Obviously I'm not back from my self-imposed blogging maternity leave. So where am I? read on...
My life is pretty much completely crazy right now. (that's the TLDR version)
People have said "having a baby changes everything," to which I reply, "true that." Personal schedule has been completely hijacked and we now semi-rigidly adhere to certain time principles- up at 6, out the door at 7, pump at 12, etc. While I couldn't "sleep while the baby sleeps" when he was young, now I follow this religiously, heading to bed myself at 830 or 9 every night. A big change for this night owl... thank you to International Delight Mocha and Cranergy for making mornings possible.
Getting up at 6 everyday because post-baby, my dream job opened up, and I started new employment for what I anticipate to be the last time for a very long time. I am now a school system therapist and enjoying the transition back to working life.
and since a little change is no fun, I also got a new phone and will be using a new car to do my work driving.
Stress abounds. I've had to change my MO for pretty much every aspect of my life. I'm still reclaiming some of my identity and expect that will continue for awhile. I love my blog and want it to continue, but finding the time is a challenge. So I'm reevaluating how to do business here. I may start having some more guest posts, some shorter posts, things of that nature. I probably won't be using my facebook page very often but still do a little on twitter since I can operate it on my phone. I still have tons of ideas that I want to write about, it's just about finding the time. I may see if I can use speech to text features on my devices to see if I can dictate while driving between schools (all 14 of them) or while pumping.
So please be patient with me as I adapt to my ever changing life roles. It's hard.
I intend to post an update to the entry on using baby massage (now that I've had a real live baby to practice on) and get the giveaway out now that I figured out how to determine all the followers.
Also, there will be a special feature in November, so stay tuned for that!
Showing posts with label updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label updates. Show all posts
9.15.2013
5.06.2013
Role Checklist
Cheryl's Role Checklist:
Daughter 198X
Friend 1986
Neighbor 1986
Sister 198X
Student 1989
Teammate 1993
Volunteer 1996
Employee 1999
Roommate 2002
Fiancee 2004
Wife 200X
Professional 2007
Mom 2013
Baby boy and mom are doing well after a mostly uneventful delivery in the middle of a fine April night. We are all adjusting to one another and trying to find our balance. I appreciate all the thoughtfulness from my OT tweeps and real-life friends as well.
Class of 2025?
1.08.2013
A very NEW NEW NEW year
I won't say "New year, new me" but there are a lot of changes taking place in my life.
Job changes are so ever present in this blog. If you are a student, you should be comforted by the fact that there truly are SO many options for OTs, it's often true that you can work as much as you want. The only downside of this right now is that I am dreading tax time with 4 (I think?) W-2s and a 1099 with small business deductions... it's enough to make you hyperventilate. At any rate- my early intervention work is something that I really enjoy. I have families that I am close to, coordinators that respect my evals and opinions, and a burgeoning caseload. It has taken 6 months (and the willingness to be very flexible) but the business has grown well. I still have my occasional hospital days, where it is nice to switch up and work with adults (particularly neuro cases) but I mostly enjoy visiting with my friends. But now, I will have the option to cut back on both as I want to with the onset of a new job.
I will be starting (very very soon!) at an outpatient pediatric facility 2 days a week. I had seen the job posting on AOTA's OTJoblink (what is this, the third job I've taken from there?) but was still debating about applying when I was contacted directly from site about my interest and asked to interview. I didn't expect them to be able to provide regular hours at a rate that would offset losses without some kind of crazy demand to drive to multiple locations or covering other types of outpatients, but they well exceeded my expectations. I look forward to getting started there and am really pleased to find a pediatric practice even in my small town area.
The reduced schedule will help me maintain some of my other OT activities and provide time to rest. I've also been spoiled pretty much since my first job- if you don't work 5 days every week it's a lot easier to make doctor appointments, get your errands done, and keep from being overrun with laundry. Again, students! You can work as much as you want to- 0-7 days/week. I've said before that after our move, though I miss some features of Baltimore, that life was largely falling into place for my husband and I with the exception of my job. Hopefully this will be the last moving piece for awhile and things will be settled nicely.
I
didrocked my sprint triathlon last year and really enjoyed it! I had wanted to work up to an Olympic distance for the fall or summer of 2013 by the latest, and hoped to work to running a half marathon by this coming August. Now I've had to reset those goals and think about working back up to a 5K by this fall. I had also hoped to get a Girl Scout troop started at my church but the girls' interest was intermittent at best and I truthfully didn't want to be doing a lot of work when people didn't really want to be there. I still have a Sunday morning class but I'm getting ready to step back from that as well- I'm starting to feel a lot more effective with toddlers than teens.
My involvement with OT extracurriculars is changing too. I anticipate this will be my last year as the VP of Advocacy for the state OT association (provided I can induce someone into running for the position). I expect that I will still be involved in the bill review committee or other events, but I won't be the go-to person anymore. There aren't a terrible number of responsibilities and things to do with that job, but when they need done, they need done NOW. I had to step back from my NBCOT work this year, which is sad because it is a great group of intelligent people and work that I really enjoy (not to mention nice trips that are very fun also!). I plan to reapply as a volunteer in the future, but I will be missing my SQDC peeps. Possibly worst of all, though I love my AOTA presentation group like a little OT family, I will not be able to accompany them as their continued tour of awesomeness hits San Diego this spring. I will be very sad to miss seeing these great people who are spread both cross-country and internationally- and some of the #OTalk2US #OTalk and #occhat crew that are visiting from abroad.
(Before you get too teary on my behalf, remember that with all ebb there must be a flow, and that I just am not good at telling news sometimes so I put it all in a crazy order)
This is a lot of life changes all at once, and though they were planned in various degrees, it's all to accommodate the change that you can't really possibly plan enough for. I'm having a baby! He's coming (ready or not) this spring and the one thing I'm sure of is that no amount of preparation is really going to cover it. There's awe and anxiety and excitement and attempts to not get overwhelmed... and a lot of naps. Change is coming to my life in ways I know I cannot even begin to anticipate. But I think it will be worth it.
Lest you worry, faithful reader, I will be keeping the blog. It is fun for me and so while there may not be copious posts (when have there ever been?), there will be posts. There may be baby related posts... it is what it is. This month I am celebrating my 5 year blogiversary, doing my first big giant giveaways (they are AWESOME!) and hope to clean out my drafts list one way or another. I still tweet more than I write fully because it's been hard for me to carve out writing time with some of the other demands of life (5 eval calls in a week, hello) and if you want a (more) prompt response then you should tweet at @OTnotes.
Hope that you are having a wonderful, healthy, happy new year as well! Who can really say what it will bring, but I'm certainly looking through rosey glasses right now.
Job changes are so ever present in this blog. If you are a student, you should be comforted by the fact that there truly are SO many options for OTs, it's often true that you can work as much as you want. The only downside of this right now is that I am dreading tax time with 4 (I think?) W-2s and a 1099 with small business deductions... it's enough to make you hyperventilate. At any rate- my early intervention work is something that I really enjoy. I have families that I am close to, coordinators that respect my evals and opinions, and a burgeoning caseload. It has taken 6 months (and the willingness to be very flexible) but the business has grown well. I still have my occasional hospital days, where it is nice to switch up and work with adults (particularly neuro cases) but I mostly enjoy visiting with my friends. But now, I will have the option to cut back on both as I want to with the onset of a new job.
I will be starting (very very soon!) at an outpatient pediatric facility 2 days a week. I had seen the job posting on AOTA's OTJoblink (what is this, the third job I've taken from there?) but was still debating about applying when I was contacted directly from site about my interest and asked to interview. I didn't expect them to be able to provide regular hours at a rate that would offset losses without some kind of crazy demand to drive to multiple locations or covering other types of outpatients, but they well exceeded my expectations. I look forward to getting started there and am really pleased to find a pediatric practice even in my small town area.
The reduced schedule will help me maintain some of my other OT activities and provide time to rest. I've also been spoiled pretty much since my first job- if you don't work 5 days every week it's a lot easier to make doctor appointments, get your errands done, and keep from being overrun with laundry. Again, students! You can work as much as you want to- 0-7 days/week. I've said before that after our move, though I miss some features of Baltimore, that life was largely falling into place for my husband and I with the exception of my job. Hopefully this will be the last moving piece for awhile and things will be settled nicely.
I My involvement with OT extracurriculars is changing too. I anticipate this will be my last year as the VP of Advocacy for the state OT association (provided I can induce someone into running for the position). I expect that I will still be involved in the bill review committee or other events, but I won't be the go-to person anymore. There aren't a terrible number of responsibilities and things to do with that job, but when they need done, they need done NOW. I had to step back from my NBCOT work this year, which is sad because it is a great group of intelligent people and work that I really enjoy (not to mention nice trips that are very fun also!). I plan to reapply as a volunteer in the future, but I will be missing my SQDC peeps. Possibly worst of all, though I love my AOTA presentation group like a little OT family, I will not be able to accompany them as their continued tour of awesomeness hits San Diego this spring. I will be very sad to miss seeing these great people who are spread both cross-country and internationally- and some of the #OTalk2US #OTalk and #occhat crew that are visiting from abroad.
