NEOTEC wishes to invite your organization to become a host to our students! As our profession grows, so does the demand for quality fieldwork sites.
Benefits of hosting students include; staff gaining a fresh perspective and utilizing the latest in Evidence Based Practice to guide intervention, developing leadership and management skills, and assisting a student in professional development and clinical reasoning. Fieldwork Educators also enjoy the benefits of FREE continuing education credits received from supervision, and any other continuing education or incentives offered through the college or university.
MYTHS about taking a student include: increased stress, decreased productivity, and extra paperwork
According to Ozelie, Janow, et.al (2015) productivity actually stays CONSTANT with a student present. In fact, fieldwork educators surveyed by Evenson, et al., (2015) indicate that being a fieldwork educator provides them with “opportunities to update practice, keep current, apply new ideas, research or theories; personal satisfaction, giving back to university or profession, opportunity to develop clinical reasoning and develop supervision skills” (p. 3).
We ask that you consider meeting with any of the NEOTEC members to discuss how you can start a fieldwork students program. Many different models exist, and we will work with you to ensure that a balance is met, students are obtaining what they need, and your facility staff is feeling supported and ready to take on this endeavor.
Serving as a Fieldwork Educator is an excellent way to prepare the next generation of students entering the work force. We do hope you will consider this today!!
References:
Evenson, M.E.,Roberts, M., Kaldenberg, J., Barnes, M.A., & Ozelie, R. (2015). A national survey of fieldwork educators: Implications for OT education. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 69(2), 6912350020p1-6912350020p5. Bethesda, MD: American Occupational Therapy Association.
Ozelie, R., Janow, J., Kreutz, C., Mulry, M. K., & Penkala, A. (2015). Supervision of occupational therapy Level II fieldwork students: Impact on and predictors of clinician productivity. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(1), 6901260010p1-6901260010p7.