Week 6!! It's almost over. I don't know whether to be happy or sad. I'm a bit of both.
Monday = more paperwork. 2 PADP applications. Reading other PADP applications to get an idea of what needs to be written. It's interesting how you have to spin it so that the client is in the worst possible situation so that it's more likely they get approved for funding.
It's also amazing that the client pays $100 and the rest is paid by the government. It could be $20,000 worth of equipment but all you pay is $100. It's a really great scheme. If only there could be a way of speeding up the process.
I rigged up a text book behind my computer so that if i shove it up against it hard enough it holds the plug in so it can charge. Just have to make sure I don't move it at all. Annoying! But at least I have a computer!!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Dubbo: Week 5;4
DUBBO WEEKEND!
By myself :(
The weekend consisted of both my car and computer calling it quits!
I attempted to go for a drive to see some of the outside world and I didn't get very far befor my car started lurching and doing other strange things. So back to the cell I went. Car parked and not to be touched!
Computer decided that it will no longer charge unless I hold the plug in really tight. Handy!
Did some crafts to keep me from going nuts.
The weekend was loooooong and not very enjoyable.
I was looking forward to going back to work on Monday!
By myself :(
The weekend consisted of both my car and computer calling it quits!
I attempted to go for a drive to see some of the outside world and I didn't get very far befor my car started lurching and doing other strange things. So back to the cell I went. Car parked and not to be touched!
Computer decided that it will no longer charge unless I hold the plug in really tight. Handy!
Did some crafts to keep me from going nuts.
The weekend was loooooong and not very enjoyable.
I was looking forward to going back to work on Monday!
Dubbo: Week 5;3
Wednesday = Mudgee = 10.5 hour day.
3 initials
1 Electic Wheelchair trial
2 wheelchair adjustments
Endless paperwork
Thursday, Friday = completing said paperwork
Thursday I had some education on lymphoedema with the lymphoedema OT and some lymphoedema clients. Went through the lymph system and how it works and what happens when lymph nodes are removed. Then into what some of the treatments are for lymphoedema. Extremely interesting! And the OT made it SO easy to understand. I got to have a look at some client's lymphoedema and compare affected and non-affected limbs. I found it really amazing and would definitely like to learn more!
3 initials
1 Electic Wheelchair trial
2 wheelchair adjustments
Endless paperwork
Thursday, Friday = completing said paperwork
Thursday I had some education on lymphoedema with the lymphoedema OT and some lymphoedema clients. Went through the lymph system and how it works and what happens when lymph nodes are removed. Then into what some of the treatments are for lymphoedema. Extremely interesting! And the OT made it SO easy to understand. I got to have a look at some client's lymphoedema and compare affected and non-affected limbs. I found it really amazing and would definitely like to learn more!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Dubbo: Week 5;2
Sunshine and warmth yesterday.
Cold and pouring rain today.
MORE PAPERWORK.
Got to sit in on 2 lymphoedema clients. Good to see something different. Everyone's trying to get me out of the office and away from the computer.
Things are getting pretty stressful because my supervisor has to get everything finished before she goes on maternity leave a week after I finish. So she's trying not to start too many new things and I'm getting my things done and then we have to go to Mudgee 3 times in the next 3 weeks which means NEW CLIENTS. MORE PAPERWORK. LESS TIME TO GET EVERYTHING ELSE DONE.
So the pressure is on. Which makes it a bit hard. But I'll do what I can.
Mudgee tomorrow. 3 new clients. Hoping for simple mods and no Enable applications but that probably won't happen now!!
Long day tomorrow. Need sleep. Blah.
Cold and pouring rain today.
MORE PAPERWORK.
Got to sit in on 2 lymphoedema clients. Good to see something different. Everyone's trying to get me out of the office and away from the computer.
Things are getting pretty stressful because my supervisor has to get everything finished before she goes on maternity leave a week after I finish. So she's trying not to start too many new things and I'm getting my things done and then we have to go to Mudgee 3 times in the next 3 weeks which means NEW CLIENTS. MORE PAPERWORK. LESS TIME TO GET EVERYTHING ELSE DONE.
So the pressure is on. Which makes it a bit hard. But I'll do what I can.
Mudgee tomorrow. 3 new clients. Hoping for simple mods and no Enable applications but that probably won't happen now!!
Long day tomorrow. Need sleep. Blah.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Dubbo: Week 5;1
WEEK 5!! Can hardly believe it.
Not much time left in Dubbo now.
Good or bad?
A bit of both I think.
Absoutley loved the weekend. Had a great time playig in Dad's vegie garden, did a lot of weeding and put up some wire for the peas to climb. Picked lettuce and tomatoes, spinach and chillis. The best thing ever. Can't wait to have a garden of my own.
Back in Dubbo now and getting stuck in to my last couple of weeks.
Had my halfway evaluation last week and passed with a few key things for me to improve on so that's good.
That's all for now. BED
Not much time left in Dubbo now.
Good or bad?
A bit of both I think.
