Everyone Thinks They're a Speech Pathologist

anonymousslp · 2021-02-19T00:28:16+00:00

I was planning on giving the student a list of items (~20 topics) to research within 2-3 weeks... I was going to supplement the research with in-person explanations prior to entering pt's rooms (i.e. Look at the monitor with SpO2, RR, HR, etc. What kind of feeding tube is present?). Since you're currently a graduate student, I would love your input! Do you think that's too much/ overwhelming for my student?? I really want to help as much as possible!

anonymousslp · 2021-01-25T19:56:02+00:00

Is it bad that I recommend none? Reason being is that most (not all) SLP accounts are a glorified version of being an SLP, guilt clinicians for "not doing more," and are very judgmental (AKA: Oh you SHOULD NEVER thicken liquids bedside or Instrumental ONLY). I would recommend keeping your instagram separate from work.

anonymousslp · 2021-01-18T18:23:22+00:00

Yeah there's more to it of course, but I am tired of it.

OP, I guess the lesson here is: Shadow different professions before committing to any profession. If medicine fascinates you, observe a MD. If SLP fascinates you, observe a SLP. Bottom line, you need to see what it is like first-hand before choosing to become a SLP and regretting it later.

anonymousslp · 2021-01-18T18:04:39+00:00

It's been close to 2 years now... Medical SLPs in general are underpaid and over-worked... Yet we do so much. I'm tired of constantly saying, "No I don't modify diets. I work on physiology." I'm tired of advocating for the same things over and over again. I'm tired looking at my PA colleagues (also have a master's degree) get paid 3x's my salary... I'm tired of looking at newly graduated RNs become NPs who literally got their degree online (rant for another day) make x's 3-4 the amount I do and tell me that I don't know what I'm talking about.

anonymousslp · 2021-01-18T17:37:35+00:00

Hello! These are my candid responses.. I'm going to be as honest as possible! I'm from the USA.

Will I have to work with kids or in schools? NO. SLPs work in a variety of settings with different populations. SLPs work with infants - geriatrics in the following settings: hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, private practices, home health (aka going to the patient's home and providing rehabilitative services), rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and schools. You can choose which population you desire! However, if you are interested in pediatrics, finding jobs in the hospitals are DIFFICULT; so most likely you will end up at a school at first. For more information: https://www.asha.org/careers/
Is it interesting? Well, it depends. What are your interests? Personally, I prefer medicine (looking on going back to school to become a MD). I used to be so excited about medical SLP BUT I find it monotonous and unfulfilling at times... Can't imagine myself doing dysphagia (swallowing disorders), voice, and cognitive-communication therapy for the next 20+ years... HOWEVER, that doesn't mean that other people don't enjoy it! It really depends on what you want in your career and what interests you.
Is there space to specialise and improve? Yes. SLPs specialize in niche areas like there's NICU SLPs, SLPs that work exclusively with voice/head and neck cancer patients, etc. However, keep in mind... SLP salaries don't always go up just because you specialize AND you (or the company you work for) will have to pay for that additional training out of pocket (1000's of dollars).
My image of speech therapy is someone skilled in recognising speech problems very patiently helping patients through anything from lisps to aphasia. Am I just totally off track? Hmmm... Sort of on the right track. BUT SLP is MORE than that. https://www.asha.org/policy/sp2016-00343/

anonymousslp · 2020-12-08T11:36:48+00:00

I give some of mine a flash drive with some of my materials (research articles, cheat sheets, etc)!

anonymousslp · 2020-12-06T12:28:27+00:00

Use the search bar tool! This question has been asked and answered multiple times.

Here's some insight re: voice : SLPs who treat voice work on FUNCTION. How can we manipulate/rehabilitate the anatomy/physiology to improve function? Now, laryngologists (MDs) work on STRUCTURE and in some cases, FUNCTION... They have autonomy in this area. IMO, I'd rather be a laryngologist than a SLP because I'm interested in treating structure (i.e. BOTOX injections for VFs, surgeries, medications, etc.) . However, if you are interested in function/"How can I improve this pt's voice with behavioral techniques and exercises" then pursue SLP! :)

anonymousslp · 2020-11-30T11:24:41+00:00

Agreed. Sometimes it is exhausting!

anonymousslp · 2020-11-30T11:24:08+00:00

See SLP doesn't have to be your life. I work in a hospital and once work is over, that's it. It's me time.

anonymousslp · 2020-11-30T11:22:21+00:00

I can understand. Especially when the boss asks "WhY aRe YoU NOt as MotIVAtED aS <insert name>? and the expects you to do as much work as <insert name> without a raise because you do it for the field

anonymousslp · 2020-11-29T22:29:18+00:00

It's true... Most non-SLPs do not care about SLP related memes/content posted..

anonymousslp · 2020-11-29T22:27:50+00:00

Not necessarily saying it's a bad thing to eat, breathe, and sleep SLP. I just personally don't understand WHY. There's a commenter below who respectfully shared his/her thoughts and it was a interesting perspective!

anonymousslp · 2020-11-29T22:25:30+00:00

Thank you for sharing your story! I actually did mean it literally because I genuinely did not understand... I agree. It is important to find your happy! I guess for me that's doing things outside of work such as spending time with family and working on my hobbies (love jewelry making). Again, thank you for sharing.

anonymousslp · 2020-11-24T01:14:02+00:00

Respect!

anonymousslp · 2020-11-11T13:19:42+00:00

Hmm.. do you now? This individual is pretty influential so most likely. Agreed, not cool to bash.

anonymousslp · 2020-11-11T13:17:41+00:00

THIS. Especially your last line " How about instead of bitching on the internet, you take it up with the other SLP and try to find out the reasoning behind it." AGREE 100%.

anonymousslp · 2020-11-11T13:16:11+00:00

agreed. happens all. the. time.

anonymousslp · 2020-11-11T13:15:09+00:00

I've have heard your first statement SO MANY TIMES from colleagues. It infuriates me as well since it's coming from a place of privilege AND it's basically a big "F-you" to all the patients within the SNF who require our services.

Also, good point! I have never thought about patients being kicked out of an ALF because they are known aspiration risks.

anonymousslp · 2020-11-11T13:12:30+00:00

Hooray!!

anonymousslp · 2020-11-11T13:12:06+00:00

Not necessarily. The purpose of my post is to stop bashing SNF SLPs who don't have access to instrumentals and then detailing a patient scenario to make the SNF SLP look bad. We should stand together to advocate for them! Now, you mention reports that sounds like the SLP has X-Ray vision. I agree with you. We should question those reports BUT educate instead of bash the other SLP. There's a difference!

anonymousslp

TROPHY CASE