I had the privilege to attend a Memphis Rolling Grizzlies basketball practice with my fellow classmates this week. This is a group of athletes, some with a spinal cord injury and others without. I think this is one of the most inspiring parts of the Rolling Grizzlies, the fact that those with a SCI can compete and work on an evening playing field as those without. All participants are in a wheelchair for the game, disability or not.
The fact that we had just discussed SCI in class allowed this experience to be an extremely beneficial supplement to my learning. I was able to pick up on things, like the height of the back of the wheelchair, that I would have not known to look for before. Most of the athletes had very low backs on their chairs, showing that their injuries were in the thoracic or lumbar regions allowing for trunk control.
This is an event that I would definitely recommend for fellow occupational therapist to attend!
Friday, April 28, 2017
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
(7) Documentation
Today in Foundations class we began to discuss and get hands on practice of documentation. I slightly panicked at first, crossing my fingers that I remembered all of the grammatical rules I learned back in elementary and middle school. After getting over my official nerves this activity made me excited! It was another step closer to being a future professional. Although documentation can seem a little bit intimidating, I think immersion is the best way to improve.
Goal writing was also something we worked on during our documentation lab. During undergrad I took a couple of classes that focused around goal writing. I feel pretty confident with goal writing. I am interested to see if there are major differences between goal writing formats used for occupational therapy versus therapeutic recreation.
Goal writing was also something we worked on during our documentation lab. During undergrad I took a couple of classes that focused around goal writing. I feel pretty confident with goal writing. I am interested to see if there are major differences between goal writing formats used for occupational therapy versus therapeutic recreation.
Monday, April 24, 2017
Cameron's Case Study Take Away
Cameron discussed Will Traynor, the main character in the movie Me Before You. Will is a quadriplegic suffering with adapting to his new life style. One thing I had not previously considered was the occupational therapists role in adapting his sexual lifestyle. As mentioned in the movie, this is a big part of his occupational profile.
I also think the monetary access Will had could allow for an occupational therapist to make an even bigger change. Will had a lot of wealth which would give him access to the best of the best when it came to technology and rehab. It would be important for the therapist to help Will get involved with activities he used to enjoy before the injury.
I also think the monetary access Will had could allow for an occupational therapist to make an even bigger change. Will had a lot of wealth which would give him access to the best of the best when it came to technology and rehab. It would be important for the therapist to help Will get involved with activities he used to enjoy before the injury.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Neuro Note 1
I am going to preface this with the fact that I am a big fan of romantic comedies. So, when I saw the option to write a Neuro Note on the book, and now movie, Me Before You I jumped on it.
The author, Jojo Moyes, created a great conversation starter. It also shows a glimpse into how a severe medical illness can alter a person, as well as their families, lives. The main character, Will Traynor, becomes quadriplegic after being hit by a motorcycle. Prior to his accident, he was very active in extreme sports and was a successful businessman. His family hires a caretaker, Lou Clark, to watch over him and to make sure he does not harm himself. Will had wanted to go through with assistive suicide to end his life. Lou spent time exposing him to all of the things he could still enjoy while being in a wheelchair. Lou and Will ended up falling in love, however, this was still not enough. Will ended his life through assistive suicide.
This movie allowed me to see the benefits an occupational therapist could have on someone suffering like Will. In this situation, an OT could have shown Will all of the adaptive opportunities for him to still be able to participate in extreme sports. An OT could have assisted him in the discovery of new ways to partake in his hobbies. The family also could have benefited from assistance as they went through this process with their son.
Moyes, J. (2012). Me before you. New York: Pamela Dorman Books.
The author, Jojo Moyes, created a great conversation starter. It also shows a glimpse into how a severe medical illness can alter a person, as well as their families, lives. The main character, Will Traynor, becomes quadriplegic after being hit by a motorcycle. Prior to his accident, he was very active in extreme sports and was a successful businessman. His family hires a caretaker, Lou Clark, to watch over him and to make sure he does not harm himself. Will had wanted to go through with assistive suicide to end his life. Lou spent time exposing him to all of the things he could still enjoy while being in a wheelchair. Lou and Will ended up falling in love, however, this was still not enough. Will ended his life through assistive suicide.
This movie allowed me to see the benefits an occupational therapist could have on someone suffering like Will. In this situation, an OT could have shown Will all of the adaptive opportunities for him to still be able to participate in extreme sports. An OT could have assisted him in the discovery of new ways to partake in his hobbies. The family also could have benefited from assistance as they went through this process with their son.
Moyes, J. (2012). Me before you. New York: Pamela Dorman Books.
Friday, April 21, 2017
(6) Adaptive Sports
As I previously discussed on my blog, I have my undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Through this major I was exposed to some of the best hands on experience I could dream of. One area in particular that has stuck with me is adaptive sports. I spent the summer of 2016 working as an intern with the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation. My main focus throughout this internship was to increase adaptive sport opportunities for residents of the Knoxville community, mainly adults. Talk about a life changing summer! We implemented a walking club, bocce ball, basketball, volleyball, kickball, tee ball, dodge ball, disc golf, power soccer for younger participants in wheelchairs, beep kickball for participants with low vision, and so much more.