(Before you get too teary on my behalf, remember that with all ebb there must be a flow, and that I just am not good at telling news sometimes so I put it all in a crazy order)
This is a lot of life changes all at once, and though they were planned in various degrees, it's all to accommodate the change that you can't really possibly plan enough for. I'm having a baby! He's coming (ready or not) this spring and the one thing I'm sure of is that no amount of preparation is really going to cover it. There's awe and anxiety and excitement and attempts to not get overwhelmed... and a lot of naps. Change is coming to my life in ways I know I cannot even begin to anticipate. But I think it will be worth it.
Lest you worry, faithful reader, I will be keeping the blog. It is fun for me and so while there may not be copious posts (when have there ever been?), there will be posts. There may be baby related posts... it is what it is. This month I am celebrating my 5 year blogiversary, doing my first big giant giveaways (they are AWESOME!) and hope to clean out my drafts list one way or another. I still tweet more than I write fully because it's been hard for me to carve out writing time with some of the other demands of life (5 eval calls in a week, hello) and if you want a (more) prompt response then you should tweet at @OTnotes.
Hope that you are having a wonderful, healthy, happy new year as well! Who can really say what it will bring, but I'm certainly looking through rosey glasses right now.
11.14.2012
What's up Wednesday?
Not a lot of time to write, but I want to get a couple of ideas down.
I'm kinda ready to jump to January and start some New Year's resolutions personally and professionally. I wouldn't necessarily hold for the traditional start at the beginning of the year, but life is HOPPING for us right through the end of 2012. My early intervention caseload is really taking off (hooray increasingly regular employment!) and with the holidays the hospital and outpatient center have been calling me in for more prn work. Great, but really busy! I'm trying to get some artwork done for friends for Christmas, which is challenging from a double standpoint- deadline and lack of artistic talent! Holidays for us always means lots of traveling to see family and friends, but my husband will also have to potentially work during our normal holiday time so that they have a product by year's end. And if that's not enough- we have a trip to Sweden coming up in the middle of all that.
So life is really busy. Not sure how I'm going to get all my visits in... I'm suspected a lot of make ups in January. I am trying to snap out of my previous blog funk and think it's been going ok. I plan to implement 2 new changes for blogging. One is to assume that ideas are rotten after 2 weeks. I may extend that deadline out a little bit, but I need to take quicker action, write what I think, and be done with it instead of ruminating over the details as much. I get very frustrated with myself when I see that someone else has acted on an idea I had, and it happens much too frequently for my taste. To enable this is change #2, I am going to try to do at least one 10 minute post per week. I'm going to allow myself to jump topics within it and let it be a little more stream of consciousness if needed, a'la Awesomeness.
My 5-year blogging anniversary is coming up in 2013 and I am excited! I just realized that this morning. I want to allow myself some celebration around that. I am planning a feature on the blog's Greatest Hits... I am proud of some of the writing that I do, but it seems to me that the best writing gets the least attention, so I'm going to put some of that out there. There should also be a giveaway, so I'll have to take some time to think of something appropriately celebratory. And I think there will be some big news to announce during that time as well.
I'm going to take that excitement and help channel it into today- because I am going to need it! Crummy night's sleep where I should have gotten up at 4am, eval to write, doctor appointment, and late night EI visit with an hour drive there/back. Gogo gadget excitement!
I'm kinda ready to jump to January and start some New Year's resolutions personally and professionally. I wouldn't necessarily hold for the traditional start at the beginning of the year, but life is HOPPING for us right through the end of 2012. My early intervention caseload is really taking off (hooray increasingly regular employment!) and with the holidays the hospital and outpatient center have been calling me in for more prn work. Great, but really busy! I'm trying to get some artwork done for friends for Christmas, which is challenging from a double standpoint- deadline and lack of artistic talent! Holidays for us always means lots of traveling to see family and friends, but my husband will also have to potentially work during our normal holiday time so that they have a product by year's end. And if that's not enough- we have a trip to Sweden coming up in the middle of all that.
So life is really busy. Not sure how I'm going to get all my visits in... I'm suspected a lot of make ups in January. I am trying to snap out of my previous blog funk and think it's been going ok. I plan to implement 2 new changes for blogging. One is to assume that ideas are rotten after 2 weeks. I may extend that deadline out a little bit, but I need to take quicker action, write what I think, and be done with it instead of ruminating over the details as much. I get very frustrated with myself when I see that someone else has acted on an idea I had, and it happens much too frequently for my taste. To enable this is change #2, I am going to try to do at least one 10 minute post per week. I'm going to allow myself to jump topics within it and let it be a little more stream of consciousness if needed, a'la Awesomeness.
My 5-year blogging anniversary is coming up in 2013 and I am excited! I just realized that this morning. I want to allow myself some celebration around that. I am planning a feature on the blog's Greatest Hits... I am proud of some of the writing that I do, but it seems to me that the best writing gets the least attention, so I'm going to put some of that out there. There should also be a giveaway, so I'll have to take some time to think of something appropriately celebratory. And I think there will be some big news to announce during that time as well.
I'm going to take that excitement and help channel it into today- because I am going to need it! Crummy night's sleep where I should have gotten up at 4am, eval to write, doctor appointment, and late night EI visit with an hour drive there/back. Gogo gadget excitement!
5.14.2012
Good intentions
We know exactly where good intentions get a person! Here's a brief update of my life since conference
So #AOTA12 goes down in my book as being the best conference yet. I had a terrific time, enjoyed presenting, and LOVED meeting so many folks in the flesh. I returned and felt like I was hit by the mayhem hammer. It was as if 80% of the stress for my job had saved itself for the last 10% of the year. UGH.
So #AOTA12 goes down in my book as being the best conference yet. I had a terrific time, enjoyed presenting, and LOVED meeting so many folks in the flesh. I returned and felt like I was hit by the mayhem hammer. It was as if 80% of the stress for my job had saved itself for the last 10% of the year. UGH.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my job, but the stress did get me down that first week back. Lots of meetings (many reeval-shares) and even some new additions to the caseload at this late date made organizing my schedule like completing a logic puzzle. (There are 4 Wednesdays this month, John Doe has to be seen 3x but there are 2 meetings on the opposite side of town and the other IEP team member is only free before 1230... etc )
I regained my footing, only to get completely schnockered. I thought I had a sinus infection, and then it seemed to be a teeth-only problem. I spent days with orajel and ibuprofen, got a very inconclusive diagnosis from my dentist, and really just have to wait out the pain. As soon as I start to feel any better in my mouth (9 days) I catch a cold. Ai ai ai. I am so sick of my puree/mechanical soft diet, and so sick of feeling lousy. /end rant.
I also took this past week to finalize preparations for the summer. I will be doing some prn work at a local hospital and I am also starting as an independent contractor with the state early intervention system. This has necessitated getting a second OT license, tons of paperwork, 2 more background checks, and essentially starting a small business. Some of that is exciting (PO Box! business cards!), some is tedious, but it's all finally done. (sidenote- remember how they have the scaled points for how stressful different life events are? Do you get cumulative points for repeated stressors? because from July to July, I will have worked at 5 different jobs. Not that I'm proud of that but can you understand the reason I feel a little insane?)
The school year is wrapping up, and I am sad about that. I have mixed feelings about returning to the hospital and essentially no time between the jobs to process this change. I will take a couple of weeks off (the beauty of prn work) to go to the beach and may get to do some reflection there, but I can't promise it will be work related. haha. I do have at least 7 entries started and hope to get some of those done soon, pending decreased pain and such. Hopefully this little hiatus has not scared off any new readers... this is why I use RSS for following blogs that I read, so I don't waste time checking for updates. All us blogger people need a break now and again ;)
12.03.2011
Moving into winter
I'm coming up on my third month of being a school therapist and a homeowner, and had a few other interesting things happen recently. Here's a bit of a recap.
I was feeling very over my head in the past 2 months about the conference presentations I had applied to do. I had my usual procrastination battles and feelings of not being qualified for one reason or another, really kinda getting down about it all. In summary, I was a lot more excited about presenting when I signed up in the spring than when it came time to present in the fall. But things turned around and I think they both went over well. I talked about some options when beginning a pediatric practice in a hospital based on my Baltimore experience getting mentored in the NICU, newborn nursery, pediatrics and antepartum units. I had a crowd of mostly students but there was some interest. I felt kinda old since there were a number of students from my alma mater and I knew none of them, though there was a "small world" I-know-who-you-know moment.
I was feeling very over my head in the past 2 months about the conference presentations I had applied to do. I had my usual procrastination battles and feelings of not being qualified for one reason or another, really kinda getting down about it all. In summary, I was a lot more excited about presenting when I signed up in the spring than when it came time to present in the fall. But things turned around and I think they both went over well. I talked about some options when beginning a pediatric practice in a hospital based on my Baltimore experience getting mentored in the NICU, newborn nursery, pediatrics and antepartum units. I had a crowd of mostly students but there was some interest. I felt kinda old since there were a number of students from my alma mater and I knew none of them, though there was a "small world" I-know-who-you-know moment.
