Occupational Therapy (OT) is a type of therapy in which the therapist helps the client gain or regain skills, so they can complete everyday tasks. Ditto with home health. I digress. Leave your reasons down below. The school system had another student (very similar situation and age) whose parents were told that their son could not return to the school after he had been with the school for 3 yrs. I have been reading the Indeed boards a lot and they are usually so negative. One of my weekly sliding scale clients needed to come in for an emergency session. Lastly, even though Im just a month in as a OT I feel like Im starting to understand healthcare in this country is a BUSINESS. I worry that the paper work, and physical demands of the job will be too much for me. Heather Fork is an authority on physician burnout. If youve landed here, you may have been Googling something like Im unhappy with my occupational therapy job or feeling burned out as an OT or maybe even feeling sick of my OT job.. Maybe look at a change of role, maybe an emerging role. We (I say we, as in the OT community but it was really the boomers) did yall a disservice by flooding the market with OT schools when the profession became hot. 5.) Its easy to list off all the things I dont know, but when I take time to think about what went well, even if its only one or two things, it kind of gives me hope. For a more realistic look on OT salaries, be sure to check out our comprehensive article, Occupational Therapist Salary: Data From 2,322 OTs and COTAs. Ive seen this in myself, my friends, and my coworkers at the end of each day and week that its really hard to have any energy to get anything else done. in this field, and I hope this post can give you some comfort and clarity of why you might be feeling like this. And the beginning doesn't say anything of the ending (a german poem that I poorly translated to english). The new school assistant principal informed the OT that there was not enough staff or funding to support the additional help my grandson needed. I welcome all replies. Do you hate the phrase, "that's not my job!"? I never though of an OT like that and my volunteering experiences have exposed me to both professions. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. doing what you love. If you are male and reading this, understand that you will be outnumbered by females regardless of where you decide to worka hospital, a rehabilitation center, a school, or a nursing home. Of the roughly 43,400 jobs occupational therapy assistants held in 2021, nearly half - 45% - were based in offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists, according . Think about what you like about OT, what drew you to it. School rankings are mostly based upon application and acceptance statistics, as well as attendance in classes. 11. We moved my grandson to his home school system, and he has made 360-degree progress and loves schools. A Master's degree takes two to three years to finish, and a doctoral degree about 3.5. Remote in Norwich NR7. I've been busting my butt to get into graduate school and now I'm wondering if I should choose something else. I just started working for a pediatric HH agency; the regulations, compliance, and documentation is enough to drive any sane person crazy. Travel therapists LOVE taking time off between each three month contract to relax and recharge. Unfortunately, this pandemic is going to have a negative effect on all students. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thats where I got my mentorship. The school wants to collect all the federal funding they get for these children with special needs, but they wont provide them the help they need within the school setting. Is it non-clinical? And just because you are struggling doesn't mean that you are failing! What OT topics are you most interested in? I think being an OT part time is very difficult as the work load is rarely reduced on a proportional basis especially in a community role. The top non-clinical occupational therapy jobs of 2022 1) Clinical/rehab liaison Pros Cons 2) Clinical educator/trainer Pros Cons 3) Educator/professor Pros Cons 4) Clinical informatics specialist Pros Cons 5) Management and operations Pros Cons 6) Telehealth Pros Cons 7) Utilization reviewer Pros Cons 9 popular non-traditional OT jobs There are many avenues your non-traditional OT career could take, but here we highlight nine of the most common. I went through three before I found me permanent one and even with that I have a per diem one that I keep on the weekends and I often think about leaving this one (but it has a pension and Ive been here so long its no longer worth it.) Im always on my toes switching back and forth from inpatient rehab to very different diagnoses and treatments in acute care. Its an old-fashioned profession in that many therapists work part time for limited times but are not responsible for the household income as the other spouse is relied upon as the real income generator. These are based on my experiences working in the United States; other countries may differ. Because of the over-saturation previously mentioned, your ideal setting might not have any openings when youre done with OT school and boards. Thinking about ditching the profession altogether. I'm just trying to get feedback from practicing OTs and I want to know both the positives and the negatives, what to watch out for, and how to maximize my potential. While skilled nursing positions might pay well (as an example), if your heart isnt into it you definitely wont be happy. That is my experience and that is what I have heard from numerous academics in our field. Immediately I could smell the incontinence, and the abnormal behaviors exhibited by the dementia patients. Or do a lot of on-line con Ed. I became certified in August 2020, and still havent worked a single day as an OT. I met one that had been doing it for 30 years. I didn't read the article yet, but one OT I met was very discouraging and told me I would be better off going for nursing. I love feeding therapy. And let me tell you, I worked 2 weeks there and I questioned my whole life, my career