Other OT-Related Information OT vs Nursing

[Kaitlyn.w0009]

hello! I am trying to decide which of these careers is best for me, and I’m leaning towards OT. But can someone sort out the pros and cons of both, or why one is best? Thanks!

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[danidoodle]

Personally, I chose OT because I preferred the setting OTs work in. When I began shadowing at rehabilitation facilities, I appreciated that OTs work in an environment where they have time to get to know their patients and work with them consistently for longer periods of time. I also liked that OTs primarily work with patients with injuries or disabilities - it seems that with nursing you might work with a wider variety of conditions.
Have you been able to shadow both OTs and nurses? That would give you an idea of what roles they each play on a daily basis, and would give you the opportunity to ask questions about different jobs within the field.

 

[Babybluentexas]

I worked as a medic in the Army which meant I spent lot of time with nurses.

For me- it came down to not wanting to just take orders, but be the person in charge of someone’s care. They do what the docs ask them to. It just didn’t sound challenging to me.

 

[RNtoOTinMN]

I am a nurse who is making a career change to OT. The two careers are very different and it would probably be better to ask someone who really likes each career. That being said... there are so many reasons why I'm making the switch, but one that stands out is helping people be independent. I feel as a nurse I'm running into a situation putting out a "fire" and then moving to the next patient. There is little time to assist people in getting to the core of the problem and it ends up feeling like all I'm doing is putting a bandage on the situation. Also, patient load, instead of caring for 12 people at a time it will probably be one person. My reasons go on and on... Good luck in your career hunt.