Emma’s initiation into the occupational therapy profession through Forbes Care’s New Graduate Program is a shining illustration of how strategic support, high standards, and a team-centric culture propels new graduates towards remarkable growth and success. Four months into the program, Emma shares her experiences, the invaluable learnings she’s gathered, the challenges she’s navigated, and the sheer appreciation she has for the caring and high-achieving environment at Forbes Care.

A Supportive and High-Achieving Environment

Emma immediately felt embraced by the distinctively supportive and proud culture at Forbes Care. The emphasis on high standards not just in service delivery but also in procedural tasks like report writing struck a chord with her. She appreciates the constant support available, especially when facing uncertainties, and values the time allocated to her for planning evidence-based sessions—a testament to Forbes Care’s commitment to quality and employee development.

Learning Curve and Skill Development

The program has ushered Emma into significant skill development in time management, allowing her to identify the most productive times for paperwork and planning. She has learned to embrace the variability in client sessions, understanding that progress sometimes requires patience, consistency, and adaptability.

Emma has particularly noted improvements in her reporting skills, attributing her success to the program’s resources, such as templates and sample reports, which have helped her enhance her assessment interpretations and recommendations significantly.

Navigating Challenges with Team Support

Emma faced numerous challenges typical for those new to their professional journey. However, the collective expertise and willingness of the Forbes Care team to assist with anything from technology glitches to client queries made a significant difference. Learning to admit when answers were not readily available has actually helped her build trust with clients, showcasing honesty and dedication to providing accurate responses.

Managing a caseload and future bookings initially tested Emma, but with effective strategies and the continual support of her supervisor and the administrative team, she's developing effective practices to stay organised and proactive.

Comprehensive Skill Acquisition for Current Role

Emma applauds the program for its role in broadening her clinical knowledge across various healthcare programs and significantly boosting her confidence in prescribing equipment and recommending minor home modifications, areas she had no previous experience in before joining Forbes Care.

The Role of Mentorship and Team Dynamics

The mentorship and support system at Forbes Care have been pivotal in Emma’s early career development. Frequent interactions not only with her supervisor but also with specialised OTs within the team have facilitated a personalised and enriched learning experience.

Appreciating Forbes Care’s Work Culture and Community

What stands out most to Emma is the professional, approachable, and inclusive culture at Forbes Care. She cherishes the team days, which offer delightful opportunities to connect with the broader team beyond the confines of daily schedules, further enhancing the sense of belonging and community within the workplace.

Emma’s Reflections

Emma’s journey thus far in the Forbes Care New Graduate Program illuminates the comprehensive support, learning opportunities, and the nurturing environment that Forbes Care extends to its new graduates. Her story is an inspiration for aspiring occupational therapists, demonstrating the profound impact of a well-structured graduate program and a supportive team on early career development in the dynamic field of occupational therapy.

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