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started 1997

Competencies.... in what do RT/TR's need to be competent to perform their tasks?

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interested in competencies
Posted by Paola Wierzbicki
Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 21:41:43 (EDT), IP Address: 9971173124

being able to work with people, patience
Posted by anonymous
Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 17:30:57 (CDT), IP Address: 76127203152

Knowledge of standardized assessments and documentation skills. Everyone just can't makeup homemade assessments. We (therapists) must develop a more universal assessment method (exclusive to the client pop.)and also have the knowledge to convey what we are doing and a clients progress in writing and verbally to the professionals that work along side us. We still to this day have to validate our existence and let people know that you have to be educated and trained to have this career.
Myisha Jones TRS
Friday, September 27, 2002 at 17:32:51 (CDT)

assessment skills, problem-solving, leisure awareness/options, potential range of implications for various diagnosis/abilities
anonymous
Monday, May 13, 2002 at 22:34:20 (CDT)
It is important that we feel competent in all that we do. From those of us who have driven vehicles with locked in wheelchairs in the back headed to the local bowling alley, to those who are able to carry through a lock-down restraint in a locked psych unit. This is who we are. We are multi-talented, multi-tasked individuals who entered the profession because we do have this capability to stay afloat. You do need to record even the small things that you are skilled in, IE. knowing how to take blood pressures, knowing all the proper safe transfers and the obvious of your yearly CPR review. If we as professionals want to maintain the respect that we have worked so hard for, we must put it in writing. One of the first things I was told 15 years ago by a supervisor was, "If it isn't in writing, then who is to say that it was ever done". We need to know signs/symptoms of many dx, how to observe the way our patients swallow their foods and be able to report difficulties which lead to needing a swallow eval, which often leads to change in diets, to prevention of aspiration pneumonia. We need to validate our professional skills. We should have in place, protocols for each of our groups that we do. As we know, we always have a purpose, but I love more than anything being able to open my books and say "this is my overall goals for this group, and these are the objectives and here are the interventions/modalities I plan to use in this group". So we have a lot to put on our list of competencies, it is work...and as we all know we work hard everyday.
Penny from SoCal
Saturday, April 06, 2002 at 00:15:42 (CST)
To be proffessional and flexible.
anonymous
Tuesday, January 01, 2002 at 23:00:43 (CST)
I think that in order to have competency in TR, we need to define what treatment, leisure ed, and rec participation is. Then we need to ensure that all residents assigned a treatment program on a weekly basis. Also measuring outcomes on residents participation is a must
anonymous
Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 09:30:49 (CDT)
LEisure Education Research Assessment Tools and use of Group Programming and Individual Programming Running new and creative programs for at least 2 different populations
anonymous
Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 11:36:21 (CDT)
For year 2000, we re-educated ourselves on correctly documenting section N of the MDS, specifically, amount of time involved in activities. I had discovered after reviewing quality indicators, there was a significantly high number of residents involved in little or no involvement in rec activities (#3). Turns out the rec therapists were not always including independent activites, family visits, etc. Another competancy skill had to do with residents being taken outdoors. We developed and trained ourselves on correct procedures, including safety, appropriate equipment, and physical therapy assessment for functional abilities of residents. Also, being sure to include this on the resident care plan. I used a standard form (checklist) for each competancy. We are scheduled this week for joint commission re-survey, so we'll see how it goes!
Gina Ahearn, TRS
Monday, March 05, 2001 at 11:20:47 (CST)
Program planning & implementation. Assessment. Enthusiasm. Creativity. Therapeutic rapport. Attitude. Values & Guiding Principles.
anonymous
Friday, January 19, 2001 at 23:52:06 (CST)
patience, relaxed, one who does not get stressed easly, cares about clients and staff, communication to families, staff and management. Plan ahead for events, organized, outgoing and most of all have a sense of humor or you won't make it in this field
anonymous
Monday, January 01, 2001 at 11:23:24 (CST)
leadership, facilitating,knowledge of community resources, task analysis
anonymous
Thursday, August 31, 2000 at 22:36:54 (CDT)
Be open-minded; resourceful; creative; willing to learn from other discipline's; be assertive in gaining skills and up to date knowledge; believe in the value of the profession and then share it with your clients and other professionals; recognize personal strengths and limitations, biases; don't take yourself or others too seriously; be adaptive to change and always nurture that which is "good" in your clients.
