#otlife

[phumelelanene]

The Unexpected Journey of Becoming More

The first day at Kenville hit me like a ton of bricks. There I was, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, when my supervisor, Chantal, suddenly whipped out a notebook and started scribbling something down. I swear my heart dropped into my shoes. What did she write? Was it, "Phumi has potential"? Or maybe, "Needs serious help"? Either way, it scared the living daylights out of me.

Fast forward three weeks, and my head’s still spinning, but for different reasons. The workload is nuts, seriously, if I had a rand for every time I felt overwhelmed, I'd have enough to buy the whole team a much-needed coffee. But here's the kicker: I'm having the best time ever. Who knew that feeling part of something greater could coexist with academic chaos?

This block has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, one that twists your insides but leaves you exhilarated. I arrived unprepared, scared out of my wits by a mere notebook, but I’m walking out with something stronger. The days at Kenville have pushed me to explore more, think more, and above all, stand up for what I believe in. No more lukewarm Phumi—I’m a woman with opinions now, whether political, personal, or otherwise.

Speaking of growth, let’s talk about Chantal. She’s the supervisor you didn’t know you needed. Equal parts sarcastic and feminist, she’s the kind of person who would tell you to email the minister if you dared complain about the state of things. Her no-nonsense attitude is something I hope to channel as I move forward in this career. She’ll chirp you if you don’t know your stuff, but you’ll learn—oh, you’ll learn. And you’ll laugh too, because she’s funny like that (Thompson, 2012).

The OT side of me has been stretched, challenged, and occasionally bruised. Every Monday, we submit write-ups, and every Wednesday, we present. Between health promotions, screening, and all the various projects, my professional self is growing roots, deep ones that I know will anchor me in the future (Benner, 2001).

Now, onto the bigger picture. This block has done more than just teach me how to manage patients or coordinate a study skills project. It’s opened my eyes to the power dynamics within communities, and the glaring injustices that exist within our healthcare system. Being in Kenville, seeing the struggles of refugees at RSS, has stirred something in me. I’ve started questioning everything—from how we approach health promotion to the broader political structures that govern our work (Freire, 1970; Bandura, 1997).

Chantal’s nonchalant “email the minister” attitude may have started as a joke, but it’s made me realize the importance of speaking up. Whether it's challenging patriarchy in healthcare or advocating for better resources in our fractured system, I've begun to find my voice. And that’s something I didn’t expect from a block that started with me shaking in my boots (Levett-Jones & Lathlean, 2009).

The best part? The people. We’re a group of four ladies, each navigating this academic storm together, and it’s honestly the best time. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried (mostly me), and we’ve become a team. And then there’s Mr. Ngidi, our transport uncle, honestly, the funniest human alive. His jokes and stories keep us going, especially on those long drives around the community. He’s not just our driver; he’s our comic relief and a reminder that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.

As I reflect on these past three weeks, I realize that Kenville has given me more than I expected. It's been a place of growth, challenge, and surprising joy. With two weeks left, I’m ready to see where this journey takes me next. I’m no longer the unprepared student from Day 1—I’m part of something bigger, and I’m ready to make my mark.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." — William Butler Yeats

References:

Benner, P. (2001). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice Hall.

Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the oppressed. Continuum.

Thompson, N. (2012). Anti-discriminatory practice: Equality, diversity, and social justice (5th ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

Levett-Jones, T., & Lathlean, J. (2009). Don’t rock the boat: Nursing students’ experiences of conformity and compliance. Nurse Education Today, 29(3), 342-349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2008.10.009

Suggested Readings:

Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Macmillan.

Mezirow, J. (1991). Transformative dimensions of adult learning. Jossey-Bass.

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.

Schön, D. A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action. Basic Books.

Brookfield, S. D. (1987). Developing critical thinkers: Challenging adults to explore alternative ways of thinking and acting. Jossey-Bass.

[medical-education-career]

Eligibility Criteria: BSc in Occupational Therapy

Mentioned below are the eligibility criteria for studying BSc in Occupational Therapy

10+2, completed from a recognized educational Board.

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics as the main subjects of study at the 10+2 level.

A minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of graduation.

Candidates appearing in the Class 12 Board exam are also eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy provided he/she meets the eligibility criterion within the stipulated schedule.ReadMore

[scholarshipja]

Students preparing to sit the 2023 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations will now have access to free online one-on-one and group tutoring sessions courtesy of The SMC Group. 📷: (Contributed) Visit the link in @our.today stories to read more @smcteachglobal Follow us: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScholarshipJamaica YouTube: @scholarshipjamaica Twitter: ScholarshipJa Instagram: @scholarshipjamaica #OTLife #SMCGroup #scholarshipjamaica #OnlineTutoring #Jamaica (at ScholarshipJamaica.com) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqTSvSwuSN-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[the-minimalist-ot]

Code of Ethics

An official AOTA document, the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2015) informs your practice, research, and education, to help occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students face complex ethical problems at various levels.

