Entry level therapist

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yak42

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7+ Year Member
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Aug 12, 2014
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Hello,

I am a new grad and recently started a job at a snf..however I find myself less confident especially when doing transfers..I know as entry level I have much to learn..but I wanted to hear from other therapists as to how long it took them time to settle into working as a licensed therapist..
 
pull another therapist/assistant to the side and ask them to go over transfers with you. USE A GAIT BELT.
 
Observe others on real patients, reflect on your own skills with patients, be critical of all policy and procedure. You do not need to use a gait belt on every patient, some are transferred with much more ease/safety without one, sometimes gait belts can be harmful/contraindicated. Experience/practice leads to mastery but you need to be engaged and it needs to be somewhat novel for you to learn.
 
What part of transfers are you not confident with?
 
In the beginning, ALWAYS use a gait belt. Once you gain more experience, you'll be able to determine what patients need/don't need a gait belt. Transfer to their strong side so the pt is better able to assist you. Use a sliding board for w/c to mat transfers when applicable to save your back. Bend your knees before lifting and always ask for help if the pt is overweight. Don't try to be superman, take a team approach as needed. The more transfers you do, the more you'll find what works best for your body and height.
 
yes,Experience/practice leads to mastery but you need to be engaged and it needs to be somewhat novel for you to learn.thanks
IPfXjA
 
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