Absoutley loved the weekend. Had a great time playig in Dad's vegie garden, did a lot of weeding and put up some wire for the peas to climb. Picked lettuce and tomatoes, spinach and chillis. The best thing ever. Can't wait to have a garden of my own.
Back in Dubbo now and getting stuck in to my last couple of weeks.
Had my halfway evaluation last week and passed with a few key things for me to improve on so that's good.
That's all for now. BED
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Dubbo: Week 4;4
So it seems I write nothing for days then WRITE A THOUSAND WORDS THAT OVERPOWER AND OVERWHELM... and pssible bore.
My bad.
I hope someone is enjoying it :)
My bad.
I hope someone is enjoying it :)
Dubbo: Week 4;3
So where I am they are currently building a new hospital. BRAND SPANKING NEW.
They've been laying slabs and all sorts of fun stuff. Expecting to move in there in Feb 2011.
We had and OT meeting on Tuesday where one of the bosses showed us the drawings and went through what goes where and how things will be operating. Pretty interesting stuff. Pretty stressful for those organising and planning it. It would be really interesting to see it when it's done.
So there are a few jobs for the OTs to do before the final plans are made. The builders are going to set up a mock room and they have to work with the OTs to determine the height of the toilet so that over toilet frames and commode chairs can go over them with enough clearance to save catching dangly bits and also that they can go over the toilet enough that the commode pan is over the bowl. The level at which the toilets are embedded into the floor can have a huge impact on whether or not they end up being functional.
Apparently one time a company had to pull out 90 toilets because the equipment didn't fit right over them.
The OTs are also going to be involved in designing the garden area so that in incorporates different terrains, surfaces and areas to negotiate as part of a community access assessment. So there would be ramps, curbs, steps, gutters, grass, concrete, gravel etc. All so that some assessment can be done on site. It would be pretty interesting to be involved in. I'm just sad that I won't be here to see the rest of it happen. I like the designing part of it!! I'm interested in architecture!! I want to be involved!!
But the amount of pressure that rests on those that make the final decisions is pretty daunting!! Imagine designing all this and it being built and then thing are wrong.
Still, I'm definitely interested in it!
4.5 hour day tomorrow. Finishing early and having Friday off. Love it. Very short week. Have to take my time-in-lieu becaue there's 3 trips to Mudgee in the next 3 weeks so there'll be MORE time-in-lieu.
To Queanbeyan tomorrow. To Narooma Friday
YAAAAAAAAAY!!
Side Note: Cheesymite scrolls must be eaten in a particular way. You can't just bite into them like any bread roll, you must eat them like you are unwinding them. YOU MUST.
Dubbo Baker's Delight make crappy Cheesymites.
The end.
They've been laying slabs and all sorts of fun stuff. Expecting to move in there in Feb 2011.
We had and OT meeting on Tuesday where one of the bosses showed us the drawings and went through what goes where and how things will be operating. Pretty interesting stuff. Pretty stressful for those organising and planning it. It would be really interesting to see it when it's done.
So there are a few jobs for the OTs to do before the final plans are made. The builders are going to set up a mock room and they have to work with the OTs to determine the height of the toilet so that over toilet frames and commode chairs can go over them with enough clearance to save catching dangly bits and also that they can go over the toilet enough that the commode pan is over the bowl. The level at which the toilets are embedded into the floor can have a huge impact on whether or not they end up being functional.
Apparently one time a company had to pull out 90 toilets because the equipment didn't fit right over them.
The OTs are also going to be involved in designing the garden area so that in incorporates different terrains, surfaces and areas to negotiate as part of a community access assessment. So there would be ramps, curbs, steps, gutters, grass, concrete, gravel etc. All so that some assessment can be done on site. It would be pretty interesting to be involved in. I'm just sad that I won't be here to see the rest of it happen. I like the designing part of it!! I'm interested in architecture!! I want to be involved!!
But the amount of pressure that rests on those that make the final decisions is pretty daunting!! Imagine designing all this and it being built and then thing are wrong.
Still, I'm definitely interested in it!
4.5 hour day tomorrow. Finishing early and having Friday off. Love it. Very short week. Have to take my time-in-lieu becaue there's 3 trips to Mudgee in the next 3 weeks so there'll be MORE time-in-lieu.
To Queanbeyan tomorrow. To Narooma Friday
YAAAAAAAAAY!!
Side Note: Cheesymite scrolls must be eaten in a particular way. You can't just bite into them like any bread roll, you must eat them like you are unwinding them. YOU MUST.
Dubbo Baker's Delight make crappy Cheesymites.
The end.
Dubbo: Week 4;2
So it's pretty much been the same thing at work. Finishing up all the reports from last week.
Have MOST DEFINITELY conquered my fear of the phone and have even returned some phone calls that weren't specifically for me but I thought I could help out by returning them AND I SUCCEEDED!! WOO!! The phone is not as scary as I thought it was. Big personal achievement for me.
