Occupational Therapy for Nurses

Occupational therapy is a profession that uses activities and equipment to help people perform everyday tasks. It's different than physical therapy, which focuses on improving movement.

Occupational therapists work with patients in a wide range of settings, from hospitals to schools to skilled nursing facilities. This is a rewarding career for those who love helping others.

Job description

Occupational therapy for nurses is a profession that focuses on helping patients with physical and mental health problems. OTs help people regain their abilities to carry out daily activities, which can improve their quality of life.

They work with a wide range of clients and treat them in hospitals, clinics, home health care centers, schools, nursing homes, and other medical settings. They create treatment plans that meet each client’s unique needs and empower them to be independent.

The job duties of an occupational therapist include completing an assessment of each patient and preparing a treatment plan. You may also work with clients to help them perform tasks like using a wheelchair or putting on a sock.

Occupational therapists can earn an average salary of around $35,000 per year. Some can earn higher salaries, depending on their skill set and experience.

Education requirements

Occupational therapy is a field of health care that uses treatments to improve the quality of life for people with physical, psychological or neurological disabilities. It can prevent injury, illness and the worsening of conditions or disabilities, while promoting independence.

To become an occupational therapist, you need a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in the field. You also need a license to practice, which requires you to complete a certain amount of clinical work.

There are many accredited colleges and universities that offer degrees in occupational therapy. These programs are designed to prepare you for the NBCOT certification exam and for entry-level occupational therapy practice in your home state.

OT students must complete prerequisite coursework, pass the GRE exam and provide official transcripts. They must also complete a professional internship or clinical experience.

Work environment

Occupational therapy is a rewarding career, with the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. You can work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

OTs can also work in the private sector. Occupational therapists often work in home health agencies, nursing homes and community mental health facilities.

Both professions have a lot in common, with the primary difference being that nurses deal with patients more directly than occupational therapists do. Nurses are responsible for providing acute and long-term patient care, which includes educating patients about their injuries or illnesses.

The work environment for a nurse can be a challenging one. A lot of time is spent in a hospital, where no two days are the same. There are a variety of responsibilities, such as coordinating healthcare plans for patients.

Salary

The salary of an occupational therapy for nurses can vary depending on the setting and responsibilities. The highest paying positions are those in research and development, home health and skilled nursing facilities.

Occupational therapists are responsible for analyzing the medical needs of their patients and preparing the best treatment plans to provide them with comfort and a better lifestyle. They also monitor the progress of their patient and upgrade the prescribed treatment as needed.

These professionals work in hospitals, schools and community-based care settings, making them popular job choices for those who want to help people. They can also choose to specialize in specific areas of treatment, boosting their earnings.

OTs are in demand across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow by 24% from 2016 through 2026. This excellent job outlook is expected to be influenced by a baby boomer generation that wants to stay active as they age and patients who seek non-invasive treatments for their conditions and illnesses.