anonymous
Saturday, May 27, 2000 at 16:46:02 (CDT)
Our department has just added a Heimlich Maneuver competency. As you all know, we provide refreshments at many of our activities not to mention trips to restaurants and special occation meals. Occasionally our staff has had to use the Heimlich, so we feel it is vital that all TR staff is competent to perform this life saving technique.
Mary Grace Lynch, CTRS
Saturday, May 20, 2000 at 11:46:18 (CDT)
Patience
anonymous
Tuesday, February 29, 2000 at 18:13:56 (CST)
knowledge of disabilities, medical terminology, documentation skills ability to make appropriate goals
anonymous
Saturday, February 12, 2000 at 13:38:17 (CST)
Knowledge of the human body and how it reacts to different disabilities and dieseases. This should play a major role in how we create a treatment plan for our clients. OH and NEVER call a client a patient(resident or client is acceptable).
anonymous
Monday, January 31, 2000 at 11:04:26 (CST)
the first two years of school should have many, many, many hands on experiences with a wide variety of populations. Just because an individual wants to work with a certain population it does not mean the job will be there. Students need experience working directly with people, yes people skills are the MOST CRUCIAL skills someone in a recreation field can have! If you can't communicate you can't be effective.
anonymous
Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 20:52:41 (CST)
Out of school we should have basic competentcies such as diagnosis, assessment, outcome-based care planning, etc. It is important to also focus on other areas like knowledge of dysphagia diets, set up of oxygen tanks, taking blood pressure, knowledge of area resources, transfer techniques, and having specialty areas like aquatic therapy, knowing the FIM and MDS
anonymous
Thursday, September 23, 1999 at 00:26:21 (CDT)
All RT's should have a core level of knowledge re:programming and facilitation (etc) of your activities. I believe that in order to be respected professionally and be competitieve, RT's must keep up with all their skills. I have taken courses in all professional areas: nursing, speech, occupational and physicial therapy. If I am unfamiliar with a particular diagnosis I have the professional resources to research and update myself. You are a better therapist for your patient and treatment team if you know truely what you are treating!! It is difficult for me to say which "competencys" are the most important. Certainly the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written is a must. But being flexible, resourceful, creative and a team player in our field is equally important. Most importantly, get certified - and take quality CEU's courses!!
Christine Cole
Tuesday, July 06, 1999 at 14:16:02 (CDT)
I think it is so very important for therapeutic Recreation Directors to be certified and required to attend yearly conferences and continueing education courses. They need to keep up on all the new information and improvements in the field. Clients, Residents and patients deserve it!
anonymous
Thursday, July 01, 1999 at 22:49:32 (CDT)
Actually, it can all be summed up in three words:The Golden Rule. So simple, yet so profound and so difficult...
anonymous
Thursday, June 03, 1999 at 12:58:30 (CDT)
Trust,listen, and the Golden Rule.
anonymous
Thursday, May 27, 1999 at 16:39:31 (CDT)
Why is it that having fun is looked upon as being so negative? I think it is terribly therapeutic. In fact, I don't mind being referred to as a Funologist! Think about the role it plays in your life...
anonymous
Thursday, May 27, 1999 at 16:35:53 (CDT)
Knowledge of various disabilities, types of interventions.
anonymous
Tuesday, March 16, 1999 at 21:16:14 (CST)
I work in long term care with many different dx, but I think one of the most important attribute that we must have is to acknowlege our residents are people first, with a past and so much knowlege to share. Its all about people and I don't care how much education one has if the main ingredient of respect is not there, it doesn't matter what letters follow ones name!
anonymous
Thursday, January 28, 1999 at 00:13:10 (CST)/font>
Analytical skills and an ability to apply theory to practice are critical competencies. Also - an ability to communicate on a professional level - both verbally and in written form. We have to be able to communicate our goals, interventions and outcomes effectively to our clients and other professionals.
anonymous
Thursday, January 14, 1999 at 08:57:14 (CST)
You must always address your residents/clients psycho social needs. You must be very good at reading people and knowing their likes and dislikes. This is especially true when you're working w/ dementia reisdents. You also MUST be able to establish good working relationships with your CNA's and nursing staff. They must understand what your job entails and the importance of what you do. You're not a babysitter! Once they understand that, the respect comes naturally and you'll work together well. Of course, you also should have your CTRS or NCCAP certification, but a thousand degrees doesn't replace on the job expereince. You need to be quick on your feet and flexibile! The job is unpredictable but always rewarding.
anonymous
Saturday, January 09, 1999 at 09:30:01 (CST)

