Once Upon OT

In this episode, I am joined by one of my good friends Calvin -a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) - and he shares his journey to becoming an Athletic Trainer

He shares numerous nuggets of wisdom pertaining to the job search as a new grad, the importance of trust when working with clients, and also the impact of a holistic approach in healthcare

He also highlights his unique clinical and work experiences in performing arts and in the high school setting

**Whether you are a student OR a healthcare worker OR simply curious about a different career pathway and vantage point — then this episode is for you!

follow along on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/socalwhatsnew/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:28) What is your Athletic Training story?

(5:48) Curious — WHY athletic training (AT) over physical therapy (PT)?

(8:16) Athletic Training School Experience— what was it like?

(18:19) Tell us more about your clinical experiences as part of your AT program

(21:58) Any piece of advice you’d like to share to a potential athletic training student listening?

(26:08) What are some ways you are able to build trust with a client/patient/student?

(30:10) What exam do Athletic trainers take to get certified? | how did you prepare?

(37:44) Calvin’s mentality as a new grad AT & navigating his first job | personal pillars & important considerations 

(44:08) Subsequent athletic training jobs/opportunities that opened up for you

(48:08) Transitioning to your current role as an Athletic Trainer

(49:40) What are common things you see as an athletic trainer working in a high school setting? 

(52:18) Importance of a holistic approach in healthcare | the human element

(57:13) Time management & general workflow ~

(58:37) What are some things you do as an Athletic Trainer?

(1:00:06) A typical day in the life as an AT

(1:03:30) What are some LEAST favorite aspects of the job?

(1:07:18) Long-term goals as an athletic trainer

(1:08:21) Calvin’s FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE

In this episode, I am joined by Danielle who shares her occupational therapy journey from the early discovery of OT —  leading to her current work with Fox Rehab.

In this honest conversation, she shares her personal reflections and perspectives along the way; as well as the challenges of working in Senior Living Communities (SLCs) and house calls/home health OT. 

*Curious about occupational therapy in the home health setting?

**Curious about Danielle’s experience with Fox Rehab?

***Then this episode is for you!

https://www.instagram.com/daniellecicala/

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:51) Danielle’s Occupational Therapy Story

(3:18) Occupational Therapy School Experience

(8:12) Danielle’s Fieldwork 2 Experiences 

(14:22) Starting out as a new grad OT — leading to your current day work 

(19:07) Transitioning to Fox Rehabilitation & your favorite aspects

(25:45) The “not so favorite” aspects of being an OT in this setting | challenges to expect for someone who might be interested in home health/house calls

(29:53) Danielle’s current lifestyle & routine as an Occupational Therapist

(35:28) Favorite or “go-to” interventions that you like to do?

(40:29) Danielle’s Memorable moments with clients/patients

(43:05) Any advice or perspective for a new grad occupational therapist that might be interested in starting out in home health?

(45:12) Diving deeper into FOX’s Mentorship | what does it look like in your experience?

(49:03) Long term goals as an occupational therapist?

In this episode, I am joined by Zack Box - an occupational therapist currently working in a specialized school setting. He shares his journey from the early days of discovering occupational therapy, his occupational therapy school experience (including fieldwork 2s) and lessons learned along the way ->> leading to his current role as an OT

TIMESTAMPS:

(4:58) Occupational Therapy School - what was that experience like?

(8:31) Memorable moments from OT school

(9:44) Fieldwork 2 clinical experiences : school-based OT

(12:40) Fieldwork 2 in Inpatient rehab - Yay or nay?

(18:54) If a current OT student is having a challenging time with their fieldwork 2 clinical placement — what might be something you tell/share with them?

(20:20) Applying to jobs as a new grad OT - your headspace & approach to the job search 

(23:45) Working as an occupational therapist in a specialized school = how does it feel as of right now?

(25:41) Life as Occupational Therapist in the specialized school setting

(30:59) Favorite interventions or memorable moments for you?

(33:10) Real talk — what are some challenges and difficult aspects for you in this role?

(36:26) Your perspective and experience as a “brOT” or male occupational therapist

(41:20) Long-term goals as an occupational therapist ?

In this episode, I am joined by Isabella Quattrucci - who shares her honest experiences during her occupational therapy journey - from Fieldwork 2 placements in Lymphedema/Outpatient Ortho & Inpatient Mental Health to navigating new grad jobs in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and an Assisted Living Facility (ALF). 

She shares the numerous les sons learned along the way — eventually leading her back to her true passion and best-fit work setting : Inpatient Mental Health

***Curious about OT in the inpatient mental health setting? Struggling to navigate new grad life? Then this episode is for you!