Went on a home visit to meet with a builder to discuss mods. The family have just bought a house and there are a lot of things that need to be changed to accommodate for the father who's in a powered wheelchair. It's pretty major mods like redoing a bathroom, widening doorways and putting in ramps. So the man is in hospital looking at discharge but he can't be discharged until. But the major mods could take 12 months to approve and complete. So we had to look at minor things that could get him home to start with and then the rest could be done later. But if the first mods are functional for the client, will they approve the rest of the mods? They might see the rest of them as unnecessary and not approve them.
It's also hard working with a million people with different opinions. The clients know what they want. The builder knows what's practically possible with the building. The OTs know what needs to happen to maximise safety and independence.
There are recommendations from a private OT who knows the client but hasn't seen the house and recommendations from the OTs here that have seen the house but don't know the client. Then another OT who prescribed the seating equipment for the client. And another OT who is organising his adaptive equipment such as environmental control unit and voice activated computer and phones.
The application gets written up and goes to a committee. They approve the mods, the mods get done, the client moves in... sounds simple... it's not.
Have to go out again in the mornin and meet with another builder.
Front accesses have to be to Australian Standards as they are pubic accesses. Interiors can be slightly modified as they are not public.
AS 1428.1
New guidelines.
Front door: 1 door, inward opening = certain dimensions for landing
If they want a security door, which would be outward opening, the landing has to be larger to accommodate the swinging door.
COMPLEX!!
There are no specific requirements for OTs prescribing major home mods. A new grad could do it. The company here has a policy that you have to be a level 3. But if there's no policy at a specific workplace it could be done by anyone. I know I wouldn't be confident doing major mods! Too many things to consider and without experience you could get so many things wrong! Hand rails I can handle!
Andrew Hansen is very talented.
Avagard general hand and body wash smells like crap.
Have MOST DEFINITELY conquered my fear of the phone and have even returned some phone calls that weren't specifically for me but I thought I could help out by returning them AND I SUCCEEDED!! WOO!! The phone is not as scary as I thought it was. Big personal achievement for me.
Went on a home visit to meet with a builder to discuss mods. The family have just bought a house and there are a lot of things that need to be changed to accommodate for the father who's in a powered wheelchair. It's pretty major mods like redoing a bathroom, widening doorways and putting in ramps. So the man is in hospital looking at discharge but he can't be discharged until. But the major mods could take 12 months to approve and complete. So we had to look at minor things that could get him home to start with and then the rest could be done later. But if the first mods are functional for the client, will they approve the rest of the mods? They might see the rest of them as unnecessary and not approve them.
It's also hard working with a million people with different opinions. The clients know what they want. The builder knows what's practically possible with the building. The OTs know what needs to happen to maximise safety and independence.
There are recommendations from a private OT who knows the client but hasn't seen the house and recommendations from the OTs here that have seen the house but don't know the client. Then another OT who prescribed the seating equipment for the client. And another OT who is organising his adaptive equipment such as environmental control unit and voice activated computer and phones.
The application gets written up and goes to a committee. They approve the mods, the mods get done, the client moves in... sounds simple... it's not.
Have to go out again in the mornin and meet with another builder.
Front accesses have to be to Australian Standards as they are pubic accesses. Interiors can be slightly modified as they are not public.
AS 1428.1
New guidelines.
Front door: 1 door, inward opening = certain dimensions for landing
If they want a security door, which would be outward opening, the landing has to be larger to accommodate the swinging door.
COMPLEX!!
There are no specific requirements for OTs prescribing major home mods. A new grad could do it. The company here has a policy that you have to be a level 3. But if there's no policy at a specific workplace it could be done by anyone. I know I wouldn't be confident doing major mods! Too many things to consider and without experience you could get so many things wrong! Hand rails I can handle!
Andrew Hansen is very talented.
Avagard general hand and body wash smells like crap.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Dubbo: Week 4;1
WEEK 4 BITCHES
I want lizards, frogs, stick insects and a dog. Yes I do.
Also one of these, because they're really cute:
Yeah that's what I'm about today... very informative hey!!
I want lizards, frogs, stick insects and a dog. Yes I do.
Also one of these, because they're really cute:
Yeah that's what I'm about today... very informative hey!!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Dubbo: Week 3;2
So where was I up to?
I think I have a whole week to report on.
A very full-on, busy week.
Spinal seating clinic this week run by some people from Sydney. Looking at seating and positioning for spinal cord injury. Manual and powered wheelchairs. Very interesting. And good to see something different. Got to show off my vast experience in using hoists.
Thursday was another trip to Mudgee. 12 hour day. Left at 7am and got back just before 7pm.
4 home visits in the morning.
1 x scooter assessment. I got to carry out a Mini-Mental.
1 person who wanted a ramp and refused to let us look at the rest of the house.
1 gentleman who wanted a wheelchair for 'just in case'. Lovely man who I could have spent all day talking to.
Going back in a fortnight to trial the scooter and wheelchair. Will be interesting to see the PADP/Enable application writing process.
Saw one person who told us how smoking pot helps relax his spasms and that he was working on a way to put the oil into capsules because apparently if you swallow it, you get the relaxing properties but not the high, and it doesn't hurt your brain. Go figure.