Creativity, flexibility, and the ability to think on your feet and adjust the activity on the spot to meet the needs of your clients. Also very important is a sense of humor and at least a little knowledge about a lot of things!
anonymous
Thursday, January 22, 1998 at 18:35:49 (PST)

ability to analyze any situation to think -- to think things out need to have the ability to look at a situation and come with strategies to address the situation. Most interns that I see do not have the ability to apply what they have learned from a book; the ability to do this would make intern chances in tr excellent
anonymous
- Friday, January 16, 1998 at 17:21:56 (PST)

In psych definatly group process. They don't teach it at school and it's a must to know if you are working with patients.
Luciano Leon
- Friday, January 09, 1998 at 23:42:58 (PST)

understanding the potential physical, cognitive, behavioral complications of a disease process to decrease the possibility of risk to the patient/client/
anonymous
- Saturday, January 03, 1998 at 09:00:14 (PST)

Therapeutic communication skills
anonymous
- Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 11:12:54 (PST)

The ability to empathize with and recognize the needs of an individual is the area in which we as CTRSs need to be the most compotent. If a CTRS is able to perform this skill then all other areas will follow. The second most important area is being able to observe and assess the strengths and interests of the individual. Programs developed based upon the individuals interests prove to more effective interventions. This as compared to programs developed based upon the interests of the CTRS.
Rob B.
- Saturday, December 06, 1997 at 09:28:15 (PST)

standardizaed curriculums for college students
anonymous
- Monday, December 01, 1997 at 09:41:33 (PST)

To have a practice model on which to base interventions.
anonymous
- Sunday, November 23, 1997 at 09:36:52 (PST)

Self-awareness.
anonymous
- Friday, November 07, 1997 at 06:38:11 (PST)

Adapt activities/process to reflect client needs and strengths.
Jeff Witman
- Thursday, November 06, 1997 at 11:45:10 (PST)

Ability to plan and implement programs and treatment based on assessed data. Ability to evaluate programs and progress toward objectives. Ability to express oneself orally and in writing.
anonymous
- Wednesday, November 05, 1997 at 18:32:27 (PST)

The University of Wisconsin at La Crosse has an excellent, excellent, excellent program. The professors prepare the students to be professionals and advocates for Therapeutic Recreation. We are required to do hands on volunteer work throughout our time here. The students work together as a family. The course content is extensive(med. language, special populations I and II, T.R. in the community and schools, physiology and anatomy, innovative activities, trends and issues, assessment, programming, leisure education to name a few). The professors are extremely helpful and are always available to students. I would strongly reccommend the program at THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE.
anonymous
- Monday, November 03, 1997 at 17:34:06 (PST)

1 The ability to listen. 2 empathy. 3 motivation. 4 honesty. 5 reliability.
anonymous
- Wednesday, October 22, 1997 at 15:48:59 (PDT)