As I have started my journey as an occupational therapist I hope to be able to continue working with this newly discovered passion. There is no better feeling than seeing the pure joy and excitement on a participants face when they hit that ball for the first time!
As I have started my journey as an occupational therapist I hope to be able to continue working with this newly discovered passion. There is no better feeling than seeing the pure joy and excitement on a participants face when they hit that ball for the first time!
(5) Lifelong Learner
In my foundations course this week we discussed the topic of being a lifelong learner and what that meant for us as future professionals. This is something I had not put much thought into when I was in undergraduate studies. I feel as though this topic has been continually stressed these first few months of graduate school. The thought of being a lifelong learner brings out my inner nerd. I cannot wait to find my niche and do what I can to be the best I can in my chosen area.
I also enjoyed discussing the differences in learning as a student and a professional. This, too, is something I did not consider as much in undergrad. I have enjoyed my time as a student but I am looking forward to the freedom of learning and exploring as a professional one day!
I also enjoyed discussing the differences in learning as a student and a professional. This, too, is something I did not consider as much in undergrad. I have enjoyed my time as a student but I am looking forward to the freedom of learning and exploring as a professional one day!
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
(4) Clinical Reasoning
In class today we discussed the topic of clinical reasoning. I feel like, especially as a student, this is something we have all thought about before. I have always worried if I would become a "natural" when it came to occupational therapy, and I feel like clinical reasoning is a big key to this. When getting my observation hours before graduate school I got to spend time with a lot of OT's, both seasoned and new to the profession. While the seasoned vets seemed to definitely have more experience with clinical reasoning, the newer OT's were still impressive. The whole time I am thinking "HOW do they know how to do this".
After todays Foundations course I feel much more at ease. I know that "embracing the gray" is ok and often the best learning tool. I know that there are three different elements that play into clinical reasoning: scientific, ethical, and artistic. I also know that there are many types of clinical reasoning that can be useful in an array of different situations.
After todays Foundations course I feel much more at ease. I know that "embracing the gray" is ok and often the best learning tool. I know that there are three different elements that play into clinical reasoning: scientific, ethical, and artistic. I also know that there are many types of clinical reasoning that can be useful in an array of different situations.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
(3) Therapeutic Recreation
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) was my home before coming to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). During orientation, the summer before my freshmen year, I happened across the perfect major. I had applied as a biology major, thinking that was the best track for me to get into occupational therapy school. All I have to say is, thank goodness for my advisor. She introduced me to the major of Therapeutic Recreation.
Therapeutic Recreation is very similar to the field of occupational therapy. Instead of the focus being on occupations, it focuses on using recreation as a form of therapy. Not only was it the most fun and hands on major at UTK, I have already noticed how prepared it made me for grad school.
While being part of the major I got the opportunity to attend 3 different camp experiences, work in a special education classroom to plan activities, and intern in 3 different facilities. All of these directly benefiting my future as an occupational therapist.
Therapeutic Recreation is very similar to the field of occupational therapy. Instead of the focus being on occupations, it focuses on using recreation as a form of therapy. Not only was it the most fun and hands on major at UTK, I have already noticed how prepared it made me for grad school.
While being part of the major I got the opportunity to attend 3 different camp experiences, work in a special education classroom to plan activities, and intern in 3 different facilities. All of these directly benefiting my future as an occupational therapist.
(2) BRAVE Sharks
I grew up participating in the sport of competitive cheerleading. As cheesy as it sounds, I believe the sport shaped me into who I am today. It taught me determination and commitment, gave me the best of friends, and opened my eyes to what dedicating a little bit of my time could mean to someone else.
I always had a passion for working with those with disabilities. I enjoyed volunteering with groups like the Special Olympics and Challenger League Sports throughout high school. I wanted to combine this passion with my passion for cheerleading.
I grew up in the gym, cheering from 2nd grade all the way through my senior year. When I was younger my gym had a cheerleading team for athletes with special needs. However, at some point in my 10 years at Premier Athletics that team ended.
My senior year, myself and a friend decided to bring it back. Our team was going to be called the Brave Sharks. We got the coaches behind us and they trusted us, two high school girls, to get the team up and going. We were able to do so, and I am happy to say that 5 years later the team is still going strong!
I will carry the lessons I learned from this experience with me for the rest of my life. I learned how to be in charge and lead my peers. I learned how to be a better cheerleader. I learned how to communicate with parents and event coordinators. Most of all, I learned so much from the athletes I got to work with. Cheerleading is about having fun and I loved watching the sweet boys and girls shine when they got on stage!
I always had a passion for working with those with disabilities. I enjoyed volunteering with groups like the Special Olympics and Challenger League Sports throughout high school. I wanted to combine this passion with my passion for cheerleading.
I grew up in the gym, cheering from 2nd grade all the way through my senior year. When I was younger my gym had a cheerleading team for athletes with special needs. However, at some point in my 10 years at Premier Athletics that team ended.
