My Level II Fieldwork occurred at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, where I worked in the adult burn ICU and outpatient burn therapy.
One of the most powerful moments during my experience was with a client who had experienced burns to most of their body. When I arrived, they had already been in the ICU for several months. During my fieldwork, I was able to help them stand for the first time during their hospital stay. By the end of my rotation, the client was discharged to home and walking with an assistive device. It was amazing to see their determination and the hard work of the entire care team come together.
Working in this setting helped me better understand the OT journey of individuals with traumatic injuries. I focused on activities of daily living that we had not focused on in class, such as bed mobility in the acute setting. I also experienced how therapeutic use of self—a therapist leveraging their personal qualities and experiences in therapy—can be used in the acute setting to motivate and connect with clients.
An important part of my experience was the relationships I created with colleagues in the hospital other than my assigned educator. I learned lessons from other students, physical therapists, nurses, and patients. It is important to see every person as a possible educator.
I also have clarity about my desired career path. Before my Level II Fieldwork experiences, I was unsure if I wanted to work supporting burn survivors. Now, I am sure this is the population I want to help.
Learn more about student fieldwork in the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.