#ot student

Study habits that were effective last quarter:

Making review sheets (basically a list of questions to answer) for each week for classes that had exams.

Making condensed summary sheets of information

Doing the readings before class and taking notes, taking notes in lecture, then consolidating those notes at some point.

Always be a week or two (or more) ahead on readings and assignments. This is very helpful for those unforeseen circumstances where you suddenly fall ill, a family member suddenly falls ill, someone dies, etc. It gives you a lot of wiggle room if you take the time to work ahead, that way you can take entire days off from homework and studying guilt free.

Study habits I would like to implement or have been implementing for this quarter:

Be more timely with my review sheets, summary sheets, and notes. Last quarter, sometimes I would keep up and have a designated day where I consolidates notes/made review sheets and summary sheets. Other times, I’d have a lapse and then have 3 weeks of content to review and condense.

I just started my second of three years and I have a (theoretical) client in class who wants to re-learn how to write after an ischemic stroke (left), while being right handed. He does not feel pain in his right arm and the movement in the said arm is “limited” (I can choose myself how limited it really is, and I haven’t decided yet).

I had my second clinical experience! I woke up about 5:30 and headed to Starbucks. I really needed some energy because I'm not used to being up so early!

I followed an OT who mostly deals with orthopedic patients who have undergone elective surgeries or some sort of trauma.

We started our day by reading the charts and taking some notes about the patients we would be seeing. She asked me some questions about possible goals to make for the patients, and told me that these preliminary goals can be adjusted later depending on how the patient is doing that day.

For example, one of the patients had significantly more pain than during previous sessions, so we had the nurse bring some pain medication. He couldn't do as much yesterday but it was important for him to do something. After the medication kicked in, we were able to walk him to the bathroom so he could brush his teeth and use the toilet. We had to reassess his goals based on his pain. He still had a very promising outlook, but we still needed to take into account his pain.

I had a good experience yesterday. I learned a lot and was able to help patients perform bed mobility and transfers. We were very busy and walked all over the hospital. I think I got about 8,000 steps in. I like ortho just as much as I liked working with stroke, TBI, and SCI. I don't know what to choose for my last one coming up!

No, I am not just like a PT

No, I will not find you a job

No, I will not force you to become “normal”

Yes, I will help you find a way to do what matters to you (no matter what condition/diagnosis/limitation stands in your way)

Yes, I will embrace your unique qualities and differences

Yes, I will work with people that have both physical and mental illness on aspects of every day life (such as dressing, bathing, driving, cooking, community outings, regulating sensory input, school, work, social skills....... the list goes on)