MENTORSHIP
As a newly graduated physical therapist you are not a student any more. You are expected to be an entry-level clinician. As you can imagine this new standard comes with stress and pressure. You are now expected to be able to exam, evaluate, diagnosis, give a prognosis, establish and plan of care, and provide education including an HEP to your patients. Mentorship is a great way to be able to have someone with whom to talk through your thought process and ask questions if you have any. This does not typically take place in front of the patient as happens in some cases with a student and CI. You should look for a mentor who is willing to book 1 to 2 hours a week for one on one time to discuss patients, practice techniques, exercise prescription, communication skills, etc. This will help you gain confidence and continue to learn during the first year or two out of PT school.
Questions to ask a potential employer:
-Do you have a structured mentorship program and what are the details of the program?
-Are they specific hours set aside for mentorship?
-Who is the person I would be mentored by and what are their qualifications?
Questions to ask a potential employer:
-Do you have a structured mentorship program and what are the details of the program?
-Are they specific hours set aside for mentorship?
-Who is the person I would be mentored by and what are their qualifications?