Afternoon was delivering the wheelchairs, fitting them properly and teaching the users how to operate them. Was amusing watching people hit the wrong controls and sometimes frustrating at the time it took for them to get the hang of it. But it was very satisfying to see how happy they were to get their new chairs.
The 3rd wheelchair we delivered was a different story. The wheelchair delivery man had gone ahead of us and when we got there we found quite a scene. For starters there was no one at the house, when we were assured they would be there. Second... it had been raining and pouring for the past 48 hours and we were on a property so everything was muddy and slippery. Steve had walked over the mud to make sure it was solid enough to drive the wheelchair over and had no problems. Then drove the wheelchair into the mud where it became bogged. And I mean seriously stuck. Brand new wheelchair. Now stuck and muddy. Steve had to find some planks of wood to put under the tyres and do a lot of lifting to get it out. When it was eventually free, it got a hosing and a note was left for the recipient.
It was entertaining.
Friday I got to start writing reports for the 3 new people we saw, and I will continue to do so during the week.
I'm now totally awesome at using the phone. If I'm not sure about anything I just say that I'm a student and everyone apologises for bothering me!!
Halfway evaluation this week!
I can't believe it's half over, but I also can't believe I stil have 4 weeks to go... weird.
I think I have a whole week to report on.
A very full-on, busy week.
Spinal seating clinic this week run by some people from Sydney. Looking at seating and positioning for spinal cord injury. Manual and powered wheelchairs. Very interesting. And good to see something different. Got to show off my vast experience in using hoists.
Thursday was another trip to Mudgee. 12 hour day. Left at 7am and got back just before 7pm.
4 home visits in the morning.
1 x scooter assessment. I got to carry out a Mini-Mental.
1 person who wanted a ramp and refused to let us look at the rest of the house.
1 gentleman who wanted a wheelchair for 'just in case'. Lovely man who I could have spent all day talking to.
Going back in a fortnight to trial the scooter and wheelchair. Will be interesting to see the PADP/Enable application writing process.
Saw one person who told us how smoking pot helps relax his spasms and that he was working on a way to put the oil into capsules because apparently if you swallow it, you get the relaxing properties but not the high, and it doesn't hurt your brain. Go figure.
Afternoon was delivering the wheelchairs, fitting them properly and teaching the users how to operate them. Was amusing watching people hit the wrong controls and sometimes frustrating at the time it took for them to get the hang of it. But it was very satisfying to see how happy they were to get their new chairs.
The 3rd wheelchair we delivered was a different story. The wheelchair delivery man had gone ahead of us and when we got there we found quite a scene. For starters there was no one at the house, when we were assured they would be there. Second... it had been raining and pouring for the past 48 hours and we were on a property so everything was muddy and slippery. Steve had walked over the mud to make sure it was solid enough to drive the wheelchair over and had no problems. Then drove the wheelchair into the mud where it became bogged. And I mean seriously stuck. Brand new wheelchair. Now stuck and muddy. Steve had to find some planks of wood to put under the tyres and do a lot of lifting to get it out. When it was eventually free, it got a hosing and a note was left for the recipient.
It was entertaining.
Friday I got to start writing reports for the 3 new people we saw, and I will continue to do so during the week.
I'm now totally awesome at using the phone. If I'm not sure about anything I just say that I'm a student and everyone apologises for bothering me!!
Halfway evaluation this week!
I can't believe it's half over, but I also can't believe I stil have 4 weeks to go... weird.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Dubbo: Week 3;1
And so we come to the third week. It's gone pretty quickly so far.
Thursday involved 2 GIANT scones for 50c. Pretty amazing. And then a giant lunch.
Oh, and some work of course.
Finishing some of the many reports from the home visits.
Finished up early and drove to Queanbeyan. Drove half of that way in second gear only. Not by my choice, my car has a mind of it's own. And it made to to Queanbeyan. Now it's resting before it visits the doctor this week.
Was good to be home for the weekend. Enjoyed doing nothing at all on Friday. I needed the day to recover! Working full time takes its toll! Explored a new mountain bike track in the Kowen Forest with Corey as he tried out his new bike. Was a good track, although we didn't know how far it was going to go on for so we left the track and took a logging road only to find we'd gone backwards and were further away from the car. But we found it in the end. And now I have a sore butt. Loved just relaxing in a familiar environment.
Now I'm back in my cell. The light in the kitchen is like a strobe and was making me feel sea sick so I got out of there as quick as I could. I thought someone had stolen some of my food but then I realised I ate it... and just forgot.
I have my old friend Rocky (Corey's little 4WD) to keep me company now and fingers crossed nothing happens to it while it's in my possession. Didn't like the 5 hour drive, but it was worth it to see some of the people I love. Even got to see Mum and Nita!! Was very nice.
Another week of work ahead. Looking forward to getting stuck in and taking my mind off being alone in my cell.
Thursday involved 2 GIANT scones for 50c. Pretty amazing. And then a giant lunch.
Oh, and some work of course.
Finishing some of the many reports from the home visits.