Read the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2015) for FREE. https://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=2442685

The Ethics Commission (EC) is one of the bodies of the Representative Assembly (RA) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The EC is responsible for developing the Ethics Standards for the profession which apply to occupational therapy personnel at all levels and in all professional and societal roles.

The EC has two primary roles: Education and Enforcement.

Get the Reference Guide to the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics 2015

https://amzn.to/3btDKYP

[otpark]

Lava Lamp 🪔: Science 🧪 activity. . . It is always mesmerizing to watch your kid getting mesmerized! Isn’t it This is one of a kid activity with everything-available in-home-ingredients! . . What you need? • Mason jar or any plastic water bottle • vegetables oil 2 cups • water 1 cup • Red color (for lava effect or any color is fine) • Alka seltzer tablets. . . How? Add all ingredients except alka-seltzer tablets. When ready, add 2 tablets and see the Magic! . . Skills: • Sequencing • instruction following • attention • science 🧪 fun • sensory experience • visual • bilateral coordination (pouring materials and all) •motor skills . . . #otpark #otparkbox #otparkblog #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #otd #occupationaltherapyassistant #otpassion #otlife #otmom #momlife #momsofinstagram #parentslife #playathomemommy #playathomemommy #toddleractivities #toddlersofinstagram #quarantine #quarantinelife #otmom #mamaot #plyathomekids #homeschool #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playtime #funtimeathome #toddlerlife #preschoolers #colors #kids #kidsactivities https://www.instagram.com/p/CBEagUhBqGo/?igshid=1756grxpt9uen

[pollectionhk]

97. 天天加班的人 我地齊齊唸咒語: 「放我走... 放我走... 放我走...」 本年度最後兩天，大家要集集氣!! #pollection #drawing #comic #illustration #otlife #workovertime #ot #workinglife #daily https://www.instagram.com/p/B6sb3b-gFS_/?igshid=1e0ai42oa4rab

[trixili]

Fieldwork Friday!

My first daily went GREAT!

I was in an acute care setting, and I followed an OT that mostly worked with strokes, cardiacs, spinal cords, and brain injuries (not person first language I know).

We walked all over the hospital to meet patients where they were. I really liked constantly moving and seeing a variety of things. We also co-evaluated with a PT which was really cool to see!

It was really rewarding to see how happy some people were to see us. They all really appreciated everything that we helped them with.

I'm super excited to go back for the next one!

[carloandseb]

Seb Visited at work! Met my coworkers and I think he had some fun lol 😂 #otlife #workhardplayhard #carloandseb #carloandsebadventure #carloandsebtravel #snflife #california #californiaadventure (at Jurupa Valley, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Gf3vWnN0q/?igshid=1stywpopny7zw

[essentialsfrome]

Erin doesn't feel good today so I had to bring her into the E.R. I usually am very private when it comes to things like this and don't ever share on social media. However, I noticed when Erin gets scared she prays and ask for strength that she doesn't have the capacity to give herself at the moment to her Higher Power. I'm proud that she realizes and accepts it's a spirit force stronger than her that will help her. Say something nice to her supporters she loves comments that will help her get through this painful throat swab she dreadfully hates. . . #erininspiresme #pediatrics #health #medicine #occupationaltherapy #pediatrician #peds #healthcare #doctors #kids #ot #integrativemedicine #doctor #physicaltherapy #therapy #otlife #pediatria #speechtherapy #childrensmentalhealth #nurse #pediatricdentist #medical #medstudent #nurses #parenting #dentalstreetrgv #momlife #mentalhealth #rehabilitation #medschool https://www.instagram.com/p/B37Bajgp1bI/?igshid=6h70bx1nvga9

[mekeloveslife]

[scholarshipja]

Through her company, Northern Connections Canada #Immigration (NCCI), Kay Wilson has spent the last 10 years supporting the immigration efforts of families and workers as well as tertiary students in the #Caribbean. And continues to do so with her upcoming Canadian Immigration Expo and College Fair in Jamaica. Visit the link in @our.today stories to read more @nccanadaimmigration Follow us: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScholarshipJamaica YouTube: scholarshipjamaica Twitter: scholarshipja Instagram: @scholarshipjamaica #OTLife #KayWilson #Immigration #Jamaica #NCCI #canadaimmigration #studyabroad #studyincanada (at ScholarshipJamaica.com) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp_AXmFujdg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[drmuya]

