I got a P.O. Box :)
RWSIR Box 366
P.O. Box 1000
Warm Springs, GA 31830
Phew, week 3 has come and gone. I now have 4 patients on my caseload, which means I only have 2 more patients to go until I reach a full caseload. It is exciting and scary at the same time.
This week I learned the importance of listening and learning from your patients. One of my patients told me he didn't want to work on his upper extremities ("they were strong enough"), so we are working out his affected leg, and I have been consulting with the PTs along the way. It is an organized, effective, and interdisciplinary team approach we use and it results in great team communication. At the end of each session my patient thanks me and tells me I did a great job. I thank him for telling me what he wants to work on.
I worked Saturday (yesterday) morning and was off by 11:15am. Woo hoo, that is one day I can leave early for my next placement in April. It was a relaxing morning and I only had to evaluate and treat one patient. I need to work more Saturdays...
Last night after work Katlin and I sunned on the porch and I took the time to savor a good book until I started on my online class assignments. Then, the group of interns and I headed to Columbus (the closest big town) 40 miles away. It was a really interesting city with a beautiful river walk and a street that was just lined with bars, restaurants, and various venues. We went to dinner at this local pub and I had what may have been the best root beer float. We hung out some more on the strip and visited a few places, but decided to head out sort of early so that one of the interns could experience Waffle House. Quite a humorous experience, but delicious either way.
This week was kind of slow filled visits to the rec center to workout, volleyball game with the crew on Wednesday, and we had our first wheelchair bball practice on Tuesday. I also explored the trails a little more--without getting lost this time.
Today, Kelley and I are going to try another local church and then I will probably be forced to reconcile myself to my online class homework again. :/ And get ready for my fourth week....
Thanks for the continued prayers. I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity and share it with a great group of interns.
B
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
Rom. 8:26 <3
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Week 2 Adventures cont....
Unbelievable....week two has come and gone so quickly. This morning, Katlin (another intern), and I decided to go for a run on a trail at the back of campus. We were informed that if we followed it left we would run into a wolfden and a waterfall. We most definitely found our way to the waterfall by accident. It was really tranquil and we are looking forward to taking a picnic and going swimming when it gets warmer here. On our way back we ran into several detours, saw two more waterfalls, and had to use some of our nature 101 problem-solving skills to find our way back. 2 hours and several creek crossings later we found our way back to campus--Beat the thunderstorms just in time! We are now attempting to complete homework and study in the hall. You can see how well that is going for me.... :)
Week two at RWS brought a greater need for time management, but I saw definite growth in myself. I had three patients this week, discharged my first patient, and completed my fourth evaluation today. I have seen growth in my evaluation skills and look forward to growing more in that area. At RWS we must see each patient for an hour and a half each day, so my days are filled with engaging in fun treatment planning for each patient followed by lots of paperwork at lunch and in the afternoon. Fortunately, I can tell I am writing notes faster, and learning the various facets and responsibilities of the facility.
Prior to discharging my first client (a 21 year-old boy who had suffered a stroke), I was able to take him to the rec center on campus to workout-- addressing topographical orientation (navigation, sequencing, following directions) and his inattention on his affected side along the way. I introduced him to the VR program we have on campus and he was really interested in looking into it further. We also made cookies that day, so occupation was at the forefront and resulted in a really fun day for us both.
On days that I have a new evaluation it can be very hectic and crammed with paperwork. Paperwork and managing everything are definitely my biggest struggle. However, it validates what OTs do and the progress that the patients make. That is what is worthwhile and so very meaningful.
Katlin and I are now official assistants for the Wheelchair basketball team that practices at the rec center. I am looking forward towards participating in that every Tuesday night. I also made it to the weekly Thursday volleyball game that these older guys from the community put together. It was a nice change of pace getting involved this week.
Last night, the other interns and I went to karaoke night. Literally, the whole town comes to this place. I met the chief police and he gave us his business card "just in case." I met a guy who raises cattle and ropes steers. He has 17 horses and said I could come ride them sometime--totally stoked! I guess meeting everyone in town pays off!
Have a blessed week! I miss you all tremendously, and you are constantly in my prayers!
B
P.S. Several people have asked for my address and it is super long, so I will just post it here. I love receiving letters. :)
Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehab
C/O Inpatient Therapy Dept.
P.O. Box 1000
Warm Springs, GA 31830-0268
Week two at RWS brought a greater need for time management, but I saw definite growth in myself. I had three patients this week, discharged my first patient, and completed my fourth evaluation today. I have seen growth in my evaluation skills and look forward to growing more in that area. At RWS we must see each patient for an hour and a half each day, so my days are filled with engaging in fun treatment planning for each patient followed by lots of paperwork at lunch and in the afternoon. Fortunately, I can tell I am writing notes faster, and learning the various facets and responsibilities of the facility.
Prior to discharging my first client (a 21 year-old boy who had suffered a stroke), I was able to take him to the rec center on campus to workout-- addressing topographical orientation (navigation, sequencing, following directions) and his inattention on his affected side along the way. I introduced him to the VR program we have on campus and he was really interested in looking into it further. We also made cookies that day, so occupation was at the forefront and resulted in a really fun day for us both.
On days that I have a new evaluation it can be very hectic and crammed with paperwork. Paperwork and managing everything are definitely my biggest struggle. However, it validates what OTs do and the progress that the patients make. That is what is worthwhile and so very meaningful.
Katlin and I are now official assistants for the Wheelchair basketball team that practices at the rec center. I am looking forward towards participating in that every Tuesday night. I also made it to the weekly Thursday volleyball game that these older guys from the community put together. It was a nice change of pace getting involved this week.