To be flexible and creative, to have the ability to work not only with clients, but with a multitude of others(staff, clients' families, volunteers, etc), to be non-judgmental and open-minded and, finally, to be organized, to see the "big picture" and able to set priorities.
anonymous
- Saturday, October 18, 1997 at 22:16:08 (PDT)

CREATIVITY ABLE TO MOTIVATE SOLID BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE OF POPULATIONS CURRENTLY INVOLVED WITH ACCURATE AND PROFESSIONAL WRITING SKILLS FLEXIBILITY WELL ROUNDED REPETOIRE OF PROGRAMS THAT STIMULATE VARIOUS FUNCTIONING LEVELS EXCEPTIONAL INTERPERSONAL SKILLS ABILITY TO RELAY INFORMATION IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER A STRONG AWARENESS OF PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES(NOT EVERYTHING IS A "THERAPY")
M.S.SCHULZ
- Saturday, October 04, 1997 at 05:29:02 (PDT)

An understanding of disability. A philosphy that allows for great possibilities no matter how limited a person may seem. Knowlege of adaptive equipment. Ability to evaluate what is truly important to each individual, what will help them feel whole? Ability to be creative.
Shelley Park
- Tuesday, September 23, 1997 at 10:49:21 (PDT)

First of all our competency needs to be measurable!!! In a clinical setting we have competency tests on age appropriate activities. We test on the growth of adolescents through elderly. We also do the standard disease competency tests. We naturally do the back safety, kiln instruction, and hand washing. Thanks
tired of silly competency testing
- Saturday, September 20, 1997 at 20:29:24 (PDT)

I feel you need to act and dress like a health care professional. Too many CTRSs lack professionalism. They dress in T-shirts and ragged clothes all the time. I am sick of being looked at as a person who plays games only. We are health care professionals let's act and dress like one and start getting the respect we deserve.

anonymous - Sunday, August 03, 1997 at 09:30:36 (PDT)

I feel most important are the abilities to treat people with dignity and respect, the abiltiy to laugh at yourself and have fun, the ability to assess and provide for the needs of others and the ability to change your mind if something isn't working.

anonymous - Tuesday, July 29, 1997 at 07:56:49 (PDT)

Besides having all the basis competencies, the most important competency required of a recreational therapist is the ability to treat all clients/patients with dignity and respect.

Wendell Chock, CTRS - Tuesday, July 22, 1997 at 10:30:14 (PDT)

knowledge of leisure education knowledge of pysical disablities/implications for rec particpation, Group leadership/motivation skills.

anonymous - Friday, July 18, 1997 at 19:17:25 (PDT)

in depth info on disease processes and implications for TR, group leadership and group design skills, counselling skills, assessment skills, the ability to write concisely, original thinking(!!!!!!!!!- most important!!!!!!!), organization and time management skills, negotiation skills, flexibility and commitment. Having a hot area of specialized leisure ed skills is also a plus!

anonymous - Friday, July 18, 1997 at 18:26:47 (PDT)

I think attitude has a lot to do with the outcome of your work. If a CTRS's own rec/leisure lifestyle is lacking, how can they support others with this need? Therefore, if a CTRS enjoys recreation and has a positive leisure lifestyle, they will display a more positive outlook to their patients/clients. More importantly, I feel it is important that a CTRS possesses inclusionary skills. For example, concentrating on abilities rather than disabilities. (another place where attitude comes in) Yes, I feel that it is important to possess assessment skills, developing goals and objectives and program planning, yet if their is a negative attitude and lack of enthusiasm, recreation is not therapeutic. Flexibility is also important. If you've planned an activity and it flops, be willing to adapt it so it fits the patients/environment better. Anyone can graduate from a TR program, but it takes more than what is in the books to be a CTRS!

anonymous - Wednesday, July 16, 1997 at 19:54:50 (PDT)

assessment skills, planning an activity with goal and objectives that meet your assessment.

anonymous - Sunday, July 13, 1997 at 12:36:30 (PDT)

 

 

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