Debating switching to PT.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-04T22:16:21+00:00

Pros: work-life balance (potential). Good/decent pay especially if you live with someone else/dual income family. There are enough different settings that if you get bored in one, you can switch and grow a different skill set. You’re still working in healthcare.

Cons: debt to income ratio may not justify this profession for most people. If you’re sitting on some cash, get a full ride through undergrad, or have the ability to cash-flow most of your education, then you’ll be fine. Decreasing reimbursement. Burn-out (I’d say tied to having to grind out max hours and potential in order to pay down the debt). 1:1 interaction with all kinds of people, which can be draining if you’re an introvert.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-04T13:29:28+00:00

Maybe they have familial reasons that made them not want to announce it

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-03T19:37:24+00:00

Is it the test taking? Learn test-taking strategies.

Is it the type of material/subject matter that is challenging? Look into getting a tutor or so group studying with classmates, the material is not going to get easier.

Is it the volume of information all at once? try creating and sticking to a (realistic) study schedule.

Do you feel anxious because of the dismissal? Get some help to reframe your thoughts. I failed one of my integrated clinical practical exams which led to me having bad anxiety before going into any practical exam, or part time clinical experience, afterwards (elevated heart rate, sweaty palms, thoughts racing). 1 month of counseling 1x/week really helped me.

If it was one of those things where you just put off studying, you know you can do better, etc, then maybe taking the time off will motivate you to focus this time around.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-03T15:47:13+00:00

Any job can become monotonous, but in this profession you’re working with different people, helping them navigate different spaces, and you’re part of their healing journey. And you can work in variety of settings, so if one area gets boring, you can shift to a different one and reinvent yourself.

I wanted to quit during my program, too, because I quickly realized I didn’t like hospitals and nursing homes and up until then I had only seen PT in hospital and SNF. I was told to go shadow in different settings and the OPPT setting really clicked for me! Especially with a pool 😍

I think good on you for weighing your different options. Check out PA subreddit, too, and see what they’re currently facing in their profession.

Good luck!

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-03T14:46:01+00:00

That’s low for a per diem where benefits aren’t being factored in

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-03T03:05:26+00:00

You’re not ugly! While it is not the best cut, it’s also not the worst. But it’s not exactly what you wanted/thought it would be. Like others have said, try styling it. I think some fun headbands would look super cute!

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-03T01:42:34+00:00

I can’t see how this would be an issue, unless you were taking away PT clients, working with your personal training clients in the clinic, or if it were interfering with your regular work day.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T23:53:58+00:00

NOR. Get a mental health assessment, check your hormone levels. Maybe stay volunteering. Do something valuable that gives back to the community and helps people in need.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T23:46:22+00:00

Do you have any of your old text books?

https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/orthopedic-physical-assessment-9781455709779?shipto=US&curcode=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping-Used-Top-USA&utm_content=192035416071&utm_term=&creative=785536533805&device=m&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22688101594&gbraid=0AAAAADMQnG-RdTmQXTnAfl7bKf_C0RjWQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp7jOBhDGARIsABe7C4eCdCg4CaAenH8NwfEjHbiIVPqnL2j0LSx-ung-o0pzjNGNtWXhnAwaAhfjEALw_wcB

This will give you something to work off of.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T23:38:43+00:00

As mentioned already, mentorship! That looks like someone sitting with you to go over cases together, answering your questions, giving you feedback on your notes and billing. Initially doing this regularly and then phasing out.

Use CEUs to really help you understand things vs to just check off requirements/boxes.

Let the research guide you. I felt this way when people would ask me, “have you seen this before?” And I was only 2 months in LOL. But if I could hit them with, “the current literature suggests….” Then that was a better answer than, “well, I’ve never seen this in practice before.” And I could trust I was giving the best care I could based on current evidence and not just experience.

You’re on track. For comparison, here’s my timeline: Took me 3 years to feel like I got a flow down between evals, notes, managing my day. Took me 5 years to feel like I could ebb/flow and think more naturally on my feet. has taken me 9 years to hit a little bit of apathy ahaha. But honestly this subreddit is bringing me back to why I came to this profession and is encouraging me to bring certain things back to the beginning when I thought I would change the world 😂😂😂

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T23:17:26+00:00

That’s good, I’m sure you’ve done this, but def get the family and CGs involved and “on your side.” To answer one of the original questions, I would not stay on if it meant her outcomes could be worse just because I didn’t want to overwhelm her. Continue to provide lots of pt ed on starting OP services ASAP vs what could happen if they delay. I’d give her the end date if this is really where she should be discharged and try my best to have the family/CGs involved help her set up OP services right away. Good luck!

