Video we made in our Participation in Occupation course
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Jane Blair - occupational therapist
“Every day in this job is different,” says Jane Blair. “I meet new people all the time and I’m constantly learning.”
Jane is a hospital based occupational therapist working on a medical ward with people who have come in with acute conditions. “For each person, I do an assessment to make sure that they can get back home safely and manage at home after their visit to hospital. I’m the first occupational therapist they have contact with. If they need further help they are then referred to other teams involved in rehabilitation and community support.
“I can work with people ranging from those who have had strokes or frail, elderly people through to those who have had surgery.
“Every person is a challenge because they are all unique. It means you need good people skills to work out what their needs are and be able to communicate with them in a way that encourages them to work with you.”
Jane discovered occupational therapy at a school careers day. “I was looking for something that would involve working with people and in the health industry.” After spending time with an occupational therapist, Jane enrolled on a degree course in occupational therapy. “The best part was the practical placements. They really made the theory make sense. The course was very enjoyable and rewarding.”
Before taking on her current role, Jane got her first job as a community occupational therapist. “That was quite different to this role because I was visiting people in their own homes, and their needs were different as their problems were not acute.”
The wide range of settings and people that an occupational therapist can work with is one of the main attractions for Jane. “There are so many directions that you can take and plenty of scope for specialisation, but for now I am enjoying the challenge and variety that my current role brings.”
Jane is a hospital based occupational therapist working on a medical ward with people who have come in with acute conditions. “For each person, I do an assessment to make sure that they can get back home safely and manage at home after their visit to hospital. I’m the first occupational therapist they have contact with. If they need further help they are then referred to other teams involved in rehabilitation and community support.
“I can work with people ranging from those who have had strokes or frail, elderly people through to those who have had surgery.
“Every person is a challenge because they are all unique. It means you need good people skills to work out what their needs are and be able to communicate with them in a way that encourages them to work with you.”
Jane discovered occupational therapy at a school careers day. “I was looking for something that would involve working with people and in the health industry.” After spending time with an occupational therapist, Jane enrolled on a degree course in occupational therapy. “The best part was the practical placements. They really made the theory make sense. The course was very enjoyable and rewarding.”
Before taking on her current role, Jane got her first job as a community occupational therapist. “That was quite different to this role because I was visiting people in their own homes, and their needs were different as their problems were not acute.”
The wide range of settings and people that an occupational therapist can work with is one of the main attractions for Jane. “There are so many directions that you can take and plenty of scope for specialisation, but for now I am enjoying the challenge and variety that my current role brings.”
careers.govt.co.nz
Occupational therapists assess and treat people who, because of illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake the activities of everyday life. They help people to regain lost functions, develop their abilities and social skills, and maintain and promote independence in their everyday tasks to enhance their health and well-being.
Tasks & duties
Occupational therapists use the term "occupation" to describe things people do to occupy themselves, which can include things such as people looking after themselves, leisure activities and working. Occupational therapists help people who have problems with these occupations to find ways to overcome their difficulties. They do tasks such as:
assess people's abilities within their environments
set goals with people
plan and direct therapy treatment
help people to gain or regain skills for everyday life, work and education
use physical and social activities to increase a person’s ability and confidence
adapt equipment or housing to enable patients to be safe and independent
recommend adaptations to motor vehicles to enable people to drive independently
advise people on changes to their lifestyle to help them with daily activities
educate people, their families or work colleagues, to ensure they have the information they need
observe and report on people's progress
give advice and support to families, employers and teachers about a person's rehabilitation.
Tasks & duties
Occupational therapists use the term "occupation" to describe things people do to occupy themselves, which can include things such as people looking after themselves, leisure activities and working. Occupational therapists help people who have problems with these occupations to find ways to overcome their difficulties. They do tasks such as:
assess people's abilities within their environments
set goals with people
plan and direct therapy treatment
help people to gain or regain skills for everyday life, work and education
use physical and social activities to increase a person’s ability and confidence
adapt equipment or housing to enable patients to be safe and independent
recommend adaptations to motor vehicles to enable people to drive independently
advise people on changes to their lifestyle to help them with daily activities
educate people, their families or work colleagues, to ensure they have the information they need
observe and report on people's progress
give advice and support to families, employers and teachers about a person's rehabilitation.
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