Living Life to Its Fullest as an Occupational Therapist
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
How have you been celebrating OT Month? Every year, the whole month of April is dedicated to the "Original Makers" that use their holistic and customized approach to evaluations, interventions, and outcomes of their patients. Occupational Therapists support people of all ages that need assistance to become independent as possible. This year is an extra special celebration as we recognize
Occupational Therapy as a profession for 100 years!
This year we chose to feature one of our favorite traveling
Occupational Therapist. If you were ever interested in hearing about a traveler's story or about an OT's life, take a moment to read our interview with an OT!
- Occupational Therapy celebrates 100 years of being a profession with this year's theme: "Occupational Therapy: Living Life to Its Fullest." Describe how Occupational Therapy helps people live life to its fullest.
Occupational Therapy helps my patients live life to its the fullest by focusing on what matters to them personally. Whatever is meaningful to my client, that's what I want to focus on. For example, I currently have a patient who will permanently need to live in a Skilled Nursing Facility. She expressed that it was not important for her to be able to take her shift on and off. She understood that she will always have caregiver assistance for that. However, my patient is concerned about being able to go to the bathroom. Her family cannot take her out of the facility if she needs total assistance to got to the restroom. So we focus on toileting. Being able to go on family outings is what brings fulfillment to my patient.
- We know that you're proud about your profession, tell us why!
I love being an OT because we focus on what matters to the client. If a patient would rather focus on increasing their ability to safely cook rather than putting on and off their socks; because "my wife can put on socks for me," well then we are headed to the kitchen! You would be surprised how many patients would rather have their spouse help them get dressed, but that's okay! It's all about what brings meaning to the patient.
- When you graduated OT school and considered job options, what led you to choose the path of a travel Occupational Therapist?
Many reasons led me to travel. Obviously the fun of exploring new cities around me, but I also liked the idea of meeting different types of clientele and experiencing new cultures. Travel also helps you develop great professional skills because every facility runs differently. It keeps you on your toes.
- How did you decide that National Staffing Solutions was the right agency for you?
Honestly it's all about my recruiter, Jason Colbert. At the end of the day, most staffing agencies offer similar compensation packages etc. Having a dedicated and reliable recruiter is what made me choose National Staffing Solutions.
- Name your biggest challenge and reward as an Occupational Therapist?
Currently my biggest challenge as an Occupational Therapist is balancing paperwork and productivity. Ideally I would spend all my time with my patients, but you have to learn the balancing act. However, it is worth the reward. Seeing a patient genuinely happy over accomplishing their goals is the best part of my job.
- What is the one thing you wish people knew more about OTs?
I just wish people knew what we do! There are so many facets to Occupational Therapy. I think our ability to combine physical and cognitive rehabilitation is what makes us truly unique. Occupational Therapy originated in mental health and I think that aspect often gets overlooked.
- How are YOU living life to its fullest everyday?
Good question! I recently discovered the "365 Grateful" project, where you take 1 photo a day for a year of something that added positivity to your day, even on the bad days. It can really change your perspective and has reminded me that even the small things bring fulfillment to my life.
If you would like to share your travel assignment experiences with National Staffing Solutions, please email Marketing@NationalStaff.com.
Leanne Leuterio
4/26/2017
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