. “Reconstructive Plastic Surgery” Reconstructive surgery is performed to restore function and normal appearance, and correct deformities created by birth defects, trauma or medical conditions including cancer. . . Examples include cleft lip and palate repair, breast reconstruction following a lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast cancer, and reconstructive surgery after burn injuries. . . Typically, reconstructive surgery is considered medically necessary and is covered by most health insurance plans. . . Back to this post pic, the reason I chose “Restore” as part of my personal motto is because I love doing and learning reconstructive surgeries, and it has been a major part in my life, and will always be till the end. 💙 . . . . ________________________________________ #RestoreandRefine™🦋 . . #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #scrubslife #scrubs #otlife #mdt #rmo2020 #rmomalaysia #covid19 #lifelonglearning #plasticsurgerymalaysia #plasticsurgeons #ʀᴇsᴛᴏʀᴇᴀɴᴅʀᴇғɪɴᴇ™🦋 https://www.instagram.com/p/CBD5cBXpzbS/?igshid=1n3n0sjzdxgz7

[the-minimalist-ot]

History of Occupational Therapy

A Historical Look at 100 Years of Occupational Therapy

“Occupational therapy emerged as a profession in 1917 in the United States of America when the National society for Promotion of Occupational Therapy (now known as American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) was established. It was officially named as Occupational Therapy in 1920. This association was found with the belief in remedial properties of human occupation. This therapy played a vital role in the treatment of patients suffering with AIDS, polio, tuberculosis, etc.”

https://www.topoccupationaltherapyschool.com/history-of-occupational-therapy/

Learn more about the first 30 years of Occupational Therapy (1900 to 1930):

https://amzn.to/2RXRymL

Learn more about the The First Century of Occupational Therapy (1st Edition):

https://amzn.to/2wXQeZT

[brianmalulekeot-blog]

OT THE KEY PLAYER IN PHC

As defined by the World Health Organization, health is not merely the absence of disease. Health considers the person holistically within their complete state of physical, mental and social well-being. Primary health care (PHC)  is essentially based on maintaining this state of well-being achieved through various factors such as lifestyles, housing, relationships, spiritual beliefs, income, and workplaces which are important indicators of health and well-being. As an upcoming Occupational Therapist I feel privileged to play a key role in this service delivery. There is, however, little knowledge on the expected role of occupational therapists within PHC practice. As a consequence of numerous economic and political issues the government has faced, the establishment of a strong primary care network has proven hard. This blog aims at unpacking the role of OT in PHC, hope it hit the bulls’ eye. 

The PHC has greater role assigned with great responsibility which focuses on community with emphases on promotion, prevention and rehabilitative services. It is set to provide life skills programs, work readiness skills, individual task analysis In primary health care. Yet they have been poorly integrated in less manifested within the Kenville clinic this is because they might be running less on multi-disciplinary team at site. We as OTs possess the supernatural power, allow me to say to transfers basic rehabilitation skills to community members in the form of caregiver training to decrease the burden of care. The unknown role within the PHC still makes the flag hard to raise high. We still remain one of the key players towards the role of first line referral services and guidance to help people find their way into the system through clinics and community engagement in health promotion talks. OT’s presents with enormous  skills and knowledge in health promotion, different kinds of chronic disease management, individual lifestyle interventions, and adaptive equipment to benefit clients accessing primary care this was supported by LeClair 2005. So I guess it’s not far-fetched right? LOL

The principles of PHC includes equity, community participation, social and economic development as well as interventions focused on the determinants of poor health. This is an important aspect that is needed in disadvantaged communities such as Kenville where they need  the role of PHC as a proved theory based on actions. This community should have information delivered to them and informed about the services, but we have covered lesser spectrum since we as practitioners mostly use social media for our personal benefit more than health promotion, prevention techniques, cure and rehabilitation that have been the core existing cornerstones of PHC, but we want to be the same as greedy politicians withholding peoples services. With the use of social media we could establish An integrated referral system to facilitate a continuum of care, teams of health professionals with specific and sophisticated biomedical- and social skills, adequate resources, and a client-centred approach is of vital importance. Service delivery and training of occupational therapists (OTs) need to be aligned with these principles of PHC to bring the best services to the public eye, but we keep blinding it by our old fashioned approaches that are said to be ineffective, I truly kid you not.