My senior year, myself and a friend decided to bring it back. Our team was going to be called the Brave Sharks. We got the coaches behind us and they trusted us, two high school girls, to get the team up and going. We were able to do so, and I am happy to say that 5 years later the team is still going strong!
I will carry the lessons I learned from this experience with me for the rest of my life. I learned how to be in charge and lead my peers. I learned how to be a better cheerleader. I learned how to communicate with parents and event coordinators. Most of all, I learned so much from the athletes I got to work with. Cheerleading is about having fun and I loved watching the sweet boys and girls shine when they got on stage!
(1) Why I want to be an OT
Why I want to be an OT...
Wouldn't it be cool if I could tell you that I have always known I wanted to be an occupational therapist? Wouldn't it be cool if I said I knew what occupational therapy was at a young age? Wouldn't it be cool if I could tell you a personal story about how occupational therapy directly impacted my life?
I cannot really do any of the above. However, I am blessed to have still discovered this wonderful profession. I first heard about occupational therapy on a bus to a track meet my senior year of high school. For my honors anatomy course I was presented with the task of shadowing someone in the medical field that had a career that interested me. Unlike the rest of my classmates, I did not want to shadow a doctor or family friend. I really wanted to find something that sounded like a career path I might follow. While on the long bus ride, I googled statistics about health professions. This is when I came across occupational therapy. I instantly knew this is who I wanted to shadow.
Fast forward a few weeks and it was my day to go shadow at a local children's hospital outpatient center. I have to admit, it was kind of like love at first sight. I remember leaving and going home to spend a few hours googling to find out as much as I could. After an undergraduate major of Therapeutic Recreation and a Minor in psychology I am so excited to finally be in Occupational Therapy School!
Wouldn't it be cool if I could tell you that I have always known I wanted to be an occupational therapist? Wouldn't it be cool if I said I knew what occupational therapy was at a young age? Wouldn't it be cool if I could tell you a personal story about how occupational therapy directly impacted my life?
I cannot really do any of the above. However, I am blessed to have still discovered this wonderful profession. I first heard about occupational therapy on a bus to a track meet my senior year of high school. For my honors anatomy course I was presented with the task of shadowing someone in the medical field that had a career that interested me. Unlike the rest of my classmates, I did not want to shadow a doctor or family friend. I really wanted to find something that sounded like a career path I might follow. While on the long bus ride, I googled statistics about health professions. This is when I came across occupational therapy. I instantly knew this is who I wanted to shadow.
Fast forward a few weeks and it was my day to go shadow at a local children's hospital outpatient center. I have to admit, it was kind of like love at first sight. I remember leaving and going home to spend a few hours googling to find out as much as I could. After an undergraduate major of Therapeutic Recreation and a Minor in psychology I am so excited to finally be in Occupational Therapy School!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Response to "A Given Perspective"
I am responding to the blog "A Given Perspective" which can be found at this web address: http://justmycurrentperspective.blogspot.com/p/read-blog.html
Through this emotional blog I found nothing but motivation for my future. Motivation to be the best occupational therapist I could be, the best caregiver, the best daughter, and more. As an OT student I found this an appropriate time to learn from this series of blog posts. Right now I am a sponge in the OT world just starting to soak up all of the knowledge I can, and boy did this make me want to be as prepared as possible. I do not ever want to let my clients or their care givers down.
After only a few months of OT school I have learned the importance of goals. However, this blog really gave perspective as to what the lack of a clarified goal can do to a patients motivation. I hope to develop my skills and be able to provide individualized treatment plans to my clients in order to keep them engaged. I also hope to always be able to relate treatment back to a common goal for both the client and caregivers.
Through this emotional blog I found nothing but motivation for my future. Motivation to be the best occupational therapist I could be, the best caregiver, the best daughter, and more. As an OT student I found this an appropriate time to learn from this series of blog posts. Right now I am a sponge in the OT world just starting to soak up all of the knowledge I can, and boy did this make me want to be as prepared as possible. I do not ever want to let my clients or their care givers down.
After only a few months of OT school I have learned the importance of goals. However, this blog really gave perspective as to what the lack of a clarified goal can do to a patients motivation. I hope to develop my skills and be able to provide individualized treatment plans to my clients in order to keep them engaged. I also hope to always be able to relate treatment back to a common goal for both the client and caregivers.
Monday, April 3, 2017
Aimee Mullins TEDMED response
Aimee Mullins talk was very motivating for me, I cannot imagine how those in a similar situation would feel after hearing her speak. When she opened with the thesaurus findings of "disabled" in the 80s it was very emotional. I would like to think that people have become more accepting and understanding of disabilities as knowledge has increased. However, she also read an updated 2009 entry and although slightly better, it was still belittling. I am sad to report that now, in 2017, the thesaurus is still crushing to read. Here is what I found: http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/disabled?s=t
Synonyms for disabled
adj incapacitated
I believe this goes to show how much room is left to educate and improve. As a future occupational therapist I hope to continue to advocate for those with a disability and educate those without so they understand the ABILITY.
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