Follow on insta <> https://www.instagram.com/isabella.quattrucci/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

TIMESTAMPS:

(5:22) Occupational Therapy School Experience 

(11:22) Fieldwork 2 Clinical Placements — Outpatient Lymphedema/Ortho + Inpatient Mental Health

(23:31) What might you tell a current OT student on their fieldwork 2 rotations - and having a challenging or difficult time?

(27:13) Entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist | headspace & approach to the job market

(35:37) Early signs of burnout | how did you personally handle it? | experience transitioning OUT of the job

(41:48) Transitioning to your next job : Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | better or worse?

(47:47) Returning to Inpatient Mental Health : A Day in the Life as an occupational therapist in this setting 

(1:00:30) In your experience so far —  what are some common conditions, circumstances, diagnoses that you encounter in your day-to-day practice as an OT in this setting?

(1:01:41) Favorite aspects of being an inpatient mental health occupational therapist?

(1:05:09) The “not-so-fun” or least favorite aspects of the job | how you personally handle the challenging days

(1:10:37) Your personal favorite interventions/treatments

(1:17:45) Meaningful moments or stories that stick out to you as an occupational therapist

(1:22:15) What do you think deters occupational therapists from pursuing work in mental health settings?

(1:28:26) Long-Term goals as an occupational therapist?

(1:32:50) Why mental health OT?

In this episode, I am joined by Anjelika Bautista — a new grad occupational therapist currently working in the Acute Care setting

***If you are curious about life as an acute care occupational therapist, then this episode is for you!

Follow along on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/anjelikabautista/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:56) first and early encounter with the occupational therapy profession

(2:49) Memorable Moments from Occupational Therapy School

(5:20) Fieldwork 2 Experiences - a) Outpatient Pediatrics b) Acute Care

(12:05) If a current OT student is having a difficult or challenging time during their fieldwork 2 rotation, what is something you might tell them?

(14:12) How did you prepare for the NBCOT exam?

(15:55) Entering the workforce as a new grad occupational therapist (mindset & approach)

(17:59) How is your experience so far & at this moment as a new grad OT? | Level 1 Trauma Center 

(19:04) Life as an occupational therapist in Acute Care — what does your day-to-day look like?

(25:02) The “not-so-fun” & challenging aspects of your current role — what are they?

(26:29) Final piece of advice for someone interested in acute care OT

Thank you for tuning in to this episode! Truly appreciate your time <3

In this episode, I have a conversation with Nikki, who shares her nursing journey and how it led her to pursuing aesthetic medicine in the present day

***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!

https://www.instagram.com/daniellenicole.aesthetics/

https://www.instagram.com/ndimaps/

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:47) WHY NURSING?

(3:21) Early Experiences as a New Grad Nurse (COVID, travel nursing, burnout)

(5:14) Transitioning to Aesthetic Medicine

(10:36) Navigating the pivot — from bedside nursing to wellness and aesthetic medicine

(17:03) How did your Nursing Experience prepare you for Aesthetic medicine? | translatable skills

(19:00) What is your current role and what does it entail? | A Day in the Life

 (24:55) Do you see any men as clients in your practice? What are some reasons they might come in to see you?

(26:17) Do you have to be a nurse to enter the “aesthetic medicine” field?

(27:02) What are some challenging or difficult aspects in the field?

(30:01) Investing in this venture $ - a hobby vs something you truly want to do for work

(31:20) ~Balancing~ Aesthetic Medicine with per diem Nursing

(32:15) Nikki’s Long-term goals

(36:20) FINAL PIECE(S) OF ADVICE 

In this special Q&A episode, I meet with a new graduate occupational therapist who asks me all the curious questions she has regarding home health OT, transitioning into the workforce as a new grad, and overall advice entering into the field of occupational therapy.

This was definitely an enjoyable conversation and it's nice to be asked the questions for a change :)

So if you are looking to gain further insight on my own perspective and subjective experience with my current role as a home health occupational therapist in New York City... or simply just curious about the field - then this episode is for you!

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

In this episode, I have a conversation with Angeline Mendoza who shares her nursing story and how she followed her passion and intuition which led her to transformational life coaching!

***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:38) Who is Angeline? | the early days of nursing

(3:38) The fork in the road: what’s next after bedside nursing? More degrees? 

(07:45) Diving deeper into Nurse Coaching? | what is it? Why did you pursue it?

(11:53) What was your experience like taking this Nurse Coaching course?