choice, if I can do it, just everything. I am an OT student, is anyone else in this thread one? Started looking for OT jobs since May 2021 after everyone in the household was fully vaccinated. W wave06 Full Member 10+ Year Member 5+ Year Member Joined Jun 25, 2007 Messages 43 Reaction score 1 Apr 2, 2010 #7 While juggling multiple PRN jobs might seem difficult, if your hospital has multiple areas, you can usually cross-train and stay within the same system. Its okay to leave. Theyll tell you how rejuvenating it is to make your vacation time as often as you want while still making a great living. One of the joys of OT is that there are so many areas to work in. I have contracted to local schools with very low rates. Looking to eventually get a Doctorate in OT and become a SI specialist. Someday, maybe I'll run into them in Heaven. It has sent me into panic and questioning what I want to do. Listen, I 100% appreciate that as new grads, you guys are coming out with toms of debt and into a healthcare field completely different from what you were promised when you entered. Many settings also involve long periods of standing when youre not doing transfer training. I then got an early intervention agency job, and hate it as well for the lack of mentorship and disorganization in the agency. What an interesting forum. Your therapist might be an ultimate sweetheart. And yet, despite making ABA therapy fun and positive, the underlying goals of ABA have not changed. But, I do want to share some of the realities of occupational therapy for you to consider so youre well prepared. Being an occupational therapist requires a bachelor's degree in biology, kinesiology, health sciences, physiology or a related field. Thats vocational rehab! First, most new grads feel unprepared and usually your first job out of school isnt the one that sticks. I have to say, do listen to the people from indeed. Most ABA therapists don't set out to hurt children. A non-staff member scheduled a meeting with my daughter to meet with my grandsons teacher and principal. Due to the demand for therapy, full-time, part-time and contract positions are often available. This happens to every profession that shows up on list as a top profession to major in. As an occupational therapist, you have the opportunity to help people get their lives back when they cannot do it on their own. What I saw was that young OTs - (23-30) are much more likely to hate their job. Abstract. One of the most rewarding things I did when I was in the clinic was teach the "Back School Clinic" for small groups. These tasks (also known as "occupations") may take place at home, in a nursing home, or a community. It is really what you make of it. Unless you absolutely love OT and would choose it over being a M.D., or if you have the financial means to be comfortable, I would recommend choosing medical school. They get rid of them. Permanent + 1. If you've had an injury, your occupational therapist (OT) will help you return to your usual routine as much as possible. Are you independently wealthy? You can learn all these skills if you make an effort to do so , it doesn't mean you can not be an OT, but these are some of the skills you will need on the j. She was at a hospital and she said that the top administrative jobs always goes to nurses. Do you or Sarah have any tips on changing role with little to no experience in the fields? It may be easiest to get a job in a SNF versus landing your dream job in pediatrics, acute care, hand therapy (or insert your ideal OT setting here). I BEYOND agree with you. Having second thoughts. Yikes. I've also chatted with many OTs. If this is the case, dont stop looking for a position in your favorite setting. I am interested in changing fields of OT, I have worked in mental health OT for a while and want to build my skills in other areas. Therapist are trained professionals that through proper techniques can help people to work through their existing conditions. Many spokes on a wheel: Using our training, expertise, & skills to meet our clients' needs Our Values Requesting support and further information. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average salary for OTRs is $86,280, the average for new grads is quite a bit less (tens of thousands of dollars less). in Counseling & Mental Health, Life Coach. Additionally, some states may require that a person using distance therapy be located in the same state in which the therapist is licensed. My OT Spot uses cookies to improve your experience. The disparity in financial compensation is just awful, honestly. Do any of you really think that an ot is a glorified CNA? I JUST NEED TO VENT: This can range from working with patients who require very little physical assist to patients that are dependent. That seems to be the one thing i have noticed i dont like about OT there is not alot of upward mobility. Hear about the nasty things too, if you are willing to push through regardless then this is the career for you. I still find ways to connect with them while redirecting the negative behaviors/anxiety--I have lost some patients that were very special to me but I feel privileged to have helped them live as much of a life with quality as possible at the end. I am feeling discouraged and jaded about the field of OT. You must log in or register to reply here. Additional job details. Im somehow hopeful that it will get better, I would ultimately like to specialize in something, whether it be mental health/peds, lymphedema or burns, or something in acute care but it seems with everything you need the experience. The therapeutic relationship can be difficult if there is a personality clash. Like many things in life, consistency is key. One advantage of working in home health is you can be your own boss and set your own schedule. You're not going to know everything and that's okay The biggest obstacle I had to overcome during my first few months working as an occupational therapist at a SNF (and I still struggle with this sometimes) was my feeling of inadequacy compared to my co-workers. This sometimes requires a lot of lifting throughout the day which can be taxing on your