Second presentation was meant to be more of a discussion on social media tools and ethics than an actual presentation. I was expecting 10 or less and I think there were about 30 by the time we ended- it definitely changes the dynamics of your discussion. Based on the audience, we covered things on a much more basic level than I had intended, and it would have been better received with more in-depth time to cover the basics. My favorite tools are in the Google brand of (free) products so if you want to get started in social media and exploring the online world, that's my first suggestion. Get yourself a gmail account and then we'll move from there. And for social media with other OTs, you can't beat OTConnections (also free).<
The final presentation (AOTA '12 !!) is just in the beginning stages right now. I was a little stressed prior to our first discussion (coordinating 5 people across a continent does seem challenging!) but now I think that things will fall into place. I'm excited because we will all get to talk about our specialties and favorite online tools, the "why bother" of social media and what we're passionate about. I also think there will be some good ethical discussions and that is interesting in its own right. We used a Google+ hangout to video chat, which worked really well.
I've been getting used to the school system job, and it has been going pretty well. I have been working primarily with preschoolers, most of whom are in a special education classroom. I feel like things have worked out so well in the past few months. The caseload was very manageable, which was great since I am new to the school system and both IEP and IFSP thinking. I have been privileged to get to spend a lot of time in class with 2 superb special ed teachers who truly love what they do and are excellent at it. I've learned a lot from them and it's been great to be able to push-in for most of those treatments. I'm really going to miss the group of teachers, IAs, and kids that I've gotten so attached to. So I'll be leaving this group and getting older kids with regimented treatment times and all pull outs in the next 2 weeks. I'm trying to build up a good supply of activities for a group that is not so easily entertained by blocks and construction paper.
I hope to get a pinterest account soon to more easily share some of the resources I find- I think that will be a better medium than twitter has been. I love the visuals. (Here are a few cool OT-related pin boards to get you interested if you haven't been over there yet: Funkist, Your therapy source, pediastaff)
So I'll be unpacking and repacking a therapy bag (they gave us rolling duffels, which I think is cool). That means cleaning out the Handwriting Without Tears manipulatives (maybe, have to check ages of kids), the switch toys, the tactile puzzles, the nesting blocks and maybe some of the chewelry. In their place, I can add in some tinier toys for advanced fine and visual motor skills, some things I've made from File Folder Fun, and lots of paper. I'm trying not to freak out about January where there are 3 Mondays without school, the month-ish when I'll be covering 2 caseloads at the same time, or April where there is spring break plus AOTA plus possibly NBCOT. Trying not to freak out, but getting pretty anxious anyway. Change is hard.
I have been using the IPad off and on, we only have 20 apps but I hope to have a review of those soon. I also put some free apps on my Android phone so when I get to do an app entry, I will be able to touch a little on both platforms. There will also be an upcoming entry where I can share some of my phone photos I've taken, mostly of the Mat Men kids have drawn.
We're getting ready for the Maryland legislative session to start again in January, our annual Lobby Night event, and months of hard nosed defense of our scope of practice! It is hard work, but great people on the team, and very worthwhile.
The house has been coming along fairly well. There's been some repair work but it seems mostly under control. My family came out for Thanksgiving and it was nice that the 7 of us didn't have to cram into my Grandmother's 1 bedroom duplex for the first time... maybe ever. Just sent out some cute little holiday cards and hopefully will find the energy to get the tree up today. Wintertime always zaps me a bunch. Been off running since Thanksgiving thanks to a repetitive strain on my IT band that's still aching and I haven't made it back to the pool yet either. Maybe someday I'll find that teleporter or a pause button to get a few extra hours a day, but until then the busy-ness just keeps coming :)
9.27.2011
Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans
So, I work in the school system now.
I know, it's a big change. But it's not like I had anything else going on, what with the moving, quitting another job, buying a house, and moving again. Late summer of 2011 is rivaling the entire summer of 2007 for most stressful time of my life... it has already surpassed spring/summer of 2002 and that is really saying something. (sidenote- why does all my stress come in the summertime?!) So to sum up, we moved from Baltimore to have a more stable home/family life, I tried to make it work at a job, and I finally got an offer I had been waiting for, so I made the switch. And I now know that you should NOT EVER switch jobs while trying to purchase a house. Loan people don't like that. It also ended up being a much more prolonged departure from one job to the next.
In 2002, or even 2004, or probably even much of 2007 if someone had told me that I would be working in the school system I would not have believed them. Until I had already taken my first job and kind of fell into the world of outpatient pediatrics, I really didn't know that I could find working with kids interesting, important, and fulfilling. I liked kids in short doses, but it wasn't something that I thought about doing for a career. That opinion played a BIG role in selecting the University I went to for OT... I was completely turned off by a big-time program because of what I felt was an overemphasis on pediatrics. I liked outpatient well enough, but never thought that I'd move to school-based therapy.
For the record, I'm pretty sure my mom brought up school system therapy back when I was still in high school, so as usual, YES Mom, you're right.
I haven't been working in the current situation very long, but so far I have just loved it. Great therapy staff and everyone has been very helpful as I get my feet under me. About a month in and I'm starting to get the rhythm. I think the biggest challenge is the scheduling... I have preschoolers that are only present 2 days/week, and then only for mornings or afternoons, travel between locations, meetings, all that jazz. It's coming together.
I love the resources that are available at work. Lots of different assessments, and multiple copies of the popular ones so you don't have to fight with anyone else to schedule testing. A variety of adapted writing tools and alternate seating surfaces that you can just give away as warranted. I think it's great not to have to jump through hoops to get things ordered or recommend something to the parent and make them have to order it.
Had a great weekend with the NBCOT crew, working on simulation questions. We literally go through each word to make sure that the questions are clear, not trivial, not tricky, and not biased. It can be intense, but I am glad to be with such a good group of people. I enjoyed the time in Memphis, particularly running by the Mississippi river, which I had not seen before. My only regret is not getting to go on a sternwheeler, but I didn't see the Proud Mary anywhere, so it's not like opportunities were abounding.
he house purchase process was overwhelming... which is an entirely separate post. (coming someday! I promise! Already started!) But I have been keeping with the recent change in focusing more on personal health and non-OT stuff for a change. I am still running (mostly regularly) with a 5K at the end of October. We've been hanging out with friends during the week more and settling into our crazy fall routine of traveling almost every weekend. Serious miles are in the near future at a time when rest would be most welcome... oh well. At least there should be fun times with friends upcoming.
I'm going to try not to neglect the blog too much, especially since people have been introducing me as the blog girl, and it would be bad form not to update. :) But patience is always appreciated.
7.14.2011
I'm Alive!
It has been WAY too long since I last wrote. Here is an abbreviated update:
1. I moved
2. I'm starting a new job
3. I have irons in the fire.
For more details...
I had to say goodbye to Baltimore. Logically, I know it's the right choice, but it has been crummy. I love the friends that I have made and the excitement that Baltimore offers, and there were so many cool OT opportunities as well. But from a personal and family standpoint, it was just not sustainable in the long term. Commutes were too long (60+ for me and 85+ for my husband) and we needed 3 days off to get home and back since we were so far away. So with potentially wanting to start our own family (in the next few years) something had to change. But knowing that logically doesn't mean that it's been easy or something that makes me happy the whole time, so I have been withdrawing a bit and trying not to put my foot in my mouth.
By extension, since we are moving a significant distance, I have to change jobs. I am at a point of conflict, since I feel like I've learned a lot from working in the hospital and am good at what I do, but it doesn't always make me happy. I don't always get to spend the time I would like to with the patients, and fighting for the appropriate recommendations really wears me down. Sometimes, there's this feeling of standing in a vacuum screaming without anyone hearing. With such little time to work with people, sometimes I wonder about making a difference. This had been better lately on the neuro floor, but it's still frustrating. I still like the hospital environment, but I don't see myself returning to it full time, maybe just prn sometime in the future.
1. I moved
2. I'm starting a new job
3. I have irons in the fire.
For more details...
I had to say goodbye to Baltimore. Logically, I know it's the right choice, but it has been crummy. I love the friends that I have made and the excitement that Baltimore offers, and there were so many cool OT opportunities as well. But from a personal and family standpoint, it was just not sustainable in the long term. Commutes were too long (60+ for me and 85+ for my husband) and we needed 3 days off to get home and back since we were so far away. So with potentially wanting to start our own family (in the next few years) something had to change. But knowing that logically doesn't mean that it's been easy or something that makes me happy the whole time, so I have been withdrawing a bit and trying not to put my foot in my mouth.
By extension, since we are moving a significant distance, I have to change jobs. I am at a point of conflict, since I feel like I've learned a lot from working in the hospital and am good at what I do, but it doesn't always make me happy. I don't always get to spend the time I would like to with the patients, and fighting for the appropriate recommendations really wears me down. Sometimes, there's this feeling of standing in a vacuum screaming without anyone hearing. With such little time to work with people, sometimes I wonder about making a difference. This had been better lately on the neuro floor, but it's still frustrating. I still like the hospital environment, but I don't see myself returning to it full time, maybe just prn sometime in the future.
So in thinking about what I'd like to do long term and think that an outpatient environment might be a better fit. I hate making this change without my awesome outpatient buddy from my last 2 jobs directly by my side but hope that we'll be able to keep in touch. The job I'll be starting is a unique outpatient setting that is small relatively new- only been in existence for a few months. I'm excited to help with growing the program and learning how to navigate the new environment. It's a part time job, so that will be flexible enough to let me have time to keep up with my OT extracurriculars and other activities.
