Any occupational therapists on here?

[SheilaTheThief]

Thinking of changing career with couple options in mind, occupational health being something I’ve been looking into.
I just wonder if anyone has any advice or how you feel about your job? Is it a good job for a mum with young children, that sort of thing. Any help appreciated

I'm an OT, I specialised in mental health and dementia care. I love my job. Once you are qualified there are so many different areas you can choose to work in - mental health, social services, children, orthopaedic's, wheelchair services, hand therapy, A&E etc... ( These are just the ones I have worked in or did a placement in - there are lots more). I have a 2 year old and am pregnant. I work for the NHS and they are quite good for flexible hours. I am currently working reduced hours.

I'm an OT in an acute hospital doing a rotation. I love my job. I qualified when my youngest was 8. I find it is family friendly. I only work until 4.30 and we are meant to work one weekend shift in six but there are always people looking for extras.

Not being pedantic though but Occupational Therapy and Occupational Health aren't the same thing.

Do you mean occupational therapy or occupational health?

This is quite a straight forward run down of the two www.nurses.co.uk/nursing/blog/occupational-therapy-and-occupational-health-nursing/

Sorry I think that might have been a sleep deprived error, I do mean occupational therapy not health.

Thanks for Input so far, I think this job really suits what I want and what I would be good at, I am a people person and i want to help, currently working in healthcare but would like to progress and earn more

Yes it’s very family friendly in my experience although I’m in private practice so that helps!

I am an OT in a community learning disability team. I qualified last year at 42 and as a lone parent.

I have had a mixed first year in practice as there were no lectures on how to get through a pandemic ! But prior to lockdown it was an incredibly rewarding job and really adds value to people’s lives.

The training was very manageable and fitted well around family commitments. Lots of mature students with kids.

Has anyone studied at any London university ?

Nearly thirty years ago 😂. Has probably changed a bit since then 😉

I did my OT degree in Northampton but I have studied masters modules and a post grad dip at both Kings College London and London South Bank. I can't fault either of them.

Thank you for your responses, it is very helpful

Happy OT week to all the OTs out there!

Hi Op, just jumping on your thread to read experiences as I am hoping to do an OT masters next year as a career change, not London based though.

Does anyone have any advice as to what might be good experience job-wise to do to help with my uni application. I applied for an OT assistant job but haven't heard back and it's been 3 weeks since the applications closed.