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What would be the worst thing about becoming an occupational therapist and why
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Beth’s Answer
I am a physical therapist who works closely with occupational therapists in the hospital and in rehabilitation hospitals. Occupational therapy’s expertise is in activities of daily living. They spend a lot of time working on toileting tasks - can you wipe? Can you pull your pants up and down? Can you wash everything? They also do other self care tasks - can you brush your teeth? Feed your self, take a shower?
So, if you can’t handle pee, poop, spit, stinky feet, or getting wet in someone else’s shower, you should consider psych or pediatric OT (they have their own challenges with behavior issues).
My OT friends also hate that the general public doesn’t know what they do. “I don’t need OT, I’m not working now”, or people call you a physical therapist all the time. By the way, OT works on things which occupy your time.
Network with OT’s in your area to observe in the clinic for a day.
Call OT’s from various settings and have them answer your questions
So, if you can’t handle pee, poop, spit, stinky feet, or getting wet in someone else’s shower, you should consider psych or pediatric OT (they have their own challenges with behavior issues).
My OT friends also hate that the general public doesn’t know what they do. “I don’t need OT, I’m not working now”, or people call you a physical therapist all the time. By the way, OT works on things which occupy your time.
Beth recommends the following next steps:
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Jake’s Answer
Not an OT, but my wife is. It probably depends on the type of OT you're thinking about becoming. Right now for my wife the hardest part is COVID. 100% PPE all day every day, and her facility is still having outbreaks. She is in an elder care unit, because that's what she wanted, and she's had to deal with death of patients through her career. But COVID has increased those numbers and it's taking a toll on her mental health.
I agree with Beth about no one knowing what OT actually is. A pet peeve of my wife's is being called a PT.
I agree with Beth about no one knowing what OT actually is. A pet peeve of my wife's is being called a PT.
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Joan’s Answer
That is a difficult question because I have loved being an OT for 44 years. OTs are generally positive people, looking for the best not the worst, looking for solutions, adaptation. People not knowing what OT is, can be a frustration and working with patients on their activities of daily living, ie, toileting, can be a challenge. The reward of helping someone become independent with a task that they were previously unable to do for themselves makes it worth it. Toileting, bathing, dressing, eating, etc. Imagine you are able to do it one day and unable the next. The OT would be the one that helps you regain that function. My OT experience has been in child and adolescent psychiatry (3 yr), early childhood intervention (10yr), and geriatrics (30+yr) in skilled nursing facilities and home health. The rewards have tremendously out weighed the negatives! I hope that my response has been helpful and I wish you the best in what ever endeavor you choose.
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Christi’s Answer
Hello,
I am an occupational therapist. I work in hand therapy.
Like others said, being mistaken for a PT all the time and having to explain your profession to patients can be hard.
Otherwise it is a pretty great field.
Sometimes you will stay late to get your work done or stay longer with a patient who may need more help. Most of the time I do my documentation throughout my lunch time and don’t get much of a break throughout my work day.
I am an occupational therapist. I work in hand therapy.
Like others said, being mistaken for a PT all the time and having to explain your profession to patients can be hard.
Otherwise it is a pretty great field.
Sometimes you will stay late to get your work done or stay longer with a patient who may need more help. Most of the time I do my documentation throughout my lunch time and don’t get much of a break throughout my work day.
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I think the more challenging or not-fun parts are going to be similar to any other medical/healthcare field - documentation, dealing with insurance. I find my greatest challenge is dealing with caregivers, families, aides/staff, and legal guardians; we work on educating them on follow through and carry over, but also making sure all parties are on the same page and are supporting the client and their goals. Mostly, it takes patience and ability to clearly and confidently explain and advocate for your client, but also work with what the caregivers can do.