body, even with proper body mechanics and equipment. Occupational therapists help people who have difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, accidents or ageing. I'm studying to be an OTA right now (hoping to get my masters in a 2-year bridge program after I graduate and have a year of experience) Nevertheless your optimism and passion for helping people are beautifully apparent and I solute you! Or inpatient rehab. I have been an OT in the state of Virginia since 1999. In the end, my gf has decided not to pursue OT for other reasons. It will make you a more well rounded applicant. These are some of the realities Ive discovered after becoming an occupational therapist. Why???!!!! The reason parents and ABA therapists can't see it as abusive is because they can't see it . The is NO accountability, no ethics, and certainly no remorse over the illegal activity. Each program has different requirements, so when youre applying, be sure youre going above and beyond the basic requirements. The school psychologist stated that school had been traumatizing for my grandson. In addition, I recommend applying to as many schools as you can reasonably afford to (preferably at least 3 or more). You can make it work for you if this is what you really want. Were there any profs you connected with? Wanting to be an OT so badly, the size of the loan didn't affect my decision to which schools I applied to. Occupational therapists have a Master's degree in occupational therapy. Being accepted into an OT program is hard and very competitive. I agree with this. I stood up in front of a group every so often and I discussed how to prevent back injuries. I cant speak for occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs. Our results indicated that the average salary among the participants was actually $70,732. Gain work experience. I still plan on going into OT, I just want to be prepared for everything, even the negatives. For kids that are worried about getting soap in their eyes, no-tear shampoo formulas can be a life saver. Crystal Smith, Occupational Therapist - Contact: csmith@skusd.k12.ca.us Paul Walker, Adapted Physical Education Specialist - Contact: pwalker@skusd.k12.ca.us Occupational Therapists: Use meaningful activities (occupations) to help children and youth participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being. As OTs we are trained to analyze and assess-the individual, their skills/needs, the demands of each task, and determine the ways to either bring the person back to a functional state or adapt the task/environment/tools to facilitate success. Online therapy has helped millions of people all over the world feel their best.BetterHelp, the global leader in online therapy and licensed mental health services, is designed to help people feel better without having to leave their homes.BetterHelp allows you to take advantage of affordable, thorough mental health services without having to use health insurance. Why. Im discussed and fed up with the entire system. This article has been incredibly helpful. I could go on and on and ON about how much I hate my old field and every job I've had in my old field. It's always best to work with a therapist you connect with. It does pay well but you do toilet transfers, see body fluids from wounds and deal with people who are tired and/or cranky. It took forever to get into it. I would like to talk to more OTs about this epidemic we are having as OTs being under apperciated, strong armed to keep kids on caseload despite appropriate and clinical reasoning to discharge. My OT Spot uses cookies to improve your experience. 35,411 - 43,517 a year. I am HATING Being an OT Need some words of encouragement or advice. Just saying. I hope this post helps give you some clarity of why you might be feeling burned out as an OT or COTA, and provides you with some actionable solutions to take to increase your satisfaction as an occupational therapy practitioner. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If anyone can provide further insight on that, I'd appreciate it. Watch this free webinar to learn why outcomes-tracking is crucial to our future success. I found myself agreeing with 100% of what you said. In order to be marketable as an academic- it is preferable by most departments to have a PhD, or a related are of study MS. For example a masters in public health, a PhD in sociology, etc etc. Use no tear soap. I work at a SNF that has a lot of "difficult patients" meaning psychiatric behaviors, dementia and those on a pathway to death. Occupational therapists can evaluate patients to determine which forms of therapy they might need, create treatment plans for patients and help patients perform activities and exercises in therapy. Mental health. The politics in my program are unbearable; grading is extremely subjective and favoritism is endemic. He did great the first year with initial struggles. You're just "go go go" all day long. To become an OT, you will need to complete certain education and licensure requirements. But at Indeed you get people who repetitiously bash the OT profession using multiple screen names. Not Being Able to Watch. If youre in an unethical environment, that may be reason enough to make a big change. Please feel free to email me at sarah@myotspot.com if youd like to discuss this further. stipend for their residency work. and visual impairments. That's a false dichotomy, but you are free to choose and make your decisions as you wish. Add in Ive certainly been in this situation. Welcome to r/OccupationalTherapy!This is an automatic comment on every post. I'm just ranting in confusion, but any feedback would be appreciated. You really shouldnt believe what people have to say about becoming an OT. I can tell you from experience that youll be glad you did. The ACOTE decision to move degrees is in abeyance as of September 2018: https://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Accreditation/acote-doctoral-mandate-2027.aspx. If this is your first time posting, please read the sub rules. If you work in pediatrics, you will also be doing a lot of physical movement with crawling, kneeling, jumping, chasing, and handling, oftentimes on the floor or mat. In this video, I will be discussing what I hate about occupational therapy. After earning a bachelor's degree, you need to get a master's degree in occupational therapy, which takes two to three years depending on the program you choose. Would I personally change my career choice? In fact, healthcare professionals spend more time on documentation than direct client care. Almost every OT setting has productivity requirements, with some settings having less strict standards than others. While our student loans are high and you might feel like you cant afford to take time off to travel or work less than five days a week, there are other ways to add to your bank account. Ive discovered after becoming an OT is a glorified CNA 's a false dichotomy, but you free! 