Practical sessions.
I have now completed my hoisting and wheelchair practical sessions which have given me a basic understanding which will be very helpful for when I go out on placement. I am aware however, there is still a huge array of hoists and wheelchairs for me to discover along my OT adventures! It was good to actually handle the equipment and take time to familiarise myself with how it works as I was quite apprehensive to begin with - some equipment can appear quite scary.
I think for me, what I have taken most from these sessions is actually experiencing it myself! My peers and I actually had a go of being hoisted and being pushed around in a wheelchair and this really opens your eyes!
As I was being put into the hoist sling I was aware of my personal space being totally invaded. As I was hoisted up I felt my independence disappear and my anxiety kick in! It is a strange feeling being hoisted - and actually quite uncomfortable. Acting out role play in small groups revealed the importance of the therapeutic use of self and offering re-assurance.
I was pushed by one of my peers in a wheelchair within the university canteen. I went to order a piece of cake and a coffee at the now extremely tall bar! I felt so low down and could not see my choice of cake to choose. It was more difficult to communicate and to carry out the activity. Luckily the staff are so helpful and this mock situation was made a lot easier by help from peers and staff!
...But imagine if I had been on my own. The environment suddenly becomes such an obstacle in many different ways than you realise... Tight spaces, heavy doors and high surfaces - I quickly became aware that this scenario was really not just a 'piece of cake' after all.
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Image available at: http://imgur.com/gallery/yzj4O"How you see yourself is always more important than how others see you" |
Research and re-capping.
During classes this week we handed in our research proposal questions and our requests for dissertation supervisors! Fingers crossed I should know who I have been allocated by next week. I finally decided I am going to focus on art as an occupation from an autistic adults perspective. This is of course a very rough idea and I will discuss this in further detail in future posts. In my Applied OT module we synthesised the knowledge we have learned and discussed over the past 5 weeks and presented this information to the class as learning sets. We were briefed regarding our return to this module after placement as we have a half hour assessed presentation in June. This presentation will be based on a case study I complete during PP2 and applying the relevant underpinning theory to practice (Eeekk!).
A little time to relax.
This week I have found myself with a little spare time to spend some time with friends. Beginning an intense course like this is a big decision, and meeting great people and making friends along the way is a huge bonus.
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| "A piece of cake" |
Hi Vicky, I have been following your blog recently, and it's been thoroughly enjoyable to read. I have been accepted to study the MSc in OT in Carlisle this September, and I am really ecstatic about the future ahead. I am just wondering do you have any tips or advice on preparing for the course? Keep the posts coming.... ;)
ReplyDeleteHeyy! Congratulations that's great news! :) Thanks so much for reading my blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what your background is (previous degree or work experience etc) But I can say from my experience coming from doing an art degree to a science based masters degree has been challenging! You'll find that the first term is very theory heavy and intense - but don't worry as it all starts to make sense when you go out on placement :). My advise would be having a look at critical thinking/writing skills and perhaps read a few OT academic journal articles because they will bang on about you being a masters level student and the need to write at level 7 in a critical way. Also i'd maybe start having a look at some basic anatomy & physiology as we only had 2 taught sessions on this. I guess just be prepared that it does get quite intense at times and remember you have to be self directed in your study and keep on top of your preparation and you will be absolutely fine! Also be prepared that you will more than likely be doing a lot of your work and learning within groups (learning sets) In your class!
But mostly, enjoy yourself! It's been really good so far and you'll be amazed at how much you learn along the way :)
Thanks for your fantastic advice. I have a business degree, so I'll be sure to take it on board as it will be a huge transition for me from a business degree into a science based masters degree. However, because i'm travelling over from Ireland, I'm really excited about the challenge ahead & can't wait to meet new people & enjoy the whole experience. I forgot to ask when I had interview, but how many hrs a week have you class?! Thanks, Eilish ;)
ReplyDeleteI can only tell you how many classes I have had but the timetables will probably change for this year! We're usually in on a Tuesday, Thursday and a Friday and some weeks we are in Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri. Hope this helps :)
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