Stepping out of university and into the real-world settings of healthcare can be daunting for new occupational therapists (OTs). Forbes Care recognises this pivotal transition, leading the charge with their New Graduate Program designed to smooth the pathway from academia to clinical practice. In conjunction with this initiative, the upcoming Next Gen OT Summit offers to equip imminent graduates with invaluable insights and skills. Geordie Carr, Clinical Training & Development Coordinator and Senior Mental Health Occupational Therapist, sheds light on the intrinsic benefits of these programs for new OTs.

The Forbes Care Graduate Experience: A Stepping Stone to Excellence

At the heart of the Forbes Care program lies the commitment to collaborative practice, which, as Geordie elaborates, is essential in moulding competent and confident therapists. A few of the salient features highlighted by Geordie include:

The Art of Collaborative Practice: New OTs learn to appreciate and engage in interdisciplinary teamwork underscoring the comprehensive benefits of collaboration.

Comfort in the Unknown: The program emphasises that it's acceptable to not have all the answers and encourages a culture where questions are welcomed.

Self-Knowledge and Confidence: Participants often discover their latent knowledge and abilities, realising their true potential and the areas where they can improve.

Theoretical Application in Real-Life Scenarios: Supportive environments facilitate the crucial transition from learning OT theories to applying them in practical situations.

A Wealth of Clinical Experience at Your Fingertips

The Forbes Care New Graduate Program strength lies in providing new OTs with access to extensive clinical experience through interactions with senior team members. Such exchanges ignite conversations centred on client needs, promoting a comprehensive and holistic understanding of occupational therapy. The emphasis on collaborative problem-solving bestows upon new graduates not just solutions, but a skill set transferable across different challenges they will encounter.

Confidence: The Mark of Program Success

Geordie has observed a palpable surge in self-assurance among program participants, whether they are adjusting to new cultural landscapes or navigating complex healthcare systems like the NDIS. This contrasts with new graduates elsewhere who, not having such a supportive backdrop, may struggle to develop the necessary problem-solving skills that this program cultivates.

Summit Takeaways: Guidance for the Future

The upcoming Next Gen OT Summit promises to distill further wisdom, readying participants via discussions on the dynamics of generalist practice, the setting of professional boundaries, mental preparation for job interviews, and identifying quality graduate programs.

A Word of Advice: Embrace Your Journey

To the new OTs, Geordie advocates for self-compassion. Occupational therapists often lean toward perfectionism, a trait that can obscure their recognition of personal and professional growth. Embracing the quote “we often don’t see our own growth as we are raising the bar every day” may serve as a reminder that progress is a continuous, and sometimes imperceptible, ascent.

Concluding Thoughts

For budding occupational therapists, the Forbes Care New Graduate Program paired with the Next Gen OT Summit signifies a holistic journey of growth and confidence-building. It is an invitation to learn, adapt, and thrive as professionals, supported by the wisdom of experienced mentors and a network that understands the complexities and rewards of a career in occupational therapy.