Finished up early and drove to Queanbeyan. Drove half of that way in second gear only. Not by my choice, my car has a mind of it's own. And it made to to Queanbeyan. Now it's resting before it visits the doctor this week.
Was good to be home for the weekend. Enjoyed doing nothing at all on Friday. I needed the day to recover! Working full time takes its toll! Explored a new mountain bike track in the Kowen Forest with Corey as he tried out his new bike. Was a good track, although we didn't know how far it was going to go on for so we left the track and took a logging road only to find we'd gone backwards and were further away from the car. But we found it in the end. And now I have a sore butt. Loved just relaxing in a familiar environment.
Now I'm back in my cell. The light in the kitchen is like a strobe and was making me feel sea sick so I got out of there as quick as I could. I thought someone had stolen some of my food but then I realised I ate it... and just forgot.
I have my old friend Rocky (Corey's little 4WD) to keep me company now and fingers crossed nothing happens to it while it's in my possession. Didn't like the 5 hour drive, but it was worth it to see some of the people I love. Even got to see Mum and Nita!! Was very nice.
Another week of work ahead. Looking forward to getting stuck in and taking my mind off being alone in my cell.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Dubbo: Week 2;3
There is a very large population of galahs in this place. And I don't mean idiotic people, I mean the birds. They're EVERYWHERE.
I learnt today that when making appointments I need to ask more questions. We went on a home visit but the client is currently in hospital, meaning:
1. The OT at the hospital should be responsible for them or
2. If they get transferred to the hospital I am at (which is the plan) then the inpatient OTs would be responsible for them.
3. We couldn't make any recommendations as we haven't met the client and don't know what they're likely to need.
So we did the work for someone else to benefit from.
But I know next time what sort of questions I need to ask when making appointments.
One challenging thing is that I don't yet know what the implications are for certain conditions. So if when asking about their medical history they tell me they have a certain condition, I don't necessarily know what that means for the person or what other questions I need to ask relating to that condition. I guess that will come with more experience.
Starting at 7am tomorrow so time to disappear!!
I miss the girls from uni...
I learnt today that when making appointments I need to ask more questions. We went on a home visit but the client is currently in hospital, meaning:
1. The OT at the hospital should be responsible for them or
2. If they get transferred to the hospital I am at (which is the plan) then the inpatient OTs would be responsible for them.
3. We couldn't make any recommendations as we haven't met the client and don't know what they're likely to need.
So we did the work for someone else to benefit from.
But I know next time what sort of questions I need to ask when making appointments.
One challenging thing is that I don't yet know what the implications are for certain conditions. So if when asking about their medical history they tell me they have a certain condition, I don't necessarily know what that means for the person or what other questions I need to ask relating to that condition. I guess that will come with more experience.
Starting at 7am tomorrow so time to disappear!!
I miss the girls from uni...
Dubbo: Week 2;2
So I've decided I don't like having to unpack and repack my toiletries every time I go for a shower. Annoying! I've also decided I don't like it when someone flushes the toilet while I'm having a shower and burns by bum. Then wash their hands in hot water so they freeze my bum. Lovely.
The days this week have dragged out very slowly. I'm definitely not used to having a routine and working for 8 hours a day. Uni makes you weak. Too much sleep and laziness. It's good to have full days, feeling like you're contributing to the labour force. Although I'd much rather if I received some sort of remuneration for all this labour. All in due time I guess.
SIDE NOTE: When I typed "I'm blogging" into a text message it told me "I'm clogging" which I found funny. Anyone feel like going clogging?
I have been writing lots of reports. Monday I made some appointments and got to discharge some clients who had got what they needed from elsewhere or didn't need OT for some other reason. Was nice to feel I could help cut down their waiting list.
Clients classified as 'urgent' are supposed to be seen within 7 days... most aren't seen for up to 6 months. There's just too many people.
I got to discharge 3. Small number, but every bit helps.
Tuesday was another home visit ("to get you out of the office for a bit" according to my supervisor... also to give me MORE paperwork to do). An older lady who needed a few rails. The suction rail that is usually in the car had gone AWOL so I was sent back later (ON MY OWN) to simulate rail positions and determine which would be functionally appropriate for the client.
I'm feeling closer to being a real OT now!
Wednesday was something different!!!
My supervisor is a qualified driving assessor. Today we had a driving assessment. The client had a CVA around 10 months ago that had affected his right arm and his speech.
First there was a thousand bits of paperwork to go through, medical history stuff and some strength, ROM and coordination testing. Then a written test for the client consisting of road rules and some intersection questions (who goes first at this intersection). Then a whole bunch of slide that you get to look at for 3 seconds then had to name what was in the picture, where it was and which direction it was heading. I found it difficult!! The client had some trouble because he could think what they were but because of the difficulties with speech it took him a while to get the words out and by that time he had forgotten what else was in the picture.
So then we went driving. Driving instructor in the front, supervisor and myself in the back.
He was assessed to be safe to drive. Report then goes to the RTA.
Pretty interesting and there was a lot involved.
