- Joined
- Nov 29, 2014
- Messages
- 12
- Reaction score
- 15
Hey folks!
Three years ago I started this journey to get into OT school. As of now the apps have been sent and my dreams are in the hands of the admissions committee. The purpose of this post is to tell folks how to get observation hours in NYC when you are on limited schedule or want to do something outside of the box. If I knew what I know now I would've avoided a problems and streamlined this process a little better.
As of now I have a total of about 200 hours of volunteer experience. Compared to other this is not a lot, but for my work/school situation its pretty good. The places where I volunteered/interned:
What didn't work:
What DID WORK:
Honestly, you need to be tenacious about finding a good place to volunteer and observe. Start googling every conceivable OT setting in NYC and call or email ALL OF THEM. I had a massive spread sheet of everyone I contacted. I sent personal and meaningful emails to every contact. I sent thank you emails even if they said no. I spread my net wide and far to find places. I told everyone and their mama that I need a volunteer gig and connections came crawling out of the woodwork.
Finally, the moment you feel like a volunteer experience is not going well trust your gut and cut it short. I had to stop volunteer gigs short because I felt uncomfortable or I didn't connect with the OT. My time was precious and simply could not waste time on an experience that wasn't going to be beneficial for me and the setting that I am in.
Absolutely last note: Cultivate curiousity. Practitioners and patients that see an inquisitive mind will jump at the chance to educate you. Ask questions and you might find yourself having amazing discussions with practitioners and patients alike. They things I learned from the COTAs/OTs and patients I met will stay with me forever. Some of those lessons were clinical but some were deeply personal and incredibly meaningful to me.
I hope this helps folks who are dipping their toes in the OT pool in NYC. Jump on in, the water is choppy but its pretty nice!
Does anyone else have any OT observation advice for others? Any hidden gems to look out for? Do tell!
Three years ago I started this journey to get into OT school. As of now the apps have been sent and my dreams are in the hands of the admissions committee. The purpose of this post is to tell folks how to get observation hours in NYC when you are on limited schedule or want to do something outside of the box. If I knew what I know now I would've avoided a problems and streamlined this process a little better.
As of now I have a total of about 200 hours of volunteer experience. Compared to other this is not a lot, but for my work/school situation its pretty good. The places where I volunteered/interned:
- outpatient clinic that mostly treats patients with neurological disorders
- an early learning center part of a larger network of sites that serves the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities
- nursing home inside of a community clinic
What didn't work:
- Applying at the big hospitals (NYU, Columbia Presbyterian, Mt. Sinai, etc). Despite having worked directly with volunteer coordinators at these sites in a professional capacity and changing my schedule, I could not get a volunteer spot. The big hospitals require you to fill out an online application. I tried many times, with different times of availability and never got a spot. I called volunteer coordinators that I worked with directly (in a professional capacity) and never got a spot. I called OTs that I worked with directly, in a professional capacity, and GOT NOTHING. Perhaps the competition is fierce, the spots are taken, etc. Despite my flexible availability, skills, and interest, I never received a call back.
- Sensory gyms: I called, went in person, emailed and even had a direct connection and I never heard a word from them.
- Daycares/early learning places: Ditto to the above, I never heard from them.
- psychiatric settings: not usually a place where they allow volunteers
- acute settings: ditto to the above
What DID WORK:
- nursing homes (especially the ones that are SUPER far away or underserved like in Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Goveuneur Health)
- hospitals in the outer boroughs (Wyckoff Medical Center, Brookdale Hospital)
- small clinics (hand clinics, outpatient, etc - I just cold called them or went in person)
- Non-profits that provide OT services (AHRC of NYC)
- homecare: several big non-profit homecare agencies in NYC have internships for students and even volunteer opportunities to observe OTs in action.
Honestly, you need to be tenacious about finding a good place to volunteer and observe. Start googling every conceivable OT setting in NYC and call or email ALL OF THEM. I had a massive spread sheet of everyone I contacted. I sent personal and meaningful emails to every contact. I sent thank you emails even if they said no. I spread my net wide and far to find places. I told everyone and their mama that I need a volunteer gig and connections came crawling out of the woodwork.
Finally, the moment you feel like a volunteer experience is not going well trust your gut and cut it short. I had to stop volunteer gigs short because I felt uncomfortable or I didn't connect with the OT. My time was precious and simply could not waste time on an experience that wasn't going to be beneficial for me and the setting that I am in.
Absolutely last note: Cultivate curiousity. Practitioners and patients that see an inquisitive mind will jump at the chance to educate you. Ask questions and you might find yourself having amazing discussions with practitioners and patients alike. They things I learned from the COTAs/OTs and patients I met will stay with me forever. Some of those lessons were clinical but some were deeply personal and incredibly meaningful to me.
I hope this helps folks who are dipping their toes in the OT pool in NYC. Jump on in, the water is choppy but its pretty nice!
Does anyone else have any OT observation advice for others? Any hidden gems to look out for? Do tell!
