Week 1 of Level 2 Fieldwork: COMPLETE!

January 18, 2021
by Liz

Fieldwork

After a nice (and much needed) winter break, I was super excited to get back and start my first level II fieldwork. Don’t get me wrong, enjoying a nice cup of hot cocoa and binge watching Netflix was awesome! But, knowing that I would be completing my first level II in a hand therapy setting was so exciting. However, the pandemic definitely made me nervous to be back. But, I have to say I am absolutely in love with my site.

It is far from any ordinary hand therapy clinic! My site is a little bungalow right along the beach. It was once someone’s home in the 70s, then a craftsman’s shop, and now it is a homey place where people can come in for occupational therapy. I can see the ocean from the window — talk about a view! The OT that owns the clinic has also created a station out front on the porch which has been great for getting some fresh air. The clients really love it.

I spent the first two days getting familiar with the clinic and shadowing my fieldwork educator. By day 3 I was already helping out with some of the modalities such as ultrasound, paraffin, and ice massage (under appropriate supervision of course!). I also got a chance to try scar mobilization and also take some measurements. I have to say this first week has confirmed that I learned SO much in the hands electives. As Lisa Deshaies mentioned in our hand rehab course — anatomy is KEY. I really got a chance to see and understand what she meant this first week.

I also got a chance to see a bunch of different diagnoses such as Dupuytren’s contractures, swan neck and boutonniere deformities, trigger fingers, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and of course clients with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis — to name a few. We talked about a few of these in class, but it was great to be able to see them in person and also get a chance to feel people’s hands. We use gloves when doing so, but even through the use of gloves I have been able to feel the difference from person to person.

Overall, I was surprised by how much I knew! I definitely have more to learn, and I’ve established a few goals with my fieldwork educator. This week he wants me to help with a couple of evaluations. I am nervous, but looking forward to applying what I’ve learned about evals and also getting some feedback on how to improve. Wish me luck!

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