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Sofia
Student
Haslet, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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What is the hardest challenge mentally a therapist has to face in Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
I am a senior in High School who wants to pursue Pediatric OT. I see a lot of pros about the career but being aware of the cons is also crucial.
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1 answer
Lauren Ellis Triemstra
Physical Therapist Assistant
29
Answers
Joliet, Illinois
Updated
Lauren Ellis’s Answer
Hi Sofia,
I'm answering this question as a Physical Therapist Assistant, and a mom.
Pediatrics PTs/OTs and assistants are amazing. As a mom of a patient, I'm so grateful for them. While there's some overlap with the types of assistance I could provide to my own child, it's easier on everyone if it comes from someone else. Parents to kiddos that need the services of pediatric therapy of any sort, are exhausted. I want to be just "Mom" instead of therapist/tutor/teacher/coach, etc. I'm where they go when they need the unwavering comfort and support of Mom that only Mom can do. We still want some relief from the daily challenges. And pediatric therapists help us get there. (No pressure! :-) )
When I started out as a PTA, I didn't think I was interested in pediatrics. But now as a mom of a kid that has special needs, I get it. I could be that strong shoulder for other parents to lean on and help to ease their burden because I've been there, and I'VE needed that person. BUT, the job sounds exhausting! Kids are super high energy. They learn through play, movement, interaction, repetition. Many therapists spend time ON the floor with patients engaging in activities. I don't have that kind of energy anymore!
Also, my neurodivergent child has sensory preferences and avoidances, anxiety, frustration, executive functioning deficits, learning disorders, impulsivity, etc. My child doesn't just catch on to things - nothing comes easy. Beyond schooling, pediatric therapists also have to understand how to meet their young patient where they're at: learn patience, be gentle but firm, be both structured and encouraging, stay on task but learn their patient's limits, find creative ways to achieve goals and increase engagement. It's a huge balance - as is being a parent!
In healthcare, in general, there's bonding with patients and you build rapport or a relationship with them. Emotionally, you might feel for low-level or vulnerable patients and hurt for them. But that's what makes us such good therapists! We really care and treat patients like we would a family member.
I will say, working with parents might also be touchy for some families, it may not be the patient giving you a hard time. Some parents may be particular and overbearing or accusatory or protective. You can do your best job and it's still not good enough for some people. The thing you can do is make sure you know your stuff - be intentional with your treatment, and back yourself up with evidence-based practice and research to explain yourself on the spot with a concerned parent. They are dealing with a lot, too, and tensions could mount if their child is still struggling and they are at their wits end. Keep it simple and objective. As a super generic example: there is a deficit with x (objective measurement), so we are doing y (activity) to reach our goal to be able to do z (functional activity). You'll learn all about these in schooling. And you'll continue to learn and learn as you go.
You will not go to school to be a PEDIATRIC OT. You will go to school to get your OT degree. You will gain your PEDIATRIC experience during your clinical during school where you will have a pediatric rotation. (Make it very clear to your school that you want a career in Pediatrics so they can place you in a pediatric rotation.) After graduation, you can take continuing educational classes specific to pediatrics. If you can now, look for a job as a rehab tech in a PEDIATRIC setting to gain even more in-person experience.
At some point during your college career, look for a job as a rehab tech (rehabilitation technician, or aide). This is an entry-level position that most clinics have that is not hands-on with patients, provides on the job training, and gets you immersed in the exact setting where Pediatric OTs work.
I'm answering this question as a Physical Therapist Assistant, and a mom.
Pediatrics PTs/OTs and assistants are amazing. As a mom of a patient, I'm so grateful for them. While there's some overlap with the types of assistance I could provide to my own child, it's easier on everyone if it comes from someone else. Parents to kiddos that need the services of pediatric therapy of any sort, are exhausted. I want to be just "Mom" instead of therapist/tutor/teacher/coach, etc. I'm where they go when they need the unwavering comfort and support of Mom that only Mom can do. We still want some relief from the daily challenges. And pediatric therapists help us get there. (No pressure! :-) )
When I started out as a PTA, I didn't think I was interested in pediatrics. But now as a mom of a kid that has special needs, I get it. I could be that strong shoulder for other parents to lean on and help to ease their burden because I've been there, and I'VE needed that person. BUT, the job sounds exhausting! Kids are super high energy. They learn through play, movement, interaction, repetition. Many therapists spend time ON the floor with patients engaging in activities. I don't have that kind of energy anymore!
Also, my neurodivergent child has sensory preferences and avoidances, anxiety, frustration, executive functioning deficits, learning disorders, impulsivity, etc. My child doesn't just catch on to things - nothing comes easy. Beyond schooling, pediatric therapists also have to understand how to meet their young patient where they're at: learn patience, be gentle but firm, be both structured and encouraging, stay on task but learn their patient's limits, find creative ways to achieve goals and increase engagement. It's a huge balance - as is being a parent!
In healthcare, in general, there's bonding with patients and you build rapport or a relationship with them. Emotionally, you might feel for low-level or vulnerable patients and hurt for them. But that's what makes us such good therapists! We really care and treat patients like we would a family member.
I will say, working with parents might also be touchy for some families, it may not be the patient giving you a hard time. Some parents may be particular and overbearing or accusatory or protective. You can do your best job and it's still not good enough for some people. The thing you can do is make sure you know your stuff - be intentional with your treatment, and back yourself up with evidence-based practice and research to explain yourself on the spot with a concerned parent. They are dealing with a lot, too, and tensions could mount if their child is still struggling and they are at their wits end. Keep it simple and objective. As a super generic example: there is a deficit with x (objective measurement), so we are doing y (activity) to reach our goal to be able to do z (functional activity). You'll learn all about these in schooling. And you'll continue to learn and learn as you go.
You will not go to school to be a PEDIATRIC OT. You will go to school to get your OT degree. You will gain your PEDIATRIC experience during your clinical during school where you will have a pediatric rotation. (Make it very clear to your school that you want a career in Pediatrics so they can place you in a pediatric rotation.) After graduation, you can take continuing educational classes specific to pediatrics. If you can now, look for a job as a rehab tech in a PEDIATRIC setting to gain even more in-person experience.
Lauren Ellis recommends the following next steps: