Hayley,
I am so thankful that my words could have encouraged you in some way. I completely understand how you feel about the stress level on practicum and the fears of entering the professional world as a real OT. I can honestly say that there are times I am terrified to tears, and there are moments I think the stresses of practicum are completely overwhelming. I am not sure if I can say anything to really help you accomidate to the busy hospital setting... but here are a few things that helped me as a student in that situation.
Just remember that you are learning and you don't have to know all the answers right now... trust me, I am a perfectionist and that is a difficult concept for people like me to comprehend. I tried to really focus on each moment I had with a specific patient and try to not get over stimulated by the rush and craziness around me. Try to stay organized (that's a hard one for me too... "organized people are too lazy to look for things.") Ask lots of questions and tell your intructor when you are getting totally overhwhelmed (maybe not everytime you get overwhelmed... but at the breaking points). One thing that really helped me was my relationship with my instructor. I was always very honest and kept those lines of communication wide open. Have fun!!! The patient's don't know when you are unsure of what to do next... thank goodness, right?! Laugh... that always makes me less stressed!! Thanks for writing.
Cari
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