From the Blog: Wrapping Up Occupational Therapy Month (Part III)

Spotlight on Our OTs! (Part III)

In the final part of this spotlight series, we spoke with Johnnie McDaniel from Wyoming Healthcare Center and Jennifer Wilson from Rainelle Healthcare Center!

Where are you from and what facility do you work at?

Johnnie: I’m from Beckley, West Virginia and work at Wyoming Healthcare Center.

Jennifer: I’m from Boston, Massachusetts and work at Ranielle Healthcare Center.

How long have you been working as an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), and what drew you to this specific career path? Where did you receive your training?

Johnnie: I have been working in the field for 23 years and was trained from Mountain State University. I used to work as a truck driver for a moving company, but I hurt my arm on the job and had to have surgery and go through physical therapy to recover. During all of this I was unable to return to my previous job duties, so, I decided to switch careers to therapy after seeing firsthand how much of a difference it can make in someone’s life.

Jennifer: I’ve been working in the field for nine years and received my training from the University of Charleston. I was drawn to the field because I had an interest in helping people be independent and improving their quality of life.                                                  

In your own words, how would you describe the role of an OT/COTA?

Johnnie: As a COTA, I am responsible for carrying out the OT plan of care for all my patients. My goal is that they receive the highest quality of care and make the most progress that they can to increase their quality of life.

Jennifer: I help patients develop, recover, and maintain daily living and work skills through treatment in a friendly, professional, and engaging environment.
 

What is your favorite part of being an OT/COTA or working in healthcare? What keeps you passionate about your work?

Johnnie: Being able to make a real difference in someone’s life. Seeing them come in ‘broken’ and helping them heal so they can return home, is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.

Jennifer: My favorite part of working in occupational therapy is building meaningful connections with my patients and seeing their progress, knowing my impact brings purpose to each day, and the smiles and breakthroughs.

Can you describe a moment or experience in your career that made you feel especially proud or fulfilled?

Johnnie: We had a stroke patient come in with paralysis and a feeding tube. They couldn’t do any ADL care, walk, or eat. After about six or seven months, our whole therapy team–OT, PT, and ST–had the patient completing about 95% of their ADLs, walking with a cane, and ready to return home to his wife. He eventually got his feeding tube removed, started walking independently without any assistive device, and even got back to driving. He still stops by to visit from time to time.

Jennifer: I received Employee of the Quarter this year. It was such an honor to be recognized and reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place.

What is the most rewarding part of working with residents and patients in your current facility?

Johnnie: Seeing the difference you can make in their lives, and helping them reach the highest quality of life that they can.

Jennifer: Seeing my patient’s confidence grow as they regain independence.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not working?

Johnnie: I like to go hunting and fishing.

Jennifer: I like to golf, cook, read, spend time with my family, spend time outdoors, and walking.

What would you want people to know about OT as a profession, especially as we celebrate OT Month?

Johnnie: That OT as a profession can and does help patients to regain the quality of life that they want to live. They can be a thriving part of the facility life and still enjoy themselves.

Jennifer: We work with people of all ages in many different settings. Our focus can range from physical recovery to mental health, cognitive skills, sensory integration, and more. Every day looks different, and that variety is part of what makes OT so special and rewarding.