Don't know whether I want to become a driving assessor though as my supervisor said that some of them get very scary.
The days this week have dragged out very slowly. I'm definitely not used to having a routine and working for 8 hours a day. Uni makes you weak. Too much sleep and laziness. It's good to have full days, feeling like you're contributing to the labour force. Although I'd much rather if I received some sort of remuneration for all this labour. All in due time I guess.
SIDE NOTE: When I typed "I'm blogging" into a text message it told me "I'm clogging" which I found funny. Anyone feel like going clogging?
I have been writing lots of reports. Monday I made some appointments and got to discharge some clients who had got what they needed from elsewhere or didn't need OT for some other reason. Was nice to feel I could help cut down their waiting list.
Clients classified as 'urgent' are supposed to be seen within 7 days... most aren't seen for up to 6 months. There's just too many people.
I got to discharge 3. Small number, but every bit helps.
Tuesday was another home visit ("to get you out of the office for a bit" according to my supervisor... also to give me MORE paperwork to do). An older lady who needed a few rails. The suction rail that is usually in the car had gone AWOL so I was sent back later (ON MY OWN) to simulate rail positions and determine which would be functionally appropriate for the client.
I'm feeling closer to being a real OT now!
Wednesday was something different!!!
My supervisor is a qualified driving assessor. Today we had a driving assessment. The client had a CVA around 10 months ago that had affected his right arm and his speech.
First there was a thousand bits of paperwork to go through, medical history stuff and some strength, ROM and coordination testing. Then a written test for the client consisting of road rules and some intersection questions (who goes first at this intersection). Then a whole bunch of slide that you get to look at for 3 seconds then had to name what was in the picture, where it was and which direction it was heading. I found it difficult!! The client had some trouble because he could think what they were but because of the difficulties with speech it took him a while to get the words out and by that time he had forgotten what else was in the picture.
So then we went driving. Driving instructor in the front, supervisor and myself in the back.
He was assessed to be safe to drive. Report then goes to the RTA.
Pretty interesting and there was a lot involved.
Don't know whether I want to become a driving assessor though as my supervisor said that some of them get very scary.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Dubbo: Week 2;1
DUBBO WEEKEND!!!
My car = very close to death. Transmission = condemned. The gear changes are very rough (not my fault, it's an automatic) and it now drives in some sort of safe mode to protect itself because there's a malfunction in the transmission. It needs a doctor. But I'm poor and work when car doctor shops are open. But it's good because I walk to prac so I only need my car to go to the shops. So Thursday will be the big test. Will I make it to Queanbeyan or will I be stuck on the side of the road for 7 hours waiting for help?!?! It will go to the Mitsubishi doctor on Friday.
Sorry Cammy, but it looks like you may not inherit the beast. I mean, you can have it, but it might just be a corpse that you can use for target practise or something.
So Im already up to week 2 in this place. 6 more weeks.
Honestly, I'm LOVING prac! It's a really great place, the girls are all really friendly and helpful and welcoming so I feel really comfortable in the workplace. I'd recommend the prac for sure. It's just after work that sucks coz I don't know anyone and those I have seen around here seem to not want to chat at all. And their a bit older. My two friends form Singapore left Saturday morning so that's sad because they were great.
Corey was up for the weekend. SOMEONE I KNOW YAY!!! Sorry to Corey that Dubbo is not very exciting and we spent most of the time doing nothing at all. Although we did take a look through the Old Dubbo Gaol which was very cool. It's all still as it was when they closed it down and it's got cool exhibits and holograms so THAT was fun. We were going to go to the field days at Mudgee but it was an hour and a hald drive and so we decided not.
Saving the zoo for next time. For when some family come and visit.
SIDE NOTE: It was definitely strange not seeing anyone on my birthday and those that I did see not knowing that it was my birthday. It felt weird to bring it up with people I barely knew so I didn't. Was still a good day though. Better than I expected. Thanks to everyone for all the messages and phone calls, it really meant a lot.
SO I'm back in my cell now, after a weekend away from it. I've been locked up in here for a few hours now and it's already boring. But I'm looking forward to work tomorrow. Short week this week and then back to Queanbeyan on Thursday. Looking forward to being back with people I know.
TTFN, ta ta for now
My car = very close to death. Transmission = condemned. The gear changes are very rough (not my fault, it's an automatic) and it now drives in some sort of safe mode to protect itself because there's a malfunction in the transmission. It needs a doctor. But I'm poor and work when car doctor shops are open. But it's good because I walk to prac so I only need my car to go to the shops. So Thursday will be the big test. Will I make it to Queanbeyan or will I be stuck on the side of the road for 7 hours waiting for help?!?! It will go to the Mitsubishi doctor on Friday.
Sorry Cammy, but it looks like you may not inherit the beast. I mean, you can have it, but it might just be a corpse that you can use for target practise or something.
So Im already up to week 2 in this place. 6 more weeks.