Last night, the other interns and I went to karaoke night. Literally, the whole town comes to this place. I met the chief police and he gave us his business card "just in case." I met a guy who raises cattle and ropes steers. He has 17 horses and said I could come ride them sometime--totally stoked! I guess meeting everyone in town pays off!
Have a blessed week! I miss you all tremendously, and you are constantly in my prayers!
B
P.S. Several people have asked for my address and it is super long, so I will just post it here. I love receiving letters. :)
Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehab
C/O Inpatient Therapy Dept.
P.O. Box 1000
Warm Springs, GA 31830-0268
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Week 1 in Warm Springs, Georgia
A southern hello from Warm Springs, GA!
I had the most fabulous first week and I love the patients and the campus!
RSW ((Roosevelt Warm Springs Inst. for Rehab) is a 900-acre campus with Inpatient, Outpatient, VR, Driving services, Rec therapy gym, golf course, lake, cottages for living, etc. It has so many opportunities and possibilities, but is unfortunately state funded and many of the facilities have not been kept up. It is located in Warm Springs, a small quaint town in Georgia, with one traffic light. It is truly a southern town with the closest grocery store 35 miles away.
My first week was FUN and rewarding. I am on IRF (inpatient) where patients are brought to this amazing therapy gym where we provide our services. The gym has every assessment, resource, and equipment you could want for a patient. I evaluated my first two patients this week and will have them until discharge, which will be truly educational to progress along with them.
It has been so rewarding to observe the daily progress some patients make. One day I worked with a stroke patient through purposeful activities to increase neuromuscular re-education. This patient had no movement distally, but the next day came back with minimal flexion/extension in her fingers. It was a "feel good" moment to know that I was on the team that aided in that progress. I also saw her smile for the first time.
Thursday I evaluated a woman who suffered a stroke. She has some hypertonicity in her affected side and has decreased sitting balance. So next week I plan on cooking some Chicken Gumbo with her, make a bed, and do some laundry because she enjoys taking care of things around her house.
Yesterday I evaluated a boy who had suffered a stroke due to lack of monitoring his sickle cell anemia. He had a lot of function in his affected arm and is extremely motivated to regain full function. I am really excited to start treating him this week. I plan on using the Wii, having him bake some cookies (he loves baking cookies), and shooting basketball to increase his standing balance and functional use in his affected side.
I am so enthused about both of my patients--they are motivated, which makes all the difference in a rehab setting. I am also extremely blessed to have a great CI who is great at allowing me to take initiative and make decisions and then step in when I have questions.
Last night I went to free bowling on campus! They have a bowling alley right next to the gym in the Rec Center!
Today I am off to watch a wheelchair basketball game and fish! Then, later tonight, me and the other interns are going karaoking at the only restaurant/bar in town!
I am extremely blessed to be in such a wonderful place and have the opportunity to touch/help those around me. I do not know why I was so nervous about my skills and abilities that He has given me. The Lord really taught me this week... "You of little faith, why did you doubt me?" Mat. 14:23... "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind." 2 Tim. 1:7.
Blessings from Georgia!
B
I had the most fabulous first week and I love the patients and the campus!
RSW ((Roosevelt Warm Springs Inst. for Rehab) is a 900-acre campus with Inpatient, Outpatient, VR, Driving services, Rec therapy gym, golf course, lake, cottages for living, etc. It has so many opportunities and possibilities, but is unfortunately state funded and many of the facilities have not been kept up. It is located in Warm Springs, a small quaint town in Georgia, with one traffic light. It is truly a southern town with the closest grocery store 35 miles away.
My first week was FUN and rewarding. I am on IRF (inpatient) where patients are brought to this amazing therapy gym where we provide our services. The gym has every assessment, resource, and equipment you could want for a patient. I evaluated my first two patients this week and will have them until discharge, which will be truly educational to progress along with them.
It has been so rewarding to observe the daily progress some patients make. One day I worked with a stroke patient through purposeful activities to increase neuromuscular re-education. This patient had no movement distally, but the next day came back with minimal flexion/extension in her fingers. It was a "feel good" moment to know that I was on the team that aided in that progress. I also saw her smile for the first time.
Thursday I evaluated a woman who suffered a stroke. She has some hypertonicity in her affected side and has decreased sitting balance. So next week I plan on cooking some Chicken Gumbo with her, make a bed, and do some laundry because she enjoys taking care of things around her house.
Yesterday I evaluated a boy who had suffered a stroke due to lack of monitoring his sickle cell anemia. He had a lot of function in his affected arm and is extremely motivated to regain full function. I am really excited to start treating him this week. I plan on using the Wii, having him bake some cookies (he loves baking cookies), and shooting basketball to increase his standing balance and functional use in his affected side.
I am so enthused about both of my patients--they are motivated, which makes all the difference in a rehab setting. I am also extremely blessed to have a great CI who is great at allowing me to take initiative and make decisions and then step in when I have questions.
Last night I went to free bowling on campus! They have a bowling alley right next to the gym in the Rec Center!
Today I am off to watch a wheelchair basketball game and fish! Then, later tonight, me and the other interns are going karaoking at the only restaurant/bar in town!
I am extremely blessed to be in such a wonderful place and have the opportunity to touch/help those around me. I do not know why I was so nervous about my skills and abilities that He has given me. The Lord really taught me this week... "You of little faith, why did you doubt me?" Mat. 14:23... "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind." 2 Tim. 1:7.
Blessings from Georgia!
B
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