Ideas/thoughts/info?
Hi all. So I'm a "new grad" (late 2023) and am just now able to take a PTA job (family issues). I just did 7 days at a SNF and noped out of there so fast- l've never had my mental health tank that quickly.
Insanely unattainable productivity goals (I forgot productivity was a thing- they don't mention it much in school) and just severely understaffed (which I get is a thing most places). I've been crying and depressed and contemplating why I ever got this degree. Now that I'm in a slightly better headspace, I feel like I shouldn't throw in the towel without trying at least one other setting. Based on clinicals, OP is not for me. I did an inpatient hospital rehab rotation and enjoyed that. Would an acute setting be similar? My main questions are these:
-I've been out of the game for a while and realllly need to spend some time studying to feel more confident (I currently have maybe 10% confidence in myself for pt education) - best bang for my buck study wise for an acute setting? Main things I should focus my studies on (outside of hip/spinal/ sternal precautions and I'll go over amputees & strokes as well)?
-are productivity goals in acute as diabolical as SNF??
-Is there generally a mentorship program for new grads or do they just throw ya to the wolves (I'd love to shadow experienced therapists for a couple of weeks before being released to full caseload alone)
-caseload size reasonable/achievable? I know this will vary, but your experience?
-I've been reading Reddit all week and fear I know my answer- is it this bad everywhere?! | just want to be a great and skilled PTA providing quality treatments without insane arbitrary goals. How can I be this bitter after 7 total days in my "career?" And yes, I'm feeling sorry for myself a little bit and can handle criticism, but not what I just experienced (& l've read plenty of SNF posts- not for me). Thinking about leaving the field already…