(13:10) Angeline’s personal experience working with a coach during a pivotal moment in her  nursing career

(20:33) Present Day: Transitioning from Nursing to Coaching

(23:41) Diving deeper into what a typical day is like as a coach?

(29:40) In your experience, what is the nuance between coaching and traditional therapy?

(32:03) How does your nursing experience tie into your work as a transformational life coach?

(36:29) As a nurse, how did you handle/manage stress especially when you were in a high-stress work environment?

(39:48) How might you address a client that has difficulty leaning into their feelings or emotions?

(41:38) Angie’s Long-Term Goals 

(44:43) Final piece of advice for someone interested in nursing | or what would you tell your younger self entering the field of nursing

(46:30) Final piece of advice for someone interested in becoming a transformational life coach just like you..

Follow along the journey on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/alignwithangeline/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

In this episode, I am joined by Kristina Camille Manapat - a new grad occupational therapist practicing full-time in the hand therapy setting & per diem in a hospital setting

She shares her journey through the phases of becoming an OT from early experience as a hand therapy aide > fieldwork 2s > NBCOT study prep > to making that transition as a new grad OT

In this conversation, we also discuss the many ways that OTs can highlight their skills and fill different roles in the world 

***If you are a new grad OT with interest in hand therapy, this episode is for you! 

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:45) What is your occupational therapy story? Who is Kristina?

(3:20) What was occupational therapy school experience like?

(12:29) Working as a hand therapy aide WHILE attending your occupational therapy program

(14:32) Fieldwork 2 Experience — Hospital (Ortho, ICU, ER) 

(19:19) Fieldwork 2 Experience — Outpatient Hand Therapy (private practice)

(23:07) What might you tell or share with a current fieldwork 2 student going through a difficult time with their placement? 

(26:00) How did you prepare for the NBCOT? (Resources, strategies, study tips that worked for you, etc.)

(29:43) Entering the field as a new grad occupational therapist | mindset & approach

(31:45) Any additional advice for a new grad OT starting their first job?

(34:03) Hand Therapy as a New Grad OT | what’s that like for you so far?

(36:18) What is a typical day in the life as a hand therapist?

(38:56) How do you handle time management/multitasking when seeing more than one patient an hour?

(40:46) What are some challenging aspects in your current role?

(42:08) Kristina’s favorite interventions/treatment ideas in the hand therapy clinic

(46:32) How confident are you with splinting & orthotics? Any advice for beginners?

(49:58) Your long-term goals as an occupational therapist | highlighting the variety of traditional, specialty and emerging settings of OT

(55:32) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

Follow us on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/kcamillionaire/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/

In this episode, I have a conversation with Audrey Kao — a registered social worker (RSW) and practicing therapist based in Toronto, Canada.  She also creates content on Youtube where she shares & discusses tools for improving our work lives, relationships, and overall mental health.

***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!

“Popular Career Advice I Wish I Ignored” 

> https://youtu.be/dCHKHjHd-iw?si=yuQ1nwAXpn3zV_lU

(0:52) Who is Audrey Kao? 

(2:18) Navigating the “early days” of figuring out what career or profession you might want to pursue

(9:03) Audrey’s experiences starting out as a new grad social worker in the hospital setting

(10:47) Quick shoutout to occupational therapists out there :)

(11:48) The moment you felt the need to leave and pivot from your role as a hospital social worker | reflecting on meaningful work & burnout 

(17:32) 2 important lessons you learned from your social work experience

(22:46) Self-care & burnout

(26:02) Finally taking the leap : transitioning to being a therapist

(28:35) Why did you decide to focus on “relationships & attachment”   as a therapist?

(32:32) The importance of nourishing our meaningful relationships and connections | navigating friendships as adults 

(35:40) Why did you decide on private practice as a therapist?

(38:51) What is your “typical” day like as a therapist?

(42:43) What are some of your favorite aspects of being a therapist?

(44:10) What are some of the challenging aspects in your current role as a therapist?

(46:21) Any memorable stories with patients in your therapy practice so far?

(47:47) What piece of advice might you give a college student interested in becoming a therapist?

(50:24) Motivation/story behind starting your YouTube channel?

(56:50) Discovering Audrey’s Youtube Video “Popular Career Advice I Wish I Ignored” [ https://youtu.be/dCHKHjHd-iw?si=yuQ1nwAXpn3zV_lU ]

(1:04:08) Final piece of advice for anyone hesitant about leaving their job and pursuing what they truly want to do?

(1:06:58) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

Follow us on insta :)

https://www.instagram.com/audreykao/

https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/