:51) Navigating your first job | home health or skilled nursing facility for new grads?
(22:52) 6 months at your first job(s) — good or bad? | red flags & mentorship
(27:00) Travel therapy era?
(32:37) What is a typical day like for an occupational therapist working in a skilled nursing facility? (“SNF”)
(38:27) Pivoting to Fitness
(55:05) Where do you see yourself in the future in terms of OT (or not OT)?
**BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND**
Follow along on insta :)
We are kicking off Occupational Therapy Month with a special guest!
In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to meet and chat with Rhiannon Crispe — the founder of the OT Lifestyle Movement.
Rhiannon reflects on her early days on her discovery of occupational therapy, her experience as a student, and navigating her first few years as a new graduate occupational therapist. Additionally, she shares about her current work with 1-on-1 mobile pediatric therapy, parent coaching, and the reason why she started the “OT Lifestyle Movement”
Timestamps:
(3:22) What was occupational therapy school like for you in Australia? | reflecting on uni days
(8:42) OT settings you were interested in early on?
(11:01) If an OT student is currently struggling with fieldwork 2 or occupational therapy school overall — what might be something you share with them?
(19:25) Navigating your first job as an occupational therapist | subsequent jobs afterwards
(23:24) Currently — 1-on-1 mobile pediatric therapy and parent coaching | what is this experience like?
(29:48) What do you like about your current OT role versus previous jobs you’ve held?
(30:58) What might you tell someone interested in pursuing a route similar to yours or thinking about starting their own OT business?
(33:07) What is the OT Lifestyle Movement? | what was the motivation behind this pivot
(37:59) Looking for occupational therapy inspiration? | Consider checking out Rhiannon’s free resources — including an OT e-book, OT movie, OT podcast.. & more!
https://otlifestylemovement.com/
*BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND*
Curious about pelvic floor therapy and what it's all about?
In this episode, I am joined by Christine also known as "Dr.Steez" on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/drsteez.dpt/
She is a physical therapist who recently followed her interests and decided to pivot into pelvic floor therapy. In this conversation, we cover the basics of what pelvic floor therapy might entail, how a current physical therapist or occupational therapist might pivot into this specific role, and how pelvic floor therapy can also be beneficial to men/male clients despite initial misconceptions.
Timestamps:
(8:32) What would you tell a current physical therapy student having a difficult time during their clinical rotation?
(10:56) Navigating your first job as a physical therapist?
(12:15) Transitioning from student to practitioner
(14:33) What motivated you to pursue Pelvic Floor PT?
(18:04) What are some cases you see as a pelvic floor therapist?
(19:18) Tell us about your current role?
(20:54) How did you pivot into pelvic floor therapy?
(22:10) Walk us through a typical day as a pelvic floor PT
(23:25) What might treatment sessions look like in this role/setting?
(26:43) Advice for anyone thinking about pivoting to pelvic health PT/OT?
(28:05) Pelvic Floor Therapy for men? | initial perceptions
(31:50) Motivation behind social media account (Drsteez.DPT)
BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND:
(35:37) What is your OT pitch? (From a PT perspective!)
Follow Once Upon OT :)
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/
In this episode, Yeda shares her honest and real experiences during her journey from occupational therapy school to entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist. Yeda provides thoughtful perspectives, valuable insights, and meaningful stories for OT students and new grads to consider when entering the field.
Timestamps:
(9:52) Fieldwork 2 experiences during OT school
(15:56) Advice to current students navigating difficult times during fieldwork 2
(16:59) How Yeda prepared for the NBCOT exam| the “hard 75 challenge” + study materials
(20:20) Navigating your first job as a new grad occupational therapist | *beware* of “scams”
(26:33) working in a SNF | handling the reality of patients dying
(33:18) Interview prep and the SECRET to negotiating for the salary you want $
(40:32) How does it feel to be ~8 months in as an occupational therapist?
(43:22) How do you handle the challenging days & moments as an OT?
(45:37) Any memorable/meaningful stories to share?
(48:38) Walk me through your current daily routine as an occupational therapist
(52:29) Any long-term goals as an OT?
(58:56) FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE
(1:00:08) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND
Follow us on insta -
In this episode, I chat with Abby and Chris, two occupational therapists traveling together and living the dream! Super excited to share this episode where I get to ask all my curious questions about travel occupational therapy and how it works and what the experience might be like.
If you're considering travel OT, you definitely want to listen to this episode!
Timestamps:
(2:20) Chris talks about his OT school experience
(3:33) Abby talks about her OT school experience
(8:36) What piece of advice would you give an occupational therapy student struggling with their fieldwork 2 rotations?
(12:15) Starting out as a new grad occupational therapist | thoughts on starting travel OT right away?
(23:24) Transitioning from student to practitioner
(26:38) Navigating salary negotiation $ | advice on talking about money as an OT
(33:38) What prompted you both to start travel therapy as occupational therapists? | WHY TRAVEL OT
(43:18) How long have you been doing travel OT? How do contracts typically work? | logistics and details
(45:58) How much time is ample to prepare and transition for a travel contract?
(51:27) Navigating housing | any recommendations?
(55:12) Where have you completed travel contracts so far? | where else might you like to go?
(58:21) What are some challenges or “cons” you’ve experienced as travel OTs?
(1:01:55) Thoughts on a new grad OT pursuing travel therapy?
(1:05:36) Considered different settings while traveling? | what kind of settings/facilities are available as a traveler
(1:08:05) Future as traveling occupational therapists | Do you see yourselves traveling long-term?
(1:09:54) Navigating social life as a travel OT | how do you try to meet people & integrate into existing spaces
(1:13:53) What is your current work schedule like in the SNF?
(1:15:42) Final piece of advice for anyone considering travel OT?
(1:18:55) ** BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND **
Follow along on ig :)
In this episode, I meet Megan who is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy.
Additionally, Megan shares her stories and experiences from OTA school, clinical & work experiences, and the ultimate decision to become an occupational therapist. We also learn more about the many fun and creative interventions she uses in an array of settings.
Timestamps:
(5:04) - what was OTA school like? | favorite & least favorite classes
(7:00) — fieldwork | clinical rotations during COVID
(15:05) — navigating transitions | school-based to hospital setting
(20:48) - similarities and differences between OTA vs. OT program experience
(28:25) - what would you tell a student looking to pursue an OTA/OT program?
(29:56) - relationship dynamic between COTA & OT | experiences in outpatient neuro and acute care
(33:56) — managing & handling caseloads
(37:52) - Megan's favorite interventions
(41:28) — story behind OTA/OT insta account
(42:57) — 1-on-1 mentoring sessions
follow on insta :)