Growth

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change” (Brown, B). 
I feel as though I have had to be vulnerable and have expressed many emotions throughout this block with the friends and mentors I share it with, as well as with myself. I have had to expose my areas of weakness, lack of understanding and develop in vital areas which will create an admirable therapist.

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure” (Powell, C). This block has taught me so much as a person and a developing therapist. As a person it has taught me to deal with criticism and accept important feedback in order to grow. As a student OT, I have realized the great impact research, clinical reasoning and client context has on the treatment you provide and sessions you plan.

Preparation and organization has been an area I lack commitment to. Although I complete the work, the lack of organization reflected in my midterms results. Organization begins with RESEARCH. This is something I did not create any time for before midterms. Since then I have learnt to enjoy reading the facts about my diagnoses and understanding each condition in depth. Researching treatment and Applied frames of reference has given me confidence in understanding the benefits I am offering the clients.

I am more of a passive learner than an active learner. I listen well in class and therefore without the NDT lectures leading up to midterms and without individual research I was guessing my way through the block and made many errors as a result. I discovered the importance of active learning in this degree through this.

Through understanding treatment principles according to my frame of reference choice and preparing problem lists to formulate a subprogramme, I have finally grasped the concept of treatment. This is definitely a reason I feel I have grown as an OT.

According to (Greenwood, Beth) these are the qualities which make a good OT. I will elaborate on how I have grown in these areas.

Communication and Listening

“Interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with your patients are vitally important. First, you must listen to your patients, who can explain how they feel or what their symptoms are. You must be able to put complex terms in simple language, especially when working with a child or an adult with a cognitive problem”. I feel I have developed in my interpersonal skills to communicate with my patients. I have learnt about the importance of using an adult tone and body language when communicating with an aphasic client and I have learnt to be proactive and asking my patients questions about their concerns which are vital to gain context to formulate a problem list whilst assessing them.

Organization and Problem-Solving

“Much of OT work involves solving problems, according to OT Career Path. An OT needs organizational skills to manage her own daily activities and schedule as well”. As a student OT I have come to terms with the fact that organization is the key to successful sessions. Even having a note written for reminders during the session, a notebook, pen and forms readily available allows for a more productive day. Organization in terms of researching and planning treatment also falls into this section. I have improved greatly in this area compared to the start of the fieldwork block and will continue to grow through its value. Time management is also vital. I have definitely learnt to treat faster and use my time more wisely. Through this I have grown in my confidence and handling of patients during treatment sessions.

Compassionate Care

“Compassion, empathy and patience are necessary skills for an OT and are often driven by a desire to help others. A patient who has suffered an injury or illness may be grieving for her lost skills or the life activities she once enjoyed”. As students I feel we are sometimes so stressed about our cases that we tend to forget that these are real people whose lives have been impacted and they are dealing with many emotional stressors as a result. I do my best to develop therapeutic relationships with my clients so that they feel we have developed a safe, trustworthy relationship. I have learnt to show compassion for their struggles and develop aims alongside them.

I believe I have improved as an OT, but I also know there is a lot of growing to still be done. This will come with experience and feedback from others as well as myself, as I develop through researching and improving in my skills.

References:

1. Greenwood, Beth. "Qualities of a Good Occupational Therapist." Work - Chron.com, http://work.chron.com/qualities-good-occupational-therapist-26306.html. Accessed 24 April 2019.

2.  Gibbs, M. 5 Powerful Quote’s from Brene Brown’s Ted Talk. http://empowerlounge.com/5-powerful-quotes-from-brene-browns-tedtalk-about-shame/

3.  Powell, C. Failure Quotes: Brainy Quotes. https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/failure