I have both of my fieldwork rotations confirmed!!
This Fall for IIA I will be with two different Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) in Colorado and the Spring for my IIB, I will be back in California at an acute inpatient pediatric hospital. I am beyond excited for both of them for various reasons.
First of all, I couldn’t be happier with the locations. My husband now lives and works in Denver. So to be placed there and have the ability to be with him feels like such a blessing and I am so grateful.
I’m also excited for the spring when I’ll get to live in the Bay Area for three months. How cool!
Hand Clinic
- I did a Level I hand therapy clinic during my COTA fieldwork rotations, and I loved it. I learned so much just by observing during the week I spent there. I cannot imagine how much I will learn while treating hands-on (how punny👋🏼😂) during a 12-week rotation.
- To be honest, I do not have an interest in becoming a CHT. Maybe this rotation will change my mind? I am excited to see these therapists at work and fully understand what their practice looks like day in and day out.
- Regardless of whether or not I decide to be a CHT when I grow up or not, I am SO looking forward to gaining skills in upper extremity rehabilitation to use in whatever population I decide to practice in!
- MORE HONESTY — Anatomy has NEVER been my strong suit. I do well learning the material but unless I am practically using methods that deal with individual structures, remembering all of the information long-term is very difficult for me. I am hoping all of this kinesthetic learning (my style) will cement some of my academic knowledge!
In-patient Pediatrics
- As a pediatric COTA, I worked in outpatient and early-intervention settings, never in-patient or acute!
- I am a bit nervous about stepping into the acute side of pediatric care, BUT if it weren’t a challenge, I wouldn’t be growing, right?
- I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn how to treat children at all phases of illness and injury, and I have a real curiosity and passion for the transition between acute in-patient stays and home. I think we can address concerns from a family-centered place and I cannot wait to learn all about how this facility does this.
- I have a feeling I am going to LOVE this setting… I also feel like seeing children in the most challenging time of their little journies is going to be very difficult. I have coping skills from other settings I will need to utilize to maintain my best therapeutic use of self for these kiddos.
All in all and I am so excited for what is to come!! I hope that reads in this post.
Comment below! What were your or are you fieldwork settings? Which was your favorite? Was there a setting you weren’t wild about, but in retrospect, you learned a lot?