Starting Volunteering Tomorrow!

[kc90]

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Hey guys,

I am will be starting my first physical therapy volunteering tomorrow in a geriatrics/ neuro setting tomorrow! Any tips on what I can do to make a good first impression?

In your experience, should I be asking a lot of questions? Or would that annoy the PT?

Any tips would be great!

Thank you!
kc90

 

[Akiramay]

Congrats! You should be fine if you're just yourself and remain friendly. If you don't know something, such as a diagnosis or why the PT is doing something, it's fine to ask them. Try not to ask too many questions, as that will be distracting since the PT still has to give attention to the patient and provide treatment. Plus you can always ask questions afterwards/during downtime. Also, when I volunteered, I kept a notebook with me to write down questions I had and would either ask the PT or look it up on my own. Good luck!

 

[adw253]

Congrats and good luck on your first day of volunteering tomorrow! 🙂

To make a good impression I would recommend being friendly, smiling, and initiating a hand shake. You should also try your best to get to know the therapist(s) that you are observing. Also, make sure that you NEVER look bored! It most likely will give the PT a poor impression of you.

Also, you should be ready for anything. Some sites only allow a volunteer to watch the therapists work, and ask an occasional question, so there can be a lot of standing/sitting. In contrast, in a few of the settings I volunteered at the therapist included me into their patients' therapies. I was able to administer various modalities, interact with patients, feel different structures/ abnormalities, and try my hand at a few diagnostic tests. It all just depends on the regulations at that site.

Finally, as for the number of questions to ask, it is really up to your own judgment. Some therapists welcome a lot of questions, while others can appear a bit put off by it. Simply gauge the therapists reactions to your first few questions. Also, it sometimes is best to ask questions shortly after the patient leaves, or if there is a gap in the treatment time when they are receiving e-stim, or ultra sound. I have also found it much easier to ask therapists general questions (why PT, where they went to school, general Qs about profession) during their lunch break. Good luck, and have fun tomorrow!

 

[yankpak786]

Hey guys,

I am will be starting my first physical therapy volunteering tomorrow in a geriatrics/ neuro setting tomorrow! Any tips on what I can do to make a good first impression?

In your experience, should I be asking a lot of questions? Or would that annoy the PT?

Any tips would be great!

Thank you!
kc90

Depending on what they're doing at the moment, be a bit cautious on asking them A LOT of questions. Some don't like to be bothered when dealing with a patient; however, any other time, I'm sure they'd be open to answering questions. Once you build a solid rapport with a PT, I think you and him/her, both, will be more comfortable. I wish you good luck! 🙂 It's a very enlightening experience, I've done nearly 70 hours in a rehab PT clinic, really provides satisfaction.

 

[NewTestament]

Always be willing to help. Don't look disinterested even if you don't know what's going on. Don't put your hands in your pockets. Ask a few questions, but not too many. One or two questions will show that you're interested, but if you ask too many, the PT might think you're a nuisance. They need to concentrate while they work on the patient and do monotonous paper work.

Also, tell them when you're going to come, and then be there on time. Dress casually: no shorts, no t-shirts, no flannel shorts. Sandals and tennis shoes are usually acceptable, but not thongs.

Kevin

 

[Nailey13]

Well, I would disagree slightly with you, NewTestament. All the PTs that I've seen try to dress at least somewhat professionally (khaki's and a collared shirt usually). I think that as a future PT, dressing similarly can only help you in the long run (maybe you were saying this). I attend each of my shadowing experiences as if I were showing up for work: khaki's, dress socks, shoes and a collared shirt tucked in with belt (I'm a guy).

 

[BuckeyePat22]

Absolutely dress professionally. At all of my clinical sites I was asked to dress like I was an employee. I think the best thing you can do is be genuinely interested in the care of each patient. So she's having pain here, how can we manage that? What are our options? etc.

Let the PT get to know you as well, I ended up running in a 200 mile relay with one of my clinics! I think the better your relationship with your PT's the better your experience will be.

 

[NewTestament]

Well, I would disagree slightly with you, NewTestament. All the PTs that I've seen try to dress at least somewhat professionally (khaki's and a collared shirt usually). I think that as a future PT, dressing similarly can only help you in the long run (maybe you were saying this). I attend each of my shadowing experiences as if I were showing up for work: khaki's, dress socks, shoes and a collared shirt tucked in with belt (I'm a guy).

I didn't express myself properly. Sorry for the confusion. I meant business casual. Yes, I wear khakis (no shorts), a collared shirt, and some sandals (not at the hospital, however). Sandals might seem a little too casual but no one at my clincis said they were prohibited, especially on Fridays. The hospital is little more formal.

Definitely no flip-flops, t-shirts, shorts, etc. I couldn't believe what some students were wearing at some DPT programs I visited. I think the future of DPT programs is to enforce more stringent and formal attire.

Kevin