The Lived Experience of Becoming an Occupational Therapist

Abstract

ThiS paper describes the lived experience of becoming an occupational therapist. The complexity of the journey is illustrated using a phenomenological approach. Data were gathered through two semi-structured interviews and the reflective writings of a newly graduated occupational therapist after 4 months of clinical practice. The lived experience is described within three broad themes: through rose-coloured glasses, the impact of reality, and onward and upward. Within the broad themes a number of sub-themes are discussed. Reflection on the experiential meaning of becoming a therapist includes suggestions for curriculum change and further research.

Experiences in Becoming a Paramedic: The Professional Socialization of University Qualified Paramedics

“…However, there is a body of literature about the professional socialization in other health professions like medicine (Becker et al, 1961;Conrad, 1988;Coombs, 1978;Haas & Shaffir, 1987;Hafferty, 1988;Pitkala & Mantyranta, 2003), allied health (Higgs, 2013;Cant & Higgs, 1999;Tryssenaar, 1999;Tryssenaar & Perkins, 2001) and nursing (Boychuk Duchscher, 2008Boychuk Duchscher & Cowin, 2004;Gerrish, 1990Gerrish, , 2000Kramer, 1974;Owens, Turjanica, Scanion, Williamson, & Facteau, 2001) which may hold relevance to paramedic practice. Although there are a number of theories and models of professional socialization, a three stage model, namely the anticipatory phase, formal phase and post-formal phase of professional socialization has been applied to the medical, allied health and nursing professions (du Toit, 1995;Cant & Higgs, 1999;Howkins & Ewens, 1999;Lamdin, 2006;Maclellan, Ly, & Gingras, 2011;Shuval & Adler, 1977;Simpson, 1967).…”

Community Service Occupational Therapists: thriving or just surviving?

“…Being able to appraise the contribution occupational therapy can bring to clients contributed a sense of pride in the profession that was related to a strong identity as an occupational therapist. The majority (63.5%) felt that occupational therapy is poorly recognised largely due to a limited understanding of the role and value of occupational therapy which has been reported previously [72][73][74] . Identifying occupational therapists as physiotherapists has similarly been reported 72 .…”

Transition of graduates of the Master of Occupational Therapy to practice

“…Areas of improvement to undergraduate education curricula have been proposed to ease the transition process. Suggestions include the need for coping skills and organisational politics (Adamson, Harris, Heard & Hunt, 1996; Tryssenaar, 1999). Literature on GEM OT graduates has not revealed similar needs.…”