On the irons in the fire list, I submitted to 3 conferences in June. 2 presentations will be similar, so that will be helpful. I get to work with an awesome group of OTs for the AOTA presentation on social media, so I hope that will work well. I have been dealing with the whole host of lame stuff that has to be done when you move, including living out of suitcases and sleeping bags for awhile, cleaning, unboxing, tons of laundry. Definitely not my favorite things to do, and having to mooch internet from Cosi was not particularly convenient for updates. I had a crushing crescendo of activities and deadlines that culminated with my last day of work and a week at the beach, and I was so wiped out. Disconnecting from the computer and internet was needed so I could recharge physically and mentally. I am feeling better now.
I intend to have at least 1 post per week now that I have some scheduled days independent of work. I hope to cover some of the following topics, and if interest is expressed I can try to speed it up:
new acute care book on AOTA press
portrayal of mental illness in Broadway's Next to Normal
new shows with characters who have disabilities
thoughts about Lifestyle Redesign program
4.03.2011
An Introduction
Hello OT Practice Readers!
Thanks for reading Molly's article on Social Media. (You're already ahead of me, since I haven't read the previous issue yet). If you haven't been to my blog before, welcome, and please feel free to see the About Me pages or the manifesto I wrote when starting this blog 3 years ago.
Things you may want to know... I am a real OT, though I don't necessarily know what I want to be "when I grow up" so to speak. I write and rewrite material a lot (and do try to have a social life) so postings can be infrequent. I don't intend to come off as an expert about most OT-related things, I am still learning and plan to keep learning. That being said, I work hard at staying involved in OT on multiple levels. I read a lot of research articles and texts during my commute. I care about our profession and want it to grow, and me to grow with it. This blog helps me share that goal with the OT world at large.
If you're wondering what I'm doing in the upcoming months when I'm not doing something OT-related, it would include going to several concerts and shows, repotting my violets, getting outdoors, playing with my first smart phone, or reading (most current books: Thirteen Days, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and The Count of Monte Cristo).
Please feel free to comment or email me with your input, questions, encouragement, or suggestions for future posts. You can also find me on Twitter (otnotes) and OTConnections. If you're interested in other things I have written recently outside of the blog, check out the AOTA State Affairs newsletter, the MOTA newsletter, or the legislative section of the MOTA website (not up yet, but forthcoming). I will be at the upcoming AOTA Conference in Philadelphia and would be THRILLED to meet and talk with anyone who will admit to having read any portion of this blog.
Intended upcoming entries: OT-relevant smart phone applications; kitchen reorganization for energy conservation; caregiving tales; and a special shoutout to my twitter followers.
Again, thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading Molly's article on Social Media. (You're already ahead of me, since I haven't read the previous issue yet). If you haven't been to my blog before, welcome, and please feel free to see the About Me pages or the manifesto I wrote when starting this blog 3 years ago.
Things you may want to know... I am a real OT, though I don't necessarily know what I want to be "when I grow up" so to speak. I write and rewrite material a lot (and do try to have a social life) so postings can be infrequent. I don't intend to come off as an expert about most OT-related things, I am still learning and plan to keep learning. That being said, I work hard at staying involved in OT on multiple levels. I read a lot of research articles and texts during my commute. I care about our profession and want it to grow, and me to grow with it. This blog helps me share that goal with the OT world at large.
If you're wondering what I'm doing in the upcoming months when I'm not doing something OT-related, it would include going to several concerts and shows, repotting my violets, getting outdoors, playing with my first smart phone, or reading (most current books: Thirteen Days, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and The Count of Monte Cristo).
Please feel free to comment or email me with your input, questions, encouragement, or suggestions for future posts. You can also find me on Twitter (otnotes) and OTConnections. If you're interested in other things I have written recently outside of the blog, check out the AOTA State Affairs newsletter, the MOTA newsletter, or the legislative section of the MOTA website (not up yet, but forthcoming). I will be at the upcoming AOTA Conference in Philadelphia and would be THRILLED to meet and talk with anyone who will admit to having read any portion of this blog.
Intended upcoming entries: OT-relevant smart phone applications; kitchen reorganization for energy conservation; caregiving tales; and a special shoutout to my twitter followers.
Again, thanks for reading!
1.07.2011
Looking forward to 2011
Goodbye 2010. I don't have the energy for a LONG year in review, but...
I will touch on a few ups and downs of the year.
Firstly, let me thank all readers. I really appreciate the comments (that aren't plugging fake universities or spam in other languages) because I like to see that there has been an effect from my efforts. I don't look at the stats often, but glancing today, I see that since I started tracking in 2008, pageloads have increased by 20,000- more than 300%! WOW! And the cross-posts in the sister blog on OT Connections have brought in an extra 50-350 viewers each time, with one anomaly (thank you 1-minute update). It's really exciting to see how this blog has grown and spread, and gets me thinking about some plans for the future (more on that later). So a BIG THANK YOU to each of you, and please always feel free to comment or email me with suggestions.
Most popular pages on this site continue to be Writing Goals and a Case Study With Goals, which is understandable since this is one of the more difficult skills in OT that is not hands-on. I do intend to spend some time getting back to the 'roots' of this blog and posting about decision making, goal writing, and treatment plans. Perplexingly, a rather random What a Week post is the most read on the mirror site, with the exception of my post about Glee that got picked up by 1-minute update. Ironically, some of the posts I spent the MOST time on (e.g. Metacognition and Serial Casting Case Study) don't seem to be as popular, but I don't have tracking to that degree so I can't be positive. I did get several thoughtful comments on my most emotional post (Struggling as an OT for my Family) so I appreciate that deeply.
2010 was the first AOTA Conference I've been to as a practitioner, and even the first I saw after fieldwork. It was great to re-energize and network with other therapists. I think that as you are in the profession longer, you become more aware of others in the field, so I spotted dozens of OT Celebrities this year and got to talk with many, which was awesome.
It was interesting to see all the uproar in AOTA this past year with the potential organizational changes. As we are heading into election season again I see the new blogs and OTC memberships cropping up and it's always notable to see who sticks with it. Props to Bill Wong for continuing to post, and also to Florence Clark for taking up the mantle of the President's Blog.
There were some serious downers last year. We lost my husband's grandmother to Alzheimer's Disease in the summer, which was very difficult for the family. Then over the holidays, we had several additional hospitalizations of our family members, which have yet to completely resolve. Health is so very fragile and some families are like a house of cards... I am learning to take pleasure in contentment and tranquility, because it can all be very fleeting.
I struggled on my final rotation of the year on the cardiopulmonary floor, made extra difficult by the chronic nature of those diseases. It is hard to watch others' independence fade as their bodies fail, and I felt like the efforts I made brought about little change. There were some truly tragic stories in the ICUs that even made attending rounds difficult. I did my best for them, but I am so thankful to be back with a more stable patient base.
As the year ended, I realized that I am no longer really a "new practitioner." Granted, most of my experience is consolidated in one practice area, and I certainly don't know all there is to know about the acute care setting, but I now have a valuable level of skill. I feel like I could go to any adult hospital confidently and be a skilled member of their team. I caught multiple strokes and other medical problems, which makes me feel bad at the time (I hate to see people doing poorly) but it makes me feel that I am a competent professional doing my best to look out for my patients. I progressed with treating pediatrics by taking on outpatients for a few months and doing some feeding interventions for the infants. I was really proud to recognize self-soothing in the baby I evaluated my last day, because even though it's simple, it shows that I am retaining what I've learned though my time to practice is sporadic. I also had my first true fieldwork student, and I don't think I screwed up too badly or she would not have sent beignets. :)
I have a lot to look forward to for 2011. My goal is to spend less time typing notes at home (which is awful!) and more time being able to participate in my "OT extracurriculars"- this blog, OTC, twitter, association stuff. I am now the VP of Advocacy Relations for the Maryland OT Association and things are already in full swing. We are planning for Lobby Night in Annapolis, and would certainly love your company if you're able to attend. I am looking forward to the AOTA Conference in Philly (a mere 2 hours away) and the MOTA Conference (a mere 15 minutes away). I really enjoy how close Baltimore is to fun and excitement, so I know there will be more trips to DC and NY this year too.
Happy, healthy, awesome new year to all.
I will touch on a few ups and downs of the year.
Firstly, let me thank all readers. I really appreciate the comments (that aren't plugging fake universities or spam in other languages) because I like to see that there has been an effect from my efforts. I don't look at the stats often, but glancing today, I see that since I started tracking in 2008, pageloads have increased by 20,000- more than 300%! WOW! And the cross-posts in the sister blog on OT Connections have brought in an extra 50-350 viewers each time, with one anomaly (thank you 1-minute update). It's really exciting to see how this blog has grown and spread, and gets me thinking about some plans for the future (more on that later). So a BIG THANK YOU to each of you, and please always feel free to comment or email me with suggestions.
