Communicator
“Occupational therapists enable communication and effective dynamic interactions with clients, team members, and others about occupations, occupational performance, and daily life, as well as about occupational therapy services” (CAOT, 2012)
My
SKILLS
The importance of communication in occupational therapy cannot be understated. I have been able to exhibit strong written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic communication throughout my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, graduate degree in Occupational Therapy, and volunteer opportunities. During my time at Queen’s University, I have had the opportunity to participate on a variety of committees (Winter Adapted Games, Q-JUMP, Making Waves), held the position of Secretary in Queen’s Rehabilitation Society, and worked as a coordinator or the Rehabilitation Orientation Week. These jobs demanded a high degree of professionalism in all areas of communication to ensure the programming runs effectively and efficiently. Additionally, in my role as Activities Coordinator for the Enrichment Studies Unit, I was responsible for organizing evening activities for over 100 people, and communicating between office staff, student supervisors, and my coordinating team to allow the program to run smoothly. I have learned the value of communication in order to promote a client-centered therapeutic relationship, and am able do adapt my communication style depending on the practice context. In communicating with two different learning teams in my graduate program, I have also learned to mediate and negotiate with my team in order to ensure projects are comprehensive and completed in a timely manner.
Evidence
Employer
"Keira is an excellent communicator and highly organized. Her tact and professionalism was key to her successful collaboration with office staff and co-coordinators in creating and ensuring a successful program"
Placement 2 Preceptor A
"Keira communicates confidently with preceptor, patients, staff, and other stakeholders. Keira listens actively and asks appropriate and insightful questions. Keira is patient when interacting with clients. She listens respectfully, and politely redirects clients to the topic at hand when needed. Keira manages difficult situations well with clients, adjusting her language or her posture to help clients feel more comfortable. Other members of the KGH team have commended Keira for her positive, friendly, and approachable attitude"
FUTURE
directions
Engage in effective dialogue with clients using adaptive communication approaches to encourage client involvement and decision making in care
Convey effective written and electronic documentation through ensuring appropriate and thorough client documentation