Honestly, I'm LOVING prac! It's a really great place, the girls are all really friendly and helpful and welcoming so I feel really comfortable in the workplace. I'd recommend the prac for sure. It's just after work that sucks coz I don't know anyone and those I have seen around here seem to not want to chat at all. And their a bit older. My two friends form Singapore left Saturday morning so that's sad because they were great.
Corey was up for the weekend. SOMEONE I KNOW YAY!!! Sorry to Corey that Dubbo is not very exciting and we spent most of the time doing nothing at all. Although we did take a look through the Old Dubbo Gaol which was very cool. It's all still as it was when they closed it down and it's got cool exhibits and holograms so THAT was fun. We were going to go to the field days at Mudgee but it was an hour and a hald drive and so we decided not.
Saving the zoo for next time. For when some family come and visit.
SIDE NOTE: It was definitely strange not seeing anyone on my birthday and those that I did see not knowing that it was my birthday. It felt weird to bring it up with people I barely knew so I didn't. Was still a good day though. Better than I expected. Thanks to everyone for all the messages and phone calls, it really meant a lot.
SO I'm back in my cell now, after a weekend away from it. I've been locked up in here for a few hours now and it's already boring. But I'm looking forward to work tomorrow. Short week this week and then back to Queanbeyan on Thursday. Looking forward to being back with people I know.
TTFN, ta ta for now
Dubbo: Week 1;4
So where was I?
Wednesday we did a regional visit where we did 7 home visits. All but one were new clients so there were 6 initial assessments to carry out. It was good because I got to watch a few and get an idea of what questions to ask and what information was really important and then do the ones in the afternoon.
More home mods and some for equipment trials. Lots of rails to install. I guess that's a good thing if that's all someone needs.
I found that strange about this particular community health role. The OT may see the client only once, do the initial assessment, go away and write the reports and recommendations and never see the client again (an OT aide will visit to make sure the handrails are in the right place and are serving their intended purpose). They may see the client again in a few years time if they are referred again but it is possible that that will be the only visit. It was not what I had expected but I guess if you provide a hand rail that makes them independent, then what more can you do?
One lady we saw was 103 and still being cared for at home. Respect! Have a few pieces of equipment to trial that will hopefully make caring for her a bit easier. Will be taking a trip back to Mudgee in a couple of weeks to do that so that will be interesting to see the equipment trials.
Thursday and Friday were spent writing up the reports from the 7 visits. There is a lot of paperwork to do. Is it strange if I say I don't mind writing reports? Because I really don't. It was actually really satisfying to print off the reports, letters and drawing and put them in envelopes and files and know that it was my work.
I've been learning how to use a CAD program... no scale ruler for me. So much easier to do on the computer. I've not done 5 drawings. 4 of which haven't been checked by my supervisor yet so they could be extremely wrong!! But I remain hopeful!!
And so ended a LONG week. Needless to say sleep was looking GREAT!!
Enter another Dubbo weekend... mmm, fun...
Wednesday we did a regional visit where we did 7 home visits. All but one were new clients so there were 6 initial assessments to carry out. It was good because I got to watch a few and get an idea of what questions to ask and what information was really important and then do the ones in the afternoon.
More home mods and some for equipment trials. Lots of rails to install. I guess that's a good thing if that's all someone needs.
I found that strange about this particular community health role. The OT may see the client only once, do the initial assessment, go away and write the reports and recommendations and never see the client again (an OT aide will visit to make sure the handrails are in the right place and are serving their intended purpose). They may see the client again in a few years time if they are referred again but it is possible that that will be the only visit. It was not what I had expected but I guess if you provide a hand rail that makes them independent, then what more can you do?
One lady we saw was 103 and still being cared for at home. Respect! Have a few pieces of equipment to trial that will hopefully make caring for her a bit easier. Will be taking a trip back to Mudgee in a couple of weeks to do that so that will be interesting to see the equipment trials.
Thursday and Friday were spent writing up the reports from the 7 visits. There is a lot of paperwork to do. Is it strange if I say I don't mind writing reports? Because I really don't. It was actually really satisfying to print off the reports, letters and drawing and put them in envelopes and files and know that it was my work.
I've been learning how to use a CAD program... no scale ruler for me. So much easier to do on the computer. I've not done 5 drawings. 4 of which haven't been checked by my supervisor yet so they could be extremely wrong!! But I remain hopeful!!
And so ended a LONG week. Needless to say sleep was looking GREAT!!
Enter another Dubbo weekend... mmm, fun...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Dubbo: Week 1;3
So I wanted some yoghurt but there's only 1 spoon on the entire floor so I can't have yoghurt!! 1 spoon!! No yoghurt :(
Worked 10 hours today. So tiring. Got to do some initial assessments. So much to get my head around and understand and remember. Need a photographic memory, and a USB to save it on.
More detail later... brain fuzzzzzzzzyyy
Worked 10 hours today. So tiring. Got to do some initial assessments. So much to get my head around and understand and remember. Need a photographic memory, and a USB to save it on.
More detail later... brain fuzzzzzzzzyyy
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Dubbo: Week 1;2
So I have completed 2 whole days of prac! What an achievement!!