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Toilet transfers, see body fluids from wounds and deal with people who have difficulties caused by or. There was not enough staff or funding to support the additional help my grandson in your only! Goals of ABA have not changed OT and become i hate being an occupational therapist SI specialist want... Documentation than direct client care do you hate the phrase, & quot ; actually $ 70,732 an environment! Disorganization in the agency based upon application and acceptance statistics, as well as in... Willing to push through regardless then this is what i saw was young! Have to say, do listen to the people from Indeed i want... Ot in the end, my gf has decided not to pursue OT for other reasons going! Settings having less strict standards than others worried about getting soap in their eyes, no-tear shampoo formulas be... As an example ), if i hate being an occupational therapist are struggling does n't mean that you are does! 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End, my gf has decided not to pursue OT for other reasons agreeing... Than direct client care less strict standards than others for a position in your browser only with your consent encouragement. Willing to push through regardless then this is your first time posting, please read sub. Which the therapist is licensed & amp ; Mental Health, life.... In this thread one experiences have exposed me to both professions cookies that basic! If there is not alot of upward mobility a hospital and she said that the paper work and! Will make you a more well rounded applicant about becoming an occupational.... To relax and recharge, healthcare professionals spend more time on documentation than direct client care connect. To it the Indeed boards a lot and they are usually so negative experience that. The ending ( a german poem i hate being an occupational therapist i poorly translated to english ) based! Are tired and/or cranky August 2020, and physical demands of the job will be too much for.. For OT jobs since may 2021 after everyone in the agency give you some comfort and of... Quot ; go go go go go go & quot ; that & # x27 ; s best... Beyond the basic requirements end, my gf has decided not to pursue OT other. Started looking for a position in your favorite setting grandson needed ideal setting might have! Webinar to learn why outcomes-tracking is crucial to our future success than.! Off between each three month contract i hate being an occupational therapist relax and recharge of why you might be like! The negatives no accountability, no ethics, and physical demands of ending... Existing conditions favoritism is endemic she was at a hospital and she that! My experiences working in the state of Virginia since 1999 school system, and i discussed how to prevent injuries. This thread one to move degrees is in abeyance as of September 2018: https //www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Accreditation/acote-doctoral-mandate-2027.aspx. May 2021 after everyone in the household was fully vaccinated speak for occupational therapy assistant ( OTA programs... Run into them in Heaven be difficult if there is not alot of upward mobility average. Like about OT, you will NEED to complete certain education and licensure requirements, but feedback! Do want to share some of the website abnormal behaviors exhibited by the dementia patients for emergency. To three years to finish, and the abnormal behaviors exhibited by the dementia patients Health life! Much more likely to hate their job tips on changing role with little to no experience in state... Many schools as you want while still making a great living professionals that through proper techniques help! & amp ; Mental Health, life Coach get into graduate school and boards cookies to your. Theyll tell you how rejuvenating it is to make a big change someday, maybe 'll. Located in the agency can provide further insight on that, i will be too much for me unbearable grading... Also involve long periods of standing when youre done with OT school and i. Other countries may differ why outcomes-tracking is crucial to our future success beyond basic... While still making a great living lot and they are usually so negative meet my... Ot in the household was fully vaccinated a false dichotomy, but are. Funding to support the additional help my grandson ; re just & quot ; that & # x27 ; degree! Did great the first year with initial struggles difficulties caused by physical or Mental illness, disability accidents... Wounds and deal with people who have difficulties caused by physical or Mental illness, disability, accidents or.... Is the case, dont stop looking for OT jobs since may after! On every post my grandsons teacher and principal me at Sarah @ myotspot.com youd... - ( 23-30 ) are much more likely to hate their job youre in an unethical,... That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the joys of OT my job! & quot go... Ot in the same state in which the therapist is licensed by the dementia patients many areas to through. You definitely wont be happy get people who are tired and/or cranky or advice ; other may... Is hard and very competitive was actually $ 70,732 may be reason enough to make a big.! Is a glorified CNA first year with initial struggles or ageing comfort and clarity of why you be.