Most popular pages on this site continue to be Writing Goals and a Case Study With Goals, which is understandable since this is one of the more difficult skills in OT that is not hands-on. I do intend to spend some time getting back to the 'roots' of this blog and posting about decision making, goal writing, and treatment plans. Perplexingly, a rather random What a Week post is the most read on the mirror site, with the exception of my post about Glee that got picked up by 1-minute update. Ironically, some of the posts I spent the MOST time on (e.g. Metacognition and Serial Casting Case Study) don't seem to be as popular, but I don't have tracking to that degree so I can't be positive. I did get several thoughtful comments on my most emotional post (Struggling as an OT for my Family) so I appreciate that deeply.
2010 was the first AOTA Conference I've been to as a practitioner, and even the first I saw after fieldwork. It was great to re-energize and network with other therapists. I think that as you are in the profession longer, you become more aware of others in the field, so I spotted dozens of OT Celebrities this year and got to talk with many, which was awesome.
It was interesting to see all the uproar in AOTA this past year with the potential organizational changes. As we are heading into election season again I see the new blogs and OTC memberships cropping up and it's always notable to see who sticks with it. Props to Bill Wong for continuing to post, and also to Florence Clark for taking up the mantle of the President's Blog.
There were some serious downers last year. We lost my husband's grandmother to Alzheimer's Disease in the summer, which was very difficult for the family. Then over the holidays, we had several additional hospitalizations of our family members, which have yet to completely resolve. Health is so very fragile and some families are like a house of cards... I am learning to take pleasure in contentment and tranquility, because it can all be very fleeting.
I struggled on my final rotation of the year on the cardiopulmonary floor, made extra difficult by the chronic nature of those diseases. It is hard to watch others' independence fade as their bodies fail, and I felt like the efforts I made brought about little change. There were some truly tragic stories in the ICUs that even made attending rounds difficult. I did my best for them, but I am so thankful to be back with a more stable patient base.
As the year ended, I realized that I am no longer really a "new practitioner." Granted, most of my experience is consolidated in one practice area, and I certainly don't know all there is to know about the acute care setting, but I now have a valuable level of skill. I feel like I could go to any adult hospital confidently and be a skilled member of their team. I caught multiple strokes and other medical problems, which makes me feel bad at the time (I hate to see people doing poorly) but it makes me feel that I am a competent professional doing my best to look out for my patients. I progressed with treating pediatrics by taking on outpatients for a few months and doing some feeding interventions for the infants. I was really proud to recognize self-soothing in the baby I evaluated my last day, because even though it's simple, it shows that I am retaining what I've learned though my time to practice is sporadic. I also had my first true fieldwork student, and I don't think I screwed up too badly or she would not have sent beignets. :)
I have a lot to look forward to for 2011. My goal is to spend less time typing notes at home (which is awful!) and more time being able to participate in my "OT extracurriculars"- this blog, OTC, twitter, association stuff. I am now the VP of Advocacy Relations for the Maryland OT Association and things are already in full swing. We are planning for Lobby Night in Annapolis, and would certainly love your company if you're able to attend. I am looking forward to the AOTA Conference in Philly (a mere 2 hours away) and the MOTA Conference (a mere 15 minutes away). I really enjoy how close Baltimore is to fun and excitement, so I know there will be more trips to DC and NY this year too.
Happy, healthy, awesome new year to all.
10.12.2010
Site Updates
I have been slowly making some changes to the overall site layout.I have moved all the multitude of links to one single page (sadly without targets) which can be accessed on the right side of the page, also near an extended version of "about me." I am keeping the 3 bar layout for now so I can spread out the remaining objects. If you have already used the subscribe buttons to the right so that you can read these updates through RSS, kudos, and if not, I would consider getting a feed reader to save yourself some time and clicks. I am also considering adding a widget that would allow for the feed to be turned into PDF format, which would be more helpful for someone using a Kindle or other non-computer device to read the blog- is anyone interested in that?
As a sidenote, I think I will have to retract some of my previous statements on the Kindle. There are free and discounted books available (though many are pre-1923) and some library e-book downloads are compatible (though the e-book portion of my library is much smaller than the actual book portion). Most importantly for the OT world, because the Kindle can access PDF files, it IS capable of reading AJOT and OT Practice. There are also a few loopholes that allow for access to RSS feeds and I think that the new version can access email similar to a phone. It also allows for highlighting and notetaking, which I wanted for blogging use. I continue to think that it is a good tool for those with low vision, and a better tool than a standard monitor setup for reading without causing eyestrain. Not a pitch for the device (and certainly not a paid ad), but I'm thinking of getting one for myself and seeing that I was wrong about some of my insinuations.
There is a new call for applications to the Emerging Leaders Development Program (v. 2.o) and I have made a promise to myself not to screw the application up this year. Also will try to have posts a little more frequent, I am almost through with most recent promised post and do take requests. I'm waiting on a new computer to arrive, but since most of my documents are either cloud based or just floating in the transom of my mind, it shouldn't cause any delays with updating. January will mark the 3 year anniversary of the blog and I was considering taking a poll of the readers, but please feel free to comment, email, or find me on OTConnections to let me know what is interesting to you.
As a sidenote, I think I will have to retract some of my previous statements on the Kindle. There are free and discounted books available (though many are pre-1923) and some library e-book downloads are compatible (though the e-book portion of my library is much smaller than the actual book portion). Most importantly for the OT world, because the Kindle can access PDF files, it IS capable of reading AJOT and OT Practice. There are also a few loopholes that allow for access to RSS feeds and I think that the new version can access email similar to a phone. It also allows for highlighting and notetaking, which I wanted for blogging use. I continue to think that it is a good tool for those with low vision, and a better tool than a standard monitor setup for reading without causing eyestrain. Not a pitch for the device (and certainly not a paid ad), but I'm thinking of getting one for myself and seeing that I was wrong about some of my insinuations.
There is a new call for applications to the Emerging Leaders Development Program (v. 2.o) and I have made a promise to myself not to screw the application up this year. Also will try to have posts a little more frequent, I am almost through with most recent promised post and do take requests. I'm waiting on a new computer to arrive, but since most of my documents are either cloud based or just floating in the transom of my mind, it shouldn't cause any delays with updating. January will mark the 3 year anniversary of the blog and I was considering taking a poll of the readers, but please feel free to comment, email, or find me on OTConnections to let me know what is interesting to you.
8.01.2010
Bye bye July
So July should probably just be labeled the month that got out of control.
I had an additional 5 days off on top of regular weekends, (I did work a holiday) and had lots of days switched from normal schedule. It makes for an interesting new rotation when life is all topsy-turvy. I'm not sure that my coworkers would say the same, but don't worry buds I'll be back with a vengeance in August.
So I switched to neuro coming off my vacation, had some personal issues come up mid-month and then capped off by entertaining friends last week. In addition to trying to make some changes in my personal life and reading extra novels, that has made less time to update on here. (sidenote- I read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde and am completely hooked on the Thursday Next novels) But there's been plenty of interesting happenings. Neuro is always a challenging rotation since the deficits can be minute or mind-blowing and you truly have to fight to get your patients into the right rehab setting on discharge. I have been trying to improve my skills in evaluating visual deficits and splint fabrication. I finally made a hand cone without getting the orthoplast stuck on the plastic cone, which was a victory in itself.
I return to work tomorrow after several days off which were much needed. My caseload has been taking a turn for the worst lately. A patient that had been improving coded and recoded. Several are hanging in limbo- stable but not improving. My strongest candidate for acute rehab wound up getting a femoral line placed and landing on bedrest. I regretfully had to recommend inpatient rehab for a young lady due to safety concerns. I've spent a lot of energy fighting for TBI rehab for a patient only to have the family refuse. I've had a patient that has made me terribly homesick and I know that she is going to be one of the people whose life sticks with me for a long time (shout out to MM and all my peds) so I've been very emotional over her case. We have many very very sick people on the unit right now so it has been a bit depressing.
Upcoming Entries (if any of these interest you, please comment and I'll try to move it along quicker)
- Adventures in Serial Casting
- Failures in being an OT for the family
- A case study for a patient with multiple CVAs
I hope to have some more good case studies in the near future, but people need to start improving. Any well wishes much appreciated.
I had an additional 5 days off on top of regular weekends, (I did work a holiday) and had lots of days switched from normal schedule. It makes for an interesting new rotation when life is all topsy-turvy. I'm not sure that my coworkers would say the same, but don't worry buds I'll be back with a vengeance in August.
So I switched to neuro coming off my vacation, had some personal issues come up mid-month and then capped off by entertaining friends last week. In addition to trying to make some changes in my personal life and reading extra novels, that has made less time to update on here. (sidenote- I read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde and am completely hooked on the Thursday Next novels) But there's been plenty of interesting happenings. Neuro is always a challenging rotation since the deficits can be minute or mind-blowing and you truly have to fight to get your patients into the right rehab setting on discharge. I have been trying to improve my skills in evaluating visual deficits and splint fabrication. I finally made a hand cone without getting the orthoplast stuck on the plastic cone, which was a victory in itself.
I return to work tomorrow after several days off which were much needed. My caseload has been taking a turn for the worst lately. A patient that had been improving coded and recoded. Several are hanging in limbo- stable but not improving. My strongest candidate for acute rehab wound up getting a femoral line placed and landing on bedrest. I regretfully had to recommend inpatient rehab for a young lady due to safety concerns. I've spent a lot of energy fighting for TBI rehab for a patient only to have the family refuse. I've had a patient that has made me terribly homesick and I know that she is going to be one of the people whose life sticks with me for a long time (shout out to MM and all my peds) so I've been very emotional over her case. We have many very very sick people on the unit right now so it has been a bit depressing.
