Life as a new occupational therapist assistant in a pediatric setting
Katie Puzey, OTA
Stepping into the world of occupational therapy is a rewarding experience, especially when your passion leads you to work with children. As a new graduate in a pediatric occupational therapy setting, you're about to embark on a journey filled with challenges, learning, and the profound joy of making a difference in young lives. In this blog post, we'll explore what it's like to be a new occupational therapist graduate in a pediatric setting and how to navigate the unique demands of this fulfilling career.
The Pediatric Setting
Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills they need for everyday life activities. This can include improving fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, and cognitive function. These young clients can range from infants to adolescents and may present with various developmental and medical conditions.
Key Skills and Qualities
Patience: Working with children often requires immense patience, as progress can be slow, and therapy sessions may sometimes be challenging.
Creativity: Each child is unique, and tailoring therapy activities to their interests and abilities can make a significant difference in engagement and outcomes.
Adaptability: Flexibility in your approach is essential since children's needs and moods can change quickly.
Communication: Building trust with your young clients and their families is crucial, so excellent communication skills are a must.
Observation: The ability to observe and assess a child's abilities, challenges, and progress is a fundamental aspect of the job.
First Steps in the Field
Supervision: Many new graduates start with supervision from experienced therapists. This is a valuable learning opportunity that allows you to gain confidence in your skills.
Address Goals: An OT will collaborate with families and caregivers to set realistic goals for the children's progress. As an OTA you will go over the goals set by the OT with the family and work with the child on their specific goals. Regularly reviewing and updating the OT on improvements made is essential to progression.
Documentation: Accurate record-keeping is crucial for tracking a child's progress and communicating with other healthcare professionals.
Continuous Learning: The world of pediatric occupational therapy is constantly evolving. Stay updated on the latest research and therapies to provide the best care.
Challenges and Rewards
Working with children in a pediatric setting can be emotionally taxing at times. You may encounter children facing significant physical or developmental challenges, and witnessing their struggles can be difficult. However, the rewards are immeasurable. Seeing a child achieve a milestone, no matter how small, is incredibly fulfilling. Your work can have a lasting impact on their lives, helping them gain independence and confidence.
Balancing Act
Balancing your professional and personal life is essential. The demands of a pediatric occupational therapy job can be intense, so setting boundaries and taking time for self-care is vital to prevent burnout.
Being a new occupational therapy assistant graduate in a pediatric setting is a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience. You have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of young clients and their families. With patience, creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can thrive in this dynamic field. Remember that your journey is just beginning, and each day brings new opportunities to learn and grow as a pediatric occupational therapy assistant.