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
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