Upcoming Entries (if any of these interest you, please comment and I'll try to move it along quicker)
- Adventures in Serial Casting
- Failures in being an OT for the family
- A case study for a patient with multiple CVAs
I hope to have some more good case studies in the near future, but people need to start improving. Any well wishes much appreciated.
1.05.2010
Starting the New Year
New Year, but Same Old?
Starting a new year in January really cramps my style. Like Caulfield in Frazz, I usually can't make resolutions at that time, and like most all people who actually set resolutions, I usually don't keep them either. Would I like to exercise more? Yes... but not in 20* weather. Would I like to eat better? Yes... but not when there's delicious comfort food leftovers in the fridge. Would I like to set detailed achievable goals for myself? No way! I get paid for that! I thought this was a cute little goal tracker, thought of some ways to use this personally/professionally, but I know myself. I'd start getting little red x's and it would be the last time I ever went to the site.
I am a little apathetic about this current new year business. I am back on the medicine floor again, the land of triage occasionally in war-zone conditions. Walked in on Monday to a gigantic list of consults, which was narrowed to 18 after we weeded out discharged and already seen patients who just didn't get taken out of the computer system. Still a little excessive. Very full house right now, and most of our medicine patients on caseload are waiting for placement in subacute rehab.
This rotation is the first (of many) on a familiar floor, since I started the job on the medicine floor. I know all the case managers, most of the stable medical staff (not students/interns), and lots of friendly faces from the nursing staff. I remember most of the codes to the supply rooms and such. But it's not a particularly exciting time for me. The revolving door of the hospital is most evident on the medicine floor, so its an unfortunate but likely prospect that the people I am evaluating this week will be evaluated again in the coming months. Part of our nation's healthcare crisis, on so many levels. But usually there's no new interesting diagnoses to investigate, no cool techniques going on, just a battle to get people out the door to the least restrictive living environment.
While meeting and talking with my patients is interesting, there's not a lot of extra things for me to learn and do, so I will have to find other ways to occupy my time. We are revising some of our documentation, to make it quicker (!!!) and better. I'd like to write an ICU/low level eval since we are asking for early level consults in all the ICUs which often leads us to patients who don't fit the "general evaluation" template.
Other current OT to-dos... renewing NBCOT certification so I can keep my R... get back to reading my books on acute early childhood interventions... emailing a bunch of OT people detailed conversations that I owe them... deciding whether or not to go to the AOTA Conference this year. I had planned to go to the conference and have a semi-reunion with some of my fellow OT graduates, but now my best friend will be having a baby around that time. Need to decide if we want to adapt the trip, if I want to go by myself, if I want to drag my husband along, if he would want an expo pass to go pick up free pens and fidget toys, etc. I enjoyed presenting at the state conference this year and will probably do that again... also thinking of a writeup for OT Practice on some similar concepts but unsure of how to go about doing that.
My outside of OT to-dos are a super long list as well. In addition to the dozens of unfinished projects, I am going to be trying out some new hobbies... knitting... playing guitar... cooking (ha! just kidding on that one!). I've also been reading at a faster pace again, hearkening back to my youth of a novel or 2 a day, which is fun in its own little introverted way.
Starting a new year in January really cramps my style. Like Caulfield in Frazz, I usually can't make resolutions at that time, and like most all people who actually set resolutions, I usually don't keep them either. Would I like to exercise more? Yes... but not in 20* weather. Would I like to eat better? Yes... but not when there's delicious comfort food leftovers in the fridge. Would I like to set detailed achievable goals for myself? No way! I get paid for that! I thought this was a cute little goal tracker, thought of some ways to use this personally/professionally, but I know myself. I'd start getting little red x's and it would be the last time I ever went to the site.
I am a little apathetic about this current new year business. I am back on the medicine floor again, the land of triage occasionally in war-zone conditions. Walked in on Monday to a gigantic list of consults, which was narrowed to 18 after we weeded out discharged and already seen patients who just didn't get taken out of the computer system. Still a little excessive. Very full house right now, and most of our medicine patients on caseload are waiting for placement in subacute rehab.
This rotation is the first (of many) on a familiar floor, since I started the job on the medicine floor. I know all the case managers, most of the stable medical staff (not students/interns), and lots of friendly faces from the nursing staff. I remember most of the codes to the supply rooms and such. But it's not a particularly exciting time for me. The revolving door of the hospital is most evident on the medicine floor, so its an unfortunate but likely prospect that the people I am evaluating this week will be evaluated again in the coming months. Part of our nation's healthcare crisis, on so many levels. But usually there's no new interesting diagnoses to investigate, no cool techniques going on, just a battle to get people out the door to the least restrictive living environment.
While meeting and talking with my patients is interesting, there's not a lot of extra things for me to learn and do, so I will have to find other ways to occupy my time. We are revising some of our documentation, to make it quicker (!!!) and better. I'd like to write an ICU/low level eval since we are asking for early level consults in all the ICUs which often leads us to patients who don't fit the "general evaluation" template.
Other current OT to-dos... renewing NBCOT certification so I can keep my R... get back to reading my books on acute early childhood interventions... emailing a bunch of OT people detailed conversations that I owe them... deciding whether or not to go to the AOTA Conference this year. I had planned to go to the conference and have a semi-reunion with some of my fellow OT graduates, but now my best friend will be having a baby around that time. Need to decide if we want to adapt the trip, if I want to go by myself, if I want to drag my husband along, if he would want an expo pass to go pick up free pens and fidget toys, etc. I enjoyed presenting at the state conference this year and will probably do that again... also thinking of a writeup for OT Practice on some similar concepts but unsure of how to go about doing that.
My outside of OT to-dos are a super long list as well. In addition to the dozens of unfinished projects, I am going to be trying out some new hobbies... knitting... playing guitar... cooking (ha! just kidding on that one!). I've also been reading at a faster pace again, hearkening back to my youth of a novel or 2 a day, which is fun in its own little introverted way.
12.24.2009
End of year wrap up
Things have been pretty crazy lately. Here are some recent and end-of-year reflections, semi-structured, semi-sensible.
I should begin with an apology. I have been terribly behind and under-participatory in the online realm since October. I attribute this in part to an over-focus on getting my conference presentation ready. I am a terrible procrastinator and felt that I had to restrict my access to other endeavors to ensure that it would get done. After that, getting back on the horse, over the various RSI, over the burnout and back into the swing became a mountain I couldn't climb. My google reader page is finally down to 0 unread items for the first time in months... sweet success. I have some good trips coming up- family time for Christmas and a Vegas vacation in January. My husband may be going to France in February... don't know if I can swing that one too. At any rate, it's good to have things to look forward to, it's helping me keep my mind out of the dingy early winter blahs that try to seep in.
The job change this year was a new experience that defined most of my year. I've never left a job before that wasn't already predetermined by the end of a semester. I could have handled a lot of things better, however I do feel that this was a good choice. There have been lots of good opportunities that opened up at this position. I've already gotten to work with people who had unique diagnoses, lots of people in more critical condition than I was used to, gotten to learn a lot. I've also gotten to eat LOTS of Greek and some Indian, some Egyptian food, which we do not have back home. Hummus is my new goto snack... I really don't think I've ever seen any in the grocery stores before. Also, there are franchises of many more different chains than I've had access to before. I get a little obsessed about the food sometimes.
I feel that the blog has grown well this year. I like getting feedback from readers and statcounter tells me that there have been more than 10,000 MORE page views than last year. So, THANKS!! I do occasionally look to statcounter for what people have searched for to get to the blog to get ideas, but if you have something you're curious about or want to see, dropping an email is more likely to get a response. I had hoped to do more entries and different topics, but inspiration is fickle. Room for improvement to be sure.
So life goes on and hopefully things will get a little more under control in the upcoming year, but I won't count on it. I'm working Christmas day and then off for over a week... couple weeks off until the Vegas trip. Happy new year everyone!
I should begin with an apology. I have been terribly behind and under-participatory in the online realm since October. I attribute this in part to an over-focus on getting my conference presentation ready. I am a terrible procrastinator and felt that I had to restrict my access to other endeavors to ensure that it would get done. After that, getting back on the horse, over the various RSI, over the burnout and back into the swing became a mountain I couldn't climb. My google reader page is finally down to 0 unread items for the first time in months... sweet success. I have some good trips coming up- family time for Christmas and a Vegas vacation in January. My husband may be going to France in February... don't know if I can swing that one too. At any rate, it's good to have things to look forward to, it's helping me keep my mind out of the dingy early winter blahs that try to seep in.
The job change this year was a new experience that defined most of my year. I've never left a job before that wasn't already predetermined by the end of a semester. I could have handled a lot of things better, however I do feel that this was a good choice. There have been lots of good opportunities that opened up at this position. I've already gotten to work with people who had unique diagnoses, lots of people in more critical condition than I was used to, gotten to learn a lot. I've also gotten to eat LOTS of Greek and some Indian, some Egyptian food, which we do not have back home. Hummus is my new goto snack... I really don't think I've ever seen any in the grocery stores before. Also, there are franchises of many more different chains than I've had access to before. I get a little obsessed about the food sometimes.
