Valley Memorial SNF
Livermore, California
one review
Why did you choose this fieldwork?
I did not choose this fieldwork, but if I had to commute, I told my fieldwork coordinator that I was open to being placed in this geographic location. My school chose this site for me.
Please indicate type of setting:
Subacute
Please describe your living and commuting situation. (Was accomodation offered? Public transportation or parking offered? Please include price paid, location and conditions.)
I commuted from Santa Clara (took 680 and 84) 40 miles to Livermore. Not a bad commute, considering the distance. Living accommodations not included with this internship. Parking free.
Describe types of conditions or diagnoses, as well as age ranges exposed to during this fieldwork.
For the most part, the patients at this sub-acute SNF were between the ages of 65 and 95, with a few younger patients (in their 40s and 50s) there for workers comp injuries or elective surgery. The majority of the diagnoses I was exposed to during this fieldwork included post-surgical patients (spinal sx, knee sx, hip sx), orthropedic patients (fxs), a few neuro (strokes, head injuries from falls), and generalized weakness from a variety of dxs.
What types of assessments and interventions were used?
There were no standardized assessments done. Interventions mostly focused on self-care/ADLs, with some home management for higher level pts as well, therapeutic exercise, and some NDT and PNF for neuro patients.
What are your thoughts on the site's environment for the employees and students? (Please consider: organization, collaboration, mentoring, learning opportunities)
I don't think this site has had too many OT students. My two CI's were wonderful! They were pretty easy-going. I didn't really have much homework or preparation that I needed to do during the week or on the weekends, other than what I found was personally necessary. My CI's worked collaboratively with myself and the rest of the rehab team to make sure that I got as much as I could out of the experience. It was challenging working with two different supervisors, as I found that sometimes they had slightly different expectations or amount of responsibility that they were willing to give me. This experience was a valuable one because they were willing to let me make my own mistakes and they were open to teaching me whatever was fitting at a particular moment or whatever I asked them to help me with. They gave me a lot of independence when they felt that I was capable of handling something myself, but they were always close by to help out! While at this facility I did notice an interesting power struggle between the staff (e.g. between nursing and the rehab team), but that would be my only criticism. Overall: Great site to be at!
Please comment on personality traits and/or preparation that would facilitate success at this site.
- Review geriatric, neuro, and physical disabilities course content prior to starting
- Be open to constructive criticism
-Have excellent communication skills
-Have self-confidence (Especially in front of the pts), yet be willing to make mistakes and be open to learning new things
-Be self-sufficient
-Always have safety in mind!
-Be friendly and be able to build good rapport with patients
While in the area, don't miss ...
-Winetasting at Mitchell-Katz winery
-Bochi Ball
-Downtown Pleasanton
How many stars would you give your experience, from one to five?
5
Review submitted August 29, 2010 by Kirsten