Social media should be increasingly used in public health and health promotion as it provides many options for distributing research, ideas and strategies concerning health promotion. However, these interventions can also possibly increase health inequities for individuals who do not have access to or do not use social media but an area like Kenville with free WIFI from Ethekwin municipality, this leaves no room for excuses unless you just want save your phone battery .There are also other forms of media that can be utilised in the community, such as the local newspaper, includes radio, TV and social media (i.e. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to name a few). In the community of Kenville, we now have Occupational Therapy students who work closely with the primary health care workers at the clinic. The most prominent services provided by the students includes health promotion talk, screenings of paediatrics and adults and provision of home-based interventions. Within the primary health care system of Kenville, the students can be seen operating with various structures such as schools, crèches & personal homes within the community to prevent disease and promote health. 

As an OT student there are various ways that I can use media to not only promote health in general to also advocate for my profession. The media can be used as a form of educational platform to inform people on the services provided within the health care by OT . Health promotion can be done through various social media strategies such as creating hashtags on social platforms such as twitter based on current or relevant health issues. Media can be utilized in various form to bring awareness, advocate, and promote for health in social groups. 

OTs can contribute to the health care profession and offer important services within the primary health care system. I believe we are highly capable of providing holistic and client-centred support and services to tackle problems in occupational performance areas & limitations in everyday tasks to the community at large. And the readily available resources that supports social media serves as a key to equip us to be one of the best service providers and having to advocate successfully for our profession. If you can use social media to get us to know all about your personal life, you can get social media to inform us about OT, health promotion and prevention within PHC.

References Frenchman, K. (2014). The health promoting role of occupational therapy in primary healthcare: A reflection and emergent vision. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy ,61(2), 64-69. Kennel, E. (2018). What is Primary Health Care? Available at: http://www.primaryhealthcare.uct.ac.za/phcd/approach LeClair, L., Restall, G., Edwards, J., Cooper, J., Stern, M., Soltys, P., & Sapacz, R(2005). Occupational therapists and primary health care: Manitoba Society for Occupational Therapists. Naidoo, D., Van Wyk, J., & Joubert, RW (2016) Exploring the occupational therapists role in primary health care: Listening to voices of stakeholders. Afr J Prm Health Care Fam Med.8(1), a1139. Scheffler, E., Visagie, S. & Schneider, M(2015) The impact of health service variables on healthcare access in low resourced urban setting in the Western Cape, South Africa. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine 7(1). Wilcock, A & Hocking, C (2015) An Occupational perspective of health, 3rd edn., Slack Incorporate, New Jersey. ·         Gray, A., Vawda, Y., & Jack, C. (2011). Health Policy and Legislation. In: Padarath A, English R, editors. South African Health Review 2011. Durban: Health Systems Trust. Retrieved from http://www.hst.org.za/publications/south-african-health-review-2011 ·         Maillacheruvu, P., & McDuff, E. (2014). South Africa’s Return to Primary Care: The Struggles and Strides of the Primary Health Care System. The Journal of Global Health. Retrieved from https://www.ghjournal.org/south-africas-return-to-primary-care-the-struggles-and-strides-of-the-primary-health-care-system/ ·         Naidoo, D., Van Wyk, J., & Joubert, R. W. E. (2016). Exploring the occupational therapist’s role in primary health care: Listening to voices of stakeholders. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 8(1), 1139. http://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v8i1.1139 ·         Visagie, S., & Schneider, M. (2014). Implementation of the principles of primary health care in a rural area of South Africa. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 6(1), 562. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v6i1.562 ·         WHO (2018). Primary Health Care (PHC). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/primary-health/en/ ·         Welch, V., Petkovic, J., Pardo, J. P., Rader, T., & Tugwell, P. (2016). Interactive social media interventions to promote health equity: an overview of reviews. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada : Research, Policy and Practice, 36(4), 63–75.

[otpark]

Foot Painting with Home made colors: Fun times are made easy! . . • Prepare home made colors (food color+ all purpose flour + water) • 3 different colors in different bowls • stick brown or white paper on the floor with painter’s tape • pour colors on the long brown or white paper • Have child just walk on it, make foot impressions and much more!!! . . Skills: • sensory experience (tactile, visual, proprioception) • Balance • visual motor • social and communication skills . . . #otpark #otparkbox #otparkblog #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #otd #occupationaltherapyassistant #otpassion #otlife #otmom #momlife #momsofinstagram #parentslife #playathomemommy #playathomemommy #toddleractivities #toddlersofinstagram #quarantine #quarantinelife #otmom #mamaot #plyathomekids #homeschool #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #playtime #funtimeathome #toddlerlife #preschoolers #colors #kids #kidsactivities https://www.instagram.com/p/CBCmEYRB_yS/?igshid=1u6e7ie0wl3y3

[carterstilinski]

12 hour shift todayyyyyyy.

I’m exhausted. Send me stuff. 😭😩