I feel that the blog has grown well this year. I like getting feedback from readers and statcounter tells me that there have been more than 10,000 MORE page views than last year. So, THANKS!! I do occasionally look to statcounter for what people have searched for to get to the blog to get ideas, but if you have something you're curious about or want to see, dropping an email is more likely to get a response. I had hoped to do more entries and different topics, but inspiration is fickle. Room for improvement to be sure.
So life goes on and hopefully things will get a little more under control in the upcoming year, but I won't count on it. I'm working Christmas day and then off for over a week... couple weeks off until the Vegas trip. Happy new year everyone!
12.03.2009
Fighting Frustration and Fatigue
This has been a hard 2 weeks.
It is my impression that the hospital staff was stressed and unpleasant last week due to the impending holiday and just wanting to leave work and go eat copious amounts of gravy laden food. However, they seemed to bring their bad moods BACK with them after Thanksgiving, which is just not fair. Get a grip people- it's holiday season for everyone, not just you. I'm working Christmas day, so that leaves 16 more working days before I can really rest. I'm already so tired... spent this a.m. in a fog since I fell asleep on the bus, and then was ok until I walked through my apt door where I have now crumpled into a semi-lifeless blob. My eyes and brain are fatigued... I can't even begin to think about learning more about Google Wave even though I have OT buddies on there now because it is literally overwhelming to me at this moment.
A vast majority of my pts on the cardiopulmonary unit this week have been people with volume overload following dietary indiscretions over the holiday. COPD and CHF exacerbations as well for related reasons. Interesting how things move in patterns. Unfortunately, since ice and snow is coming up there will be more broken hips and the like.
The next thing I write will probably be about the difficulty getting an IRF/ACIR placement for a pt... we've been discussing this a lot at work, there are new insurance rules going into effect, our documentation has extra scrutinization coming its way. It's a detailed issue that I care a lot about but I need to be a little more coherent before I try to address that. So I'm taking some time to rest, though that time does include traveling to a football game on Saturday and likely Christmas shopping (possibly even at crazy IKEA, yikes) on Sunday.
Just trying to keep afloat...
It is my impression that the hospital staff was stressed and unpleasant last week due to the impending holiday and just wanting to leave work and go eat copious amounts of gravy laden food. However, they seemed to bring their bad moods BACK with them after Thanksgiving, which is just not fair. Get a grip people- it's holiday season for everyone, not just you. I'm working Christmas day, so that leaves 16 more working days before I can really rest. I'm already so tired... spent this a.m. in a fog since I fell asleep on the bus, and then was ok until I walked through my apt door where I have now crumpled into a semi-lifeless blob. My eyes and brain are fatigued... I can't even begin to think about learning more about Google Wave even though I have OT buddies on there now because it is literally overwhelming to me at this moment.
A vast majority of my pts on the cardiopulmonary unit this week have been people with volume overload following dietary indiscretions over the holiday. COPD and CHF exacerbations as well for related reasons. Interesting how things move in patterns. Unfortunately, since ice and snow is coming up there will be more broken hips and the like.
The next thing I write will probably be about the difficulty getting an IRF/ACIR placement for a pt... we've been discussing this a lot at work, there are new insurance rules going into effect, our documentation has extra scrutinization coming its way. It's a detailed issue that I care a lot about but I need to be a little more coherent before I try to address that. So I'm taking some time to rest, though that time does include traveling to a football game on Saturday and likely Christmas shopping (possibly even at crazy IKEA, yikes) on Sunday.
Just trying to keep afloat...
11.03.2009
Back From Conference
State OT conference was this weekend and I had both an enjoyable time and very energizing time.
Finishing and presenting my topic at the state conference were both great feelings. I haven't given a formal presentation since school, and it was even longer since I'd given one in front of (mostly) strangers. I felt a bit like a motormouth and know that I set out to cover too much for my 30 minutes, but it was a good experience. The official title was "Growing as an OT Through Online Resources" but it was basically a quick overview of multiple types of online tools (with several plugs for OT Connections, haha). Only bummer was that my presentation was last so people were tired and quiet by the time I came up to talk.
Got to spend some good time catching up with fellow alumnae of my program, quick chats with a couple of professors as well. Serendipitous moment was seeing a car with license plate "OTHELPS" as we were driving back.
Love the energizing feeling that comes from being with other OTs, hearing about legislative victories, hearing some inspirational stories of rehab at its best. Have some ideas about helping our conference continue to grow, and I enjoyed presenting and think I can do that again with less stress. Have another project that I'm working on this week and then will be working the next 3 Sundays due to holiday scheduling so life continues to be very busy. Learning a lot on the cardiopulmonary floor and will be passing it along soon! :)
Finishing and presenting my topic at the state conference were both great feelings. I haven't given a formal presentation since school, and it was even longer since I'd given one in front of (mostly) strangers. I felt a bit like a motormouth and know that I set out to cover too much for my 30 minutes, but it was a good experience. The official title was "Growing as an OT Through Online Resources" but it was basically a quick overview of multiple types of online tools (with several plugs for OT Connections, haha). Only bummer was that my presentation was last so people were tired and quiet by the time I came up to talk.
Got to spend some good time catching up with fellow alumnae of my program, quick chats with a couple of professors as well. Serendipitous moment was seeing a car with license plate "OTHELPS" as we were driving back.
Love the energizing feeling that comes from being with other OTs, hearing about legislative victories, hearing some inspirational stories of rehab at its best. Have some ideas about helping our conference continue to grow, and I enjoyed presenting and think I can do that again with less stress. Have another project that I'm working on this week and then will be working the next 3 Sundays due to holiday scheduling so life continues to be very busy. Learning a lot on the cardiopulmonary floor and will be passing it along soon! :)
10.30.2009
On my way to WVOTA 09
I know I haven't posted much this month, mostly because I was trying to finish my presentation for the annual conference. I'm going to be presenting on social networking and OT and I am really excited. Wish me luck!!
10.04.2009
Tis the season for changing
3 months has gone by, neuro rotation is over.
This month, I begin on a new floor, the last "new" floor possible (NICU/peds does not count into the rotation). So I will now be working with cardiopulmonary pts, some in ICUs, and orthos. I don't find any of these superbly interesting but hope to find some fun stuff to do. Little worried from a productivity standpoint since I suspect we'll be taking a lot of rest breaks, lots of breaks to check vitals, and probably a lot of advance planning to separate OT/PT sessions into morning/afternoon. I haven't ventured fully into the ICUs yet... we are starting an effort for early mobility and decreased sedation (similar to this) so that will be interesting but it is also stressful to make sure that I know enough about what is going on and protecting my pts, not pushing them too far.
My neuro rotation was good... it was split with surgery, which was not so much fun. Rounds for both are kind of demanding, and first thing in the morning which can make it hard to get a jump start on the day. I did learn a lot on the rotation... I am no longer scared to be in the neuro ICU despite intra-ventricular catheters and pts who have to be monitored very closely. Worked with one lady for 5-6 weeks in total over 2 admissions, she might make a good case study later. I got over my splinting fears for the basic stuff- had a period of 2 weeks where I felt like I made at least one splint everyday. Luckily there are good experienced people around me who are willing to give advice on whether to splint or not, whether adaptations need to be made. even made a resting hand splint around an arterial line.
Had several interesting cases, but lately it's been more sadness and disappointment. Some people really stick with you and it's hard to leave at the end of the day knowing that there's really no reason your pt wound up in the hospital, and that same freak accident/diagnosis that happened to them could just as easily happen to you. Life can seem random when otherwise healthy people wind up hospitalized for something no one could have seen coming. I had a lady in her 80s who had never had any illness before, but had neuro symptoms, came to the ER, and found that she has had a large brain aneurysm that was leaking. What are the odds? It's not right, but there's other diagnoses where you assign a fault, make yourself feel better- I won't get this, I don't smoke/use drugs/I wear a seatbelt- but too many things on this rotation could happen to anyone. It's a scary world out there, and unpleasant to have to contemplate mortality so often.
The switch has me working with some new OTs/PTs that I'm not familiar with so that is interesting. At least one is working on clinical ladder for cardiopulmonary, so I expect to learn a lot. I am reminded of when I was playing on a basketball team with 9 players and I was the 5th player, so there were times when I was the worst player on the court, and times when I was the best player on the court. I remember asking my dad about that situation and he said not to feel bad about being the worst player because everyone around you can teach you and make you better. So that's sometimes how I feel right now, being the newest OT hire and only 2 years experience, but I do feel that I'm learning and getting better.
I've gotten better at writing goals for ICU pts and conducting tx sessions, suspect that will continue to improve during this rotation and hopefully I will have a good update with ideas for everyone.
This month, I begin on a new floor, the last "new" floor possible (NICU/peds does not count into the rotation). So I will now be working with cardiopulmonary pts, some in ICUs, and orthos. I don't find any of these superbly interesting but hope to find some fun stuff to do. Little worried from a productivity standpoint since I suspect we'll be taking a lot of rest breaks, lots of breaks to check vitals, and probably a lot of advance planning to separate OT/PT sessions into morning/afternoon. I haven't ventured fully into the ICUs yet... we are starting an effort for early mobility and decreased sedation (similar to this) so that will be interesting but it is also stressful to make sure that I know enough about what is going on and protecting my pts, not pushing them too far.
