Perspectives Winter/Spring 2018

Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences 37 Jennifer Blair, left, occupational therapy student, and Michael Calderin, COO, Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center of occupational therapy practice in the mental health set- ting during my fieldwork experience, but I was also able to serve as a member of an interprofessional team comprised of other mental health professionals. My fieldwork educators valued my input and occupational therapy lens that highlight- ed the client as an occupational being, which empowered me as a student and increased my confidence in my clinical reasoning skills.” Another addition to our roster is the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida, which provides both residential and outpatient services to pregnant women and women struggling with addiction who have children. Six students had the opportunity to engage with the people served at the center. Under clinical supervision, students provided guidance related to life skills, such as parenting, home management, creating healthy habits and routines, financial management, and creating supportive social networks. The students’ effect on the center was so significant, the COO of the facility requested the students to construct an executive summary of the potential for occupational therapy services at the site to support the creation of a full-time position. “This experience was the first time I saw everything clearly through my ‘occupational therapy lens’ and was able to apply what I learned in the classroom to a real-life setting,” said Nina Laureano, who was one of the students who completed her fieldwork at the site. “All of the many hours dedicated to learning in the classroom finally connected and came together in real life. I formed many relationships with different women and learned more about recovery and their person- al journeys. By the end of my first week, I had many of the therapists asking for my ideas and input. I could clearly see how occupational therapy could be incorporated into almost all aspects of this facility.” Offering clinical fieldwork sites in community settings is mutually beneficial for students, clients, and programs. Students are able to develop mastery of content, as well as collaboration and reasoning skills through challenges that exceed requirements in a traditional health care setting. The on-site fieldwork also offers opportunities for clients to achieve comprehensive outcomes toward health and well-being through a holistic occupational therapy approach. Administrators in these settings recognize improved effec- tiveness through interprofessional practice. Ultimately, entry into these community-based sites contributes to the students’ professional development, but also fosters their contribution to development of the profession. ●