Inpatient Subacute - OTA Student
Jean Lundquist - Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Cincinnati, Ohio
One of my fieldwork experiences was working with an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) in a sub-acute care facility. We worked with patients every day on safety when doing their daily ADLs in preparation for going home. We also worked on strengthening and education for safe techniques when using walkers or wheelchairs. The OTA worked independently with the patients on her caseload while her supervising occupational therapist was on site when needed.
Often times, the patients' families would attend therapy sessions and become cheerleaders for the patients. Most often the patients responded positively to this and in the end benefited from the extra support.
I found that each day had many differences and similarities but were never routine or boring. As a couple of patients would complete the therapy process and go home, they were soon replaced by new patients transferring in for rehabilitation therapy from an acute care facility.
I enjoyed working with the patients and watching them progress with their therapy sessions. I look forward to becoming an OTA and working with patients every day.