My neuro rotation was good... it was split with surgery, which was not so much fun. Rounds for both are kind of demanding, and first thing in the morning which can make it hard to get a jump start on the day. I did learn a lot on the rotation... I am no longer scared to be in the neuro ICU despite intra-ventricular catheters and pts who have to be monitored very closely. Worked with one lady for 5-6 weeks in total over 2 admissions, she might make a good case study later. I got over my splinting fears for the basic stuff- had a period of 2 weeks where I felt like I made at least one splint everyday. Luckily there are good experienced people around me who are willing to give advice on whether to splint or not, whether adaptations need to be made. even made a resting hand splint around an arterial line.
Had several interesting cases, but lately it's been more sadness and disappointment. Some people really stick with you and it's hard to leave at the end of the day knowing that there's really no reason your pt wound up in the hospital, and that same freak accident/diagnosis that happened to them could just as easily happen to you. Life can seem random when otherwise healthy people wind up hospitalized for something no one could have seen coming. I had a lady in her 80s who had never had any illness before, but had neuro symptoms, came to the ER, and found that she has had a large brain aneurysm that was leaking. What are the odds? It's not right, but there's other diagnoses where you assign a fault, make yourself feel better- I won't get this, I don't smoke/use drugs/I wear a seatbelt- but too many things on this rotation could happen to anyone. It's a scary world out there, and unpleasant to have to contemplate mortality so often.
The switch has me working with some new OTs/PTs that I'm not familiar with so that is interesting. At least one is working on clinical ladder for cardiopulmonary, so I expect to learn a lot. I am reminded of when I was playing on a basketball team with 9 players and I was the 5th player, so there were times when I was the worst player on the court, and times when I was the best player on the court. I remember asking my dad about that situation and he said not to feel bad about being the worst player because everyone around you can teach you and make you better. So that's sometimes how I feel right now, being the newest OT hire and only 2 years experience, but I do feel that I'm learning and getting better.
I've gotten better at writing goals for ICU pts and conducting tx sessions, suspect that will continue to improve during this rotation and hopefully I will have a good update with ideas for everyone.
8.19.2009
New find from twitter
Twitter time has been semi productive!
Found a link to an OT blog I hadn't been following- Info Spot 4 the Special Tot. The author also has a website on sensory processing in infants. I haven't had time to explore the whole thing yet, but the author has definitely been profuse in publishing and has also acted on something that I had discussed with another blogger- producing entries for wiki-how related to OT. So, props for that. It is on my list of things to do, but ... in unrelated news, I am getting a few other things adding up on my list. My research from school is actually getting near to being published (!!) and so I have some things to finish up for that. I have been reading my stroke textbook 1 chapter at a time on the metro rides, when I'm not falling asleep from exhaustion. And I am swinging my occupational imbalance in another direction, going to be attending several upcoming concerts and 1-2 football games before Christmas, hope to keep peppering my sometimes dull life with a little fun :)
Found a link to an OT blog I hadn't been following- Info Spot 4 the Special Tot. The author also has a website on sensory processing in infants. I haven't had time to explore the whole thing yet, but the author has definitely been profuse in publishing and has also acted on something that I had discussed with another blogger- producing entries for wiki-how related to OT. So, props for that. It is on my list of things to do, but ... in unrelated news, I am getting a few other things adding up on my list. My research from school is actually getting near to being published (!!) and so I have some things to finish up for that. I have been reading my stroke textbook 1 chapter at a time on the metro rides, when I'm not falling asleep from exhaustion. And I am swinging my occupational imbalance in another direction, going to be attending several upcoming concerts and 1-2 football games before Christmas, hope to keep peppering my sometimes dull life with a little fun :)
7.04.2009
back in the saddle
It was so nice to have some time off from everything!!
I love the beach, and I did some real disconnecting this year, only checked email twice and facebook once in a week, and did not bring any OT materials either. Left my phone turned off for several days (no one to call me anyway since I was at the beach w/ all my top callers). My husband was not as prudent and accepted a call from my office... ack. But other than that slip, a total unplug. I so often feel out of balance in my occupations, a point brought sharply home by realizing that I opened up all my puzzle books this week for the first time since LAST year's vacation, despite the fact that I really enjoy that. I read a good novel and a crummy nonfiction book, played Rock Band with the family, just relaxed. It was good to be away from everything. This evening I got to check my mail (so satisfying to have a whole box full for a change!). I cleared through a list of 354 google reader items pretty quickly this evening (skimming many, real reading a few, and just deleting a bunch including 125 medline notes).
So Monday takes me back to the day-to-day worklife, since I did not hit the lottery and cannot as yet retire to my own beach house. This may be difficult since I am naturally nocturnal and have slipped closer to that schedule in the past week... waking up at 6 is going to be harder than usual. I really need a job on afternoon shift... too bad no one wants to do therapy at night. I have ended my medicine rotation and am moving to the neuro/surgery floor, so that will be new and interesting.
I did start a twitter account before vacation which I will be primarily using to share interesting articles right away instead of letting them languish for ages in my bookmarks until I find enough similar for a webgems post. I held out on twitter for a long time, but I need to figure it out since I will be presenting on using social media effectively and efficiently as an OT for a state conference this fall (!!yay!!). For now, these updates will be funnelled into the much too long sidebar... I am looking into getting a new layout, 3 bar or otherwise and maybe more specific to OT if possible.
First twittered link is an article from Gretchen Rubin about how to make meetings better. Different sites have vastly different numbers/types/procedures for meetings. My last job held monthly OT meetings, and sporadic as-needed meetings for the inpatient and outpatient staff, all of which were informal. My inpatient rehab fieldwork felt like there was a meeting everyday at lunch. We had inservices, all rehab, all OT, specific team meetings, strategic planning from the upper management, etc. And during my 3 months I think we tried to do rounds reports 3 different ways. My other fieldwork supervisor was a consultant, so there were LOTS of meetings we went to during that time. Currently I have daily rounds (depending on the floor), a monthly OT meeting, a monthly acute care meeting, a weekly floor meeting, and a bimonthly all rehab meeting. With the exception of the dailies, it's not too bad. It's hard to balance the good you can do by being at a meeting and representing OT and advocating for various clients vs actually being able to go see and treat and document those clients instead. It's no secret that I am not a big fan of meetings, so anything to make them a little better is appreciated.
Happy 4th!!
I love the beach, and I did some real disconnecting this year, only checked email twice and facebook once in a week, and did not bring any OT materials either. Left my phone turned off for several days (no one to call me anyway since I was at the beach w/ all my top callers). My husband was not as prudent and accepted a call from my office... ack. But other than that slip, a total unplug. I so often feel out of balance in my occupations, a point brought sharply home by realizing that I opened up all my puzzle books this week for the first time since LAST year's vacation, despite the fact that I really enjoy that. I read a good novel and a crummy nonfiction book, played Rock Band with the family, just relaxed. It was good to be away from everything. This evening I got to check my mail (so satisfying to have a whole box full for a change!). I cleared through a list of 354 google reader items pretty quickly this evening (skimming many, real reading a few, and just deleting a bunch including 125 medline notes).
So Monday takes me back to the day-to-day worklife, since I did not hit the lottery and cannot as yet retire to my own beach house. This may be difficult since I am naturally nocturnal and have slipped closer to that schedule in the past week... waking up at 6 is going to be harder than usual. I really need a job on afternoon shift... too bad no one wants to do therapy at night. I have ended my medicine rotation and am moving to the neuro/surgery floor, so that will be new and interesting.
I did start a twitter account before vacation which I will be primarily using to share interesting articles right away instead of letting them languish for ages in my bookmarks until I find enough similar for a webgems post. I held out on twitter for a long time, but I need to figure it out since I will be presenting on using social media effectively and efficiently as an OT for a state conference this fall (!!yay!!). For now, these updates will be funnelled into the much too long sidebar... I am looking into getting a new layout, 3 bar or otherwise and maybe more specific to OT if possible.
First twittered link is an article from Gretchen Rubin about how to make meetings better. Different sites have vastly different numbers/types/procedures for meetings. My last job held monthly OT meetings, and sporadic as-needed meetings for the inpatient and outpatient staff, all of which were informal. My inpatient rehab fieldwork felt like there was a meeting everyday at lunch. We had inservices, all rehab, all OT, specific team meetings, strategic planning from the upper management, etc. And during my 3 months I think we tried to do rounds reports 3 different ways. My other fieldwork supervisor was a consultant, so there were LOTS of meetings we went to during that time. Currently I have daily rounds (depending on the floor), a monthly OT meeting, a monthly acute care meeting, a weekly floor meeting, and a bimonthly all rehab meeting. With the exception of the dailies, it's not too bad. It's hard to balance the good you can do by being at a meeting and representing OT and advocating for various clients vs actually being able to go see and treat and document those clients instead. It's no secret that I am not a big fan of meetings, so anything to make them a little better is appreciated.
Happy 4th!!
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