1. Advocates for clients who have been neglected or underrepresented in the system.
Throughout both of my fieldwork placements, I encountered clients that have been neglected or underrepresented in the system. During my first rotation, we were primarily with the pediatric community providing occupational therapy and lactation services. I was shocked by the amount of babies and new moms that are discharged from the hospital with little to no guidance regarding breastfeeding or occupational therapy's role within breastfeeding. The new moms were not allowed back into the hospital to see the lactation consultant and the only local CLC charges an outrageous amount by the hour that most of these families cannot afford. My fieldwork educator informed me that most new moms experience this type of situation or one similar and this is one of the reasons why she has decided to take her career in this direction. I was honored to be a part of this journey and am proud to say that I plan on following in her footsteps to advocate for these new moms and babies!
2. Fulfills commitments to the professional community.
As part of my commitments to the professional community at my first Level II Fieldwork placement, I had the opportunity to assist my fieldwork educator in gathering research for and putting together a presentation on The Occupational Therapist's Role in Feeding and Tethered Oral Tissues for the LOTA conference in Monroe, LA. There were around 20 individuals from the professional community present during the presentation that were interested in the topic being discussed. I also had the opportunity to create a fun game for the individuals to engage in at the end of the presentation. I was able to learn more regarding the topic through my research and the presentation as well as ensuring accurate information is relayed to the professional community. create.kahoot.it/share/ot-in-feeding-and-tots/9250ac81-b947-4f54-9b5f-3e09dcc93c65
3. Represents the unique perspective of occupational therapy when participating in inter-professional situations.
During both of my Level II Fieldwork placements, I had the opportunity to engage and collaborate with other disciplines. I have felt comfortable enough to inquire about specific patients with physical therapists and speech language pathologists as well as to come up with a plan on what we will each focus on when the patient is receiving more than one discipline. Many of the patients that I have had the privilege of treating has also received one or both of these other disciplines. It is vital to establish a good relationship with your interdisciplinary team to ensure the best care for your patient and to achieve their goals.
4. Assumes responsibility for professional behavior and growth, in accordance with AOTA standards.
In order to be a successful Occupational Therapy Practitioner, it is crucial to take charge of your professional behavior and growth to ensure you are continuing to be the best Occupational Therapy Practitioner you can be. I am a firm believer if you are adamant on building your professional behavior and growth, you will provide better care towards your patients, caregivers/families, coworkers, and supporting staff. It is essential to remember that each time you are being presented as an Occupational Therapist that you are representing the entire Occupational Therapy community. I have made it a point to enhance my professional behavior throughout my OT education and fieldwork experiences.
5. Functions autonomously and effectively in a broad array of service models.
Throughout each of my Level II Fieldwork placements, I have had the opportunity to independently develop patient's plan of care and intervention plans. I had the ability to utilize my fieldwork educators if I needed their assistance, but overall I was able to plan this on my own. I was able to combine various service models to incorporate throughout my treatment sessions and accurately modify any activities per specific patients. I have grown confident in this area throughout my fieldwork experiences.
6. Upholds the AOTA Code of Ethics in practice.
The AOTA Code of Ethics consists of core values that serve as a guide for Occupational Therapy Practitioners to maintain the integrity and standards appropriate within the Occupational Therapy community. Remaining within and following the AOTA Code of Ethics is essential for Occupational Therapy Practitioners to provide the best possible care for their patients and surrounding individuals. I received all 4's in this area during both of my Level II Fieldwork placements that stands for exemplary performance.
7. Serves as a role model for honesty, integrity, and morally grounded decision making.
My fieldwork educators that I had the privilege of working under were both exceptional role models for honesty, integrity, and morally grounded decision making. I was able to learn how to effectively and appropriately approach various situations that require morally ground decision making. I am utilizing these skills I have learned through these placements for situations that have arised during these experiences and plan to use them throughout my entire career while also enhancing them.