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.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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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