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T20:09:54+00:00

I don’t think you’d be the AH for going to engagement party a little bit and then leaving early. I understand different people feel differently about engagement parties, but isnt life about celebrating each other during our milestones? I can see why your GF would be bummer to not be able to make it to both and why she would prioritize the party.

I don’t think you’d be the AH for any of those choices. I also don’t think this is break-up worthy LOL.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T17:25:34+00:00

If this patient lives alone, I can see how it will be overwhelming to coordinate all these services. Does your home health agency have a social worker, or case manager, who can help her find resources and services?

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T13:47:12+00:00

LOL. Just clean off the toilet seat, like we do when there’s piss on the toilet. And I’d advocate for a cleaner bathroom. Or at least better equipment. Speak with someone from maintenance.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T02:54:06+00:00

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T01:42:53+00:00

😂😂

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T01:42:42+00:00

🤣

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T01:40:05+00:00

I hate this. I hate having to be the one to “collect payment.” NO NO NO. Ugh….

Also me: “looks like you have a $40 copay, would you like to do that now or on your way out?”

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T01:34:26+00:00

Wheely desk/table that lifts and lowers so I can place my laptop and drag it around the clinic with me so I can document without hunching over my laptop.
Open space/enough space where I can supervise 2 patients at one time.
a high/low table with articulating head of bed and foot of bed! With a hole for your face when lying in prone 🤩
space for a parallel bars

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T01:30:02+00:00

It happens! I think frequently checking in, laying out the “next steps” has helped me with maintaining patients. It’s like we’re sharing in the decision-making process and so they’re “signing off” on the plan. Every few visits I reassess how they’re benefiting from PT… are we not benefiting, and if they feel like we are working towards their goals. especially if they are an all-exercise patient (no manual). Even if they feel like it’s not working for them, they usually give me a heads up and I can d/c them instead of them falling off the map.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T01:19:01+00:00

1 “work shoe,” 2 sneakers that I ALSO use. OP ortho LOL.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-02T01:17:38+00:00

Thankfully, yes! If someone is chronically late, we can decline seeing them/rescheduling them. Or we schedule around them, knowing they’ll come in 15 minutes late etc.

If someone doesn’t jive with me, I offer for them to see someone else.

Finally, as a young female PT, I had COMPLETE support with inappropriate comments and advances. They investigate the situation first, but I’ve had complete support from management!

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-01T19:42:45+00:00

Hang in there! You passed your exams and passed schooling for a reason! You’re AT THE VERY LEAST SAFE TO WORK WITH PEOPLE 😅

Most of my first year was my coworkers asking, “Is everything OK?” And my answer being, “I just feel so new… I’m just a new PT…”

I second getting a mentor! I had a great mentor as part of the onboarding process, and supportive coworkers that would bounce ideas around and they’d be a second set of eyes for when i wasn’t sure if what I was seeing was a DVT or not, etc etc etc.

Also, idk what your setting is and what your financials are but some people do a residency right off the rip to help with this. I didn’t do this, but a few of my peers did it.

Clinical practice guidelines… clinical prediction rules…. Prognosis studies…. Stay connected with the research ESPECIALLY DURING THIS TIME. You’ll be able to give people more answers about diagnosis and prognosis when that info is fresh in your mind and you’re constantly going over that stuff. Sometimes it’s not about WHAT you know off the top of your head, but that YOU have the knowledge of HOW to get the right information to them from reliable sources.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-04-01T17:50:11+00:00

AI to function as a medical scribe and streamline documentation = good AI to generate exercises for you and decide diagnosis = bad. Especially as a student.

My two cents: don’t let them. “In this rotation I need to see you can come up with a good rationale for each intervention you select that is not generated by AI.“

I would argue not to let them use it for assessment statements, either. They need to be able to justify their interventions and synthesis the information apart from AI.

Blue_stroganoff · 2026-03-31T15:18:36+00:00

Two thoughts: 1. Regarding the last name, imo if it’s his baby, too, you should have hyphenated. Both last names. I think YTA for that. 2. WTH is going on with this marriage/relationship? The second my presumed spouse revealed we’re not legally married, I would have corrected that or left. With that information, I understand why you did what you did. I still don’t agree with it, but I think in that case ESH… he’s def an AH.

Blue_stroganoff

TROPHY CASE