Future OT 2020

     Before beginning OT school, I completed my internship for my undergraduate degree in outpatient OT in a hospital.  I thought I understood a good bit about what was happening during evaluations and treatments.  However, looking back some things are more clear now, and I also question some things.  One thing I remember in particular is when one OT was explaining activity analysis to me.  He was working with a patient and the activity was too hard, so he asked me what we could do to make it easier.  At the time, I understood what he was doing, but I didn't understand the whole concept yet.  When learning about activity analysis, I thought of this experience and it was clear what was happening.      Looking back I also see that a lot of preparatory activities were done.  At the time I didn't realize that doing the arm ergometer was considered preparatory.  That was done a lot where I observed as well as using the electrical stimulation units and ice/heat packs.  Now that I kn

            I listened to a webinar about OT and the NICU.  My interest has always been in pediatrics ever since I decided that I wanted to be an occupational therapist.  I have been curious to know what it is like being an OT working in the NICU.  The OT, Samantha Monahan’s presentation on working in the NICU gave a great overview of what OT in the NICU looks like.              The role of OT in the NICU is to maximize the occupations of the NICU client.  The environment in the NICU is usually very busy with lots of equipment and people.  The NICU can be very chaotic, noisy, and bright.  The OT can help address some of the issues in the environment to help it be more conducive to the NICU client by trying to mimic the womb.  The client can be preemies, newborns who require medical care, or babies withdrawing from medication.  The family is also a very important part of the clientele.  It is important to allow for attachment and bonding between the baby and the family