Johnnie Said:

what is it like working as a therapy assistant in a skilled nursing facility?

We Answered:

Hi Rocker... I am a COTA working in a SNF. I enjoy it because I really enjoy the elderly. I would be better equiped to answer your question if I knew what settings you were comparing a SNF to. One of the major requirements (neither pro nor con) for working in a SNF is an understanding of Medicare and other payor source guidelines. Other than that, the interventions are pretty much the same with special attention paid to conditions and precautions of the frail and elderly. Hope this helps!

Rafael Said:

I am trying to decide between going into Nursing or Occupational Therapy?

We Answered:

Well I would agree a nursing career would be much more stressful. You can become a nurse in 2-3 years by going to a community college and getting an Associate's Degree. Occupational therapy is probably going to be more competitive since at least a Master's Degree is required...which is generally 6 years of full time school. I believe that Nursing would give you more job security....everyone is always hiring nurses....we'll always need them. Nursing was my first career choice, but I backed out because of the needles...can't stand the needles! As far as salary, the 2 occupations are pretty similiar, with occupational therapy being slightly higher. I hope this helps and good luck!

Tina Said:

Nursing assistants and occupational therapists. Are they entitled to pensions and holidays? how long is it?

We Answered:

They get 401k, but I don't know about pensions.

Harvey Said:

what is the specific job of a occupational and industrial in nursing fields?

We Answered:

Occupational and environmental health nursing is the specialty practice that provides for and delivers health and safety programs and services to workers, worker populations and community groups. The practice focuses on promotion and restoration of health, prevention of illness and injury and protection from work related and environmental hazards.

An occupational nurse could work for a coal mine taking care of employees and their families.

Jo Said:

What is it like to work at a skilled nursing facility?

We Answered:

Occupational Therapists must be capable of lifting or moving patients and heavy equipment as well as have the ability to stand for extended periods of time. The majority of these professionals work standard 40 hour weeks in community or healthcare settings, but approximately one-quarter of these therapists work part time hours. Due to the amount of machines located in larger facilities, noise is often a burden that must be tolerated.

Priscilla Said:

nursing vs. occupational therapy?

We Answered:

Both of these fields involve extensive lifting of the patients.

Nursing involves providing excellent patient care. Some samples of job responsibilities include:

1) Triaging -- this is where they would choose which is the most serious etc.
2) Dispensing medications -- through IV, orally, rectally, topically
3) Establishing medical devices -- iv's, catheters, etc
4) Positioning and transferring people
5) Helping with hygiene and dressing
6) Feeding
7) Following dr's orders
8) Providing patient support as well as emotional support for families
9) Coordinating services such as labs etc.

Occupational therapists deal with rehabilitation and accomodations of workplace and independence. Some sample responsibilities might include:

1) Creating workplace accommodations after injuries
2) Creating accommodations for independent living
3) Creates adaptive equipment
4) Shows patients how to get a greater amount of independance