%20(dark%20background).png)
Which area of OT?
I’m really keen to find an area of OT that I really want to get my teeth into and to potentially specialise in. I’m currently in a rotational post working in an acute setting. The original plan was to rotate around, get some experience and hopefully stumble upon an area I like. However, I’m starting to think that what I’m looking for isn’t something I’m going to find in an acute setting or maybe even an area of practice!
I’d like to find an area of practice (in any area of health and social care/physical health or mental health) in which people aren’t acutely unwell, and the role of OT is to improve functioning (rather than managing a progressive condition e.g). Ideally working in the person’s own home. Does anyone have any suggestions at all please? I’d be really grateful!
Hello @stefdOT, We've collated a few comments that others posted across our social media network, in response to your question. We've asked them to come over to share their thoughts here, but just in case not, see below:
"Neuro OT for me. It is the full works, a real holistic approach and one you can see progress too"
"Stroke specialism for me, I completed a rotation in neuro too and loved it, but the opportunity to progress came in stroke for me"
"It is interesting to read this as I too had this exact thought when I was still a student OT. I was fortunate enough to experience different areas of practice as a student: orthopaedics, general medicine, adolescent mental health, stroke and general neurology. They were all in acute/sub-acute care units. At some point, I noticed that my classmates chose to work in areas where they mostly spent time as students. I felt that we were pigeonholed into specific specialties even though that was not our school's intention. I'm sharing this because this might be close to what you are currently experiencing. It was scary, but I chose to swim against the tide and dove right into doing travel therapy work assignments instead of working in acute care. It gave me the ability to try different areas I was unable to experience before such as community, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. The surprising thing was, the least likely area I thought I'd do well in was the area that I now want to specialise in: paediatric early intervention. So, if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and are brave enough to try other areas you have never experienced, I suggest that you give travel therapy a shot. I never would have found working with babies and toddlers to be as rewarding as I have now. You might surprise yourself like I did. Best of luck to you!"
"I have worked in Mental health for 11 years now as that was where my first post was. I love it but thought it would be good to get some physical experience as well, so have now moved to older people mental health. Still keeping my first love but now getting physical health included in the same job."
"I can recommend Palliative care, this is an area with lots of crossover, mental and physical, rehab and group work, I love it!"
Hope these thoughts are helpful to you! The OT Hub Team
On behalf of our social media followers (Facebook and LinkedIn)