#iamwartburg
What is your position at Wartburg?
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Why did you choose to work at Wartburg?
It was 11 years ago and I had just completed an OT fieldwork in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in
which I gained a new perspective on the aging population. I had just completed my master’s degree
from Sacred Heart University Graduate School and was finally ready to apply my academic knowledge
as an occupational therapist. Since having my last fieldwork assignment at a SNF, I developed a
passion to work among the geriatric population. Wartburg became my first job and the start of my
career.
How does your work make an impact on the population Wartburg serves?
My job as an occupational therapist is extremely rewarding in this population. OT's help patients
develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working following
recovery from an injury.
What career advice do you have for someone interested in the work you do?
The best advice that I can give to someone who is interested in working as an occupational therapist in
a SNF and sub acute rehab is volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. I cannot stress the importance of
shadowing an OT before you apply for OT school so that you can determine if the qualities you
currently have match the field of work you want to go into. It’s important to see firsthand the skills it
takes to become a great therapist and all that it entails. Also, volunteer in several clinical settings so
that you can get knowledge of how different facilities are set up and bring those ideas into your first
job.
Tell us a fun fact about myself that others may not know?
When I was 14 years old I volunteered in a rehab facility. I started out needing 10 hours of community
service for my required confirmation hours in which I volunteered wheeling patients to/from mass on
Sundays within their facility. After achieving the required number I realized how much joy it made me
feel knowing that a simple act of kindness of bringing them to mass was greatly appreciated by the
patients. Therefore I continued on for 10+ more years performing the same volunteer task because of
the impact that the patients had on me from an early age.
To see more of our #IAmWartburg community, search #IAmWartburg via Facebook, Instagram or
Twitter. Also, visit our page at wartburg.org/iamwartburg.
Want to share your story with us? Email cboothe@nullwartburg.org to get started!