Day 1: Community Health
Met a WHOLE lot of people whose names I can't remember. Got lost a couple of times. All the OTs are pretty cool and very helpful.
Most of my prac will be home mods and equipment.
2 home visits.
First one involved measuring absolutely everything in the house. Young guy with a spinal injury so lots of ramps needed, doorways widening, bathroom totally redone. I got to do all the measuring so I am now amazing with a measuring tape. Took forever but it was good to get stuck in straight away.
Day 2:
Getting the hang of all the paperwork. Forms for when we take the car out, forms to book the car, writing in progress notes, finding information.
My afternoon consisted of organising appointments for the next day. Road trip to Mudgee (1.5 hours) and around 7 or 8 home visits. Organising appointments is time consuming!! I kind of conquered my fear of the phone. Still not keen on answering it though as I probably can't help anyone who calls!! So I organised all the visits and filled out the itinerary for the day and then loaded up the car with equipment that we might trial with clients. Then wrote in some notes to justify why some clients listed as 'urgent' were not booked in and why some 'non-urgent' clients were.
LONG DAY!
Longer day tomorrow! Starting at 0700 and will finish about 1700. Should be good as they are all new clients who need initial assessments and my supervisor has said I can do some parts in the afternoon.
I met two of the girls living on my floor. Lovely girls from Singapore who chose to experience rural Australia. They finish at the end of this week though. Other than that it's quiet, apparently there's 2 others on the floor but I haven't seen them. They must hide out in their cells, or their wardens lock them in earlier than me!
Speaking of lockdown, must be that time.
Til next time...
Day 1: Community Health
Met a WHOLE lot of people whose names I can't remember. Got lost a couple of times. All the OTs are pretty cool and very helpful.
Most of my prac will be home mods and equipment.
2 home visits.
First one involved measuring absolutely everything in the house. Young guy with a spinal injury so lots of ramps needed, doorways widening, bathroom totally redone. I got to do all the measuring so I am now amazing with a measuring tape. Took forever but it was good to get stuck in straight away.
Day 2:
Getting the hang of all the paperwork. Forms for when we take the car out, forms to book the car, writing in progress notes, finding information.
My afternoon consisted of organising appointments for the next day. Road trip to Mudgee (1.5 hours) and around 7 or 8 home visits. Organising appointments is time consuming!! I kind of conquered my fear of the phone. Still not keen on answering it though as I probably can't help anyone who calls!! So I organised all the visits and filled out the itinerary for the day and then loaded up the car with equipment that we might trial with clients. Then wrote in some notes to justify why some clients listed as 'urgent' were not booked in and why some 'non-urgent' clients were.
LONG DAY!
Longer day tomorrow! Starting at 0700 and will finish about 1700. Should be good as they are all new clients who need initial assessments and my supervisor has said I can do some parts in the afternoon.
I met two of the girls living on my floor. Lovely girls from Singapore who chose to experience rural Australia. They finish at the end of this week though. Other than that it's quiet, apparently there's 2 others on the floor but I haven't seen them. They must hide out in their cells, or their wardens lock them in earlier than me!
Speaking of lockdown, must be that time.
Til next time...
Monday, July 12, 2010
Dubbo: Week 1;1
Corey and I drove the 4.5 hours from Queanbyean to Dubbo.
Found my place of residence for the 7 week duration. Corey just about turned around and walked straight back out again. He calls it my 'cell'. And the nickname has stuck. The building - nurses quaters at the Base Hospital - is ancient, dark, dingy and not very homely. My room is small, rendered brick walls with chipped paint and Blu-tack marks everywhere. Bed, tiny desk, dresser and wardrobe. One powerpoint.
OT assessment - knock it down and start again.
Supplied with hospital sheets and blanket. Threw those away and used my own nice flanelette sheets. Trying to make it feel more like my own room. Not succeeding. Need posters and pictures.
Need thongs for shower
Took a tour of Dubbo. Drove, drove, drove some more. Found a few places that we will explore in the future. Namely the zoo.
Nothing to do on Sunday, although happy to get out of the cell.
At least there's sunshine.
So it all sounds a bit grim so far but stay tuned for what I'm really here for... occupational therapy prac.
Found my place of residence for the 7 week duration. Corey just about turned around and walked straight back out again. He calls it my 'cell'. And the nickname has stuck. The building - nurses quaters at the Base Hospital - is ancient, dark, dingy and not very homely. My room is small, rendered brick walls with chipped paint and Blu-tack marks everywhere. Bed, tiny desk, dresser and wardrobe. One powerpoint.
OT assessment - knock it down and start again.
Supplied with hospital sheets and blanket. Threw those away and used my own nice flanelette sheets. Trying to make it feel more like my own room. Not succeeding. Need posters and pictures.
Need thongs for shower
Took a tour of Dubbo. Drove, drove, drove some more. Found a few places that we will explore in the future. Namely the zoo.
Nothing to do on Sunday, although happy to get out of the cell.
At least there's sunshine.
So it all sounds a bit grim so far but stay tuned for what I'm really here for... occupational therapy prac.
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