Let's Do This!

Day One: Rocky Mountain-Hunter Hollow

The first day going to Rocky Mountain-Hunter Hollow was a bit intimidating, and I didn’t know what to expect. I noticed right away how clean and modernized the facility appeared, a very distinct difference from other geriatric centers I had visited. Nice couches and pretty flowers were lining the bright halls. The staff were friendly and patients freely explored with wheelchairs and walkers. The facility was rather circular with rooms on the outer edges, a cute little “market” partially occupying the center, parallel to the rehabilitation room. As I found this observation opportunity through a neighbor working as a physical therapist here, he was the first person I needed to find. After that was figured out, he directed me toward Athina, the athletic trainer/physical therapist I would be observing the next fifty hours. Right away I felt comfortable talking with her, and she appeared excited to show me around. The rehabilitation room was a busy area, with PTs and OTs working with different patients. I loved that environment immediately and was beyond excited to begin using the equipment available. Each of the PTs and OTs had their own paper with around 6-8 patients they needed to see that day. Athina showed me quickly around the other sections of the facility, explaining that one half belongs to temporary patients, while the other is long term.

Application

It was all pretty new and I felt a little awkward just following Athina around the first day. I learned that you may not feel comfortable with your responsibilities every day; however, if you stick with it, then usually the situation will turn out much more pleasant than anticipated. I believe that this is particularly true in a new job, and it may take a few days to sort out how things are done.