Artifacts and Reflections Relative to Practice Activity
Pilot Study to Investigate the Influence of the Timing of Student Clinical Experiences and Student Characteristics in the Hiring of New Graduates
Spring & Summer 2014
Inclusion of this pilot study as an artifact in my portfolio displays the evolution of my thought process as physical therapy student. Beginning PT school, I operated under two assumptions that the results of this study eradicate. The first assumption was that grades and GPA were all that mattered and the second was that I needed to participate in clinical experiences that I would most likely want to be employed at after all of my physical therapy coursework was completed.
The purpose of the research study was to expand the information that currently exists regarding what characteristics employers seek in entry-level physical therapists and investigate whether or not the timing of clinical experiences before or after all physical therapy course work is complete influences the likelihood of being considered for employment as a recent graduate at a facility where a clinical experience was completed. It also inquired about any advantages and disadvantages that clinic managers see when hiring a recent graduate who had completed a clinical experience at their facility. The study was conducted by sending a survey to clinic managers around the nation asking them to provide insight on desirable characteristics of entry level physical therapists and how the timing of student clinical experiences at their facility influences the hiring process of a previous student.
These results were important for two specific reasons. It clearly illustrates that the primary focus of the student should shift away from strictly academic and technical achievement and toward developing soft skills that managers see as beneficial to the clinical setting. Secondly, it indicates that students should feel free to complete clinical experiences BEFORE or AFTER physical therapy coursework is completed in clinics that they would want to be employed at because clinic managers aren't looking for a 4.0 GPA and endless amounts of textbook knowledge, they are looking for entry level physical therapists who are able to relate well with patients and colleagues in a professional manner. In order to view a final draft of the pilot study click on the link below.
Spring & Summer 2014
Inclusion of this pilot study as an artifact in my portfolio displays the evolution of my thought process as physical therapy student. Beginning PT school, I operated under two assumptions that the results of this study eradicate. The first assumption was that grades and GPA were all that mattered and the second was that I needed to participate in clinical experiences that I would most likely want to be employed at after all of my physical therapy coursework was completed.
The purpose of the research study was to expand the information that currently exists regarding what characteristics employers seek in entry-level physical therapists and investigate whether or not the timing of clinical experiences before or after all physical therapy course work is complete influences the likelihood of being considered for employment as a recent graduate at a facility where a clinical experience was completed. It also inquired about any advantages and disadvantages that clinic managers see when hiring a recent graduate who had completed a clinical experience at their facility. The study was conducted by sending a survey to clinic managers around the nation asking them to provide insight on desirable characteristics of entry level physical therapists and how the timing of student clinical experiences at their facility influences the hiring process of a previous student.
These results were important for two specific reasons. It clearly illustrates that the primary focus of the student should shift away from strictly academic and technical achievement and toward developing soft skills that managers see as beneficial to the clinical setting. Secondly, it indicates that students should feel free to complete clinical experiences BEFORE or AFTER physical therapy coursework is completed in clinics that they would want to be employed at because clinic managers aren't looking for a 4.0 GPA and endless amounts of textbook knowledge, they are looking for entry level physical therapists who are able to relate well with patients and colleagues in a professional manner. In order to view a final draft of the pilot study click on the link below.
Kinesio Physical Therapy Business Plan
Spring 2014
This was a business plan developed alongside classmates as an assignment for Administration in Physical Therapy. A significant portion of my contribution was the Executive Summary and Business Description, both of which are attached to this document. Because of my interest in one day opening a private practice, I found the process of developing a business plan to be extremely insightful. I gathered an immense amount of information related to marketing and finance that I was previously unaware of. Beyond completing the objectives of the assignment, it is also important to mention that this long term project allowed me to understand firsthand the importance of interpersonal & communication skills when working in a group, developing a unified vision and utilizing the strengths of each group member to their fullest potential. In order to view the business plan click on the link below.
Spring 2014
This was a business plan developed alongside classmates as an assignment for Administration in Physical Therapy. A significant portion of my contribution was the Executive Summary and Business Description, both of which are attached to this document. Because of my interest in one day opening a private practice, I found the process of developing a business plan to be extremely insightful. I gathered an immense amount of information related to marketing and finance that I was previously unaware of. Beyond completing the objectives of the assignment, it is also important to mention that this long term project allowed me to understand firsthand the importance of interpersonal & communication skills when working in a group, developing a unified vision and utilizing the strengths of each group member to their fullest potential. In order to view the business plan click on the link below.
Case Study: Functional Outcomes Following a TFN Hip Nailing for a Patient with Cognitive Impairment
Fall 2013 & Spring 2014
Following the completion of my first two clinical experiences, I independently wrote and presented a case study from one of the patients that I treated. Because of my interest in orthopedics, I chose a patient that had an orthopedic impairment. However, the majority of patients rarely have a single diagnosis or functional limitation so I felt as though it was appropriate to discuss a patient who had a recent hip fracture with an acute onset of cognitive impairment following hospitalization. In preparation to presenting this case study, I was challenged to reflect on the decision making process related to managing this patients care, and how those decisions benefited that patient. Some of the considerations I made included, patient & therapist values, evidence based practice, developing appropriate goals, driving and restraining forces related to meeting goals, cost/benefit analysis and ethical issues related to physical therapy practice. Overall, this case study encouraged me to deeply consider patients & physical therapy practice holistically. In order to review the case study presentation click on the link below.
Fall 2013 & Spring 2014
Following the completion of my first two clinical experiences, I independently wrote and presented a case study from one of the patients that I treated. Because of my interest in orthopedics, I chose a patient that had an orthopedic impairment. However, the majority of patients rarely have a single diagnosis or functional limitation so I felt as though it was appropriate to discuss a patient who had a recent hip fracture with an acute onset of cognitive impairment following hospitalization. In preparation to presenting this case study, I was challenged to reflect on the decision making process related to managing this patients care, and how those decisions benefited that patient. Some of the considerations I made included, patient & therapist values, evidence based practice, developing appropriate goals, driving and restraining forces related to meeting goals, cost/benefit analysis and ethical issues related to physical therapy practice. Overall, this case study encouraged me to deeply consider patients & physical therapy practice holistically. In order to review the case study presentation click on the link below.