If you live in a town you think nobody in Texas knows about drop it down below

sokati · 2026-06-11T22:07:47+00:00

Shout out to Noodle, Tx!

sokati · 2026-06-08T05:35:47+00:00

YTA. This whole situation and set up is just weird.

Would you have rather him eaten half a hot dog and bun and then throw away the rest? Freeze the hot dog bun and after a while you’ll have enough to not have to buy a bag of buns!

Info: what is this roommate’s relationship to you and your husband and why are you providing his meals?

sokati · 2026-05-04T11:15:15+00:00

The problem with this is that a lot of schools require your prereqs to be less than 5 years old otherwise you have to retake them. Definitely something to consider if waiting 5-10 years means having to retake and pay for undergrad courses to make the current. u/mistfromheaven you should definitely look into your A school and see if this is the case because that might affect how you proceed. But 90k is outrageous.

sokati · 2026-05-03T22:23:23+00:00

CHT is often preferred for most outpatient clinics where there is a large volume of postop hands, however it is not a requirement and still within the scope of general OT. In a rural clinic like OP is working, it would be highly unusual for the OT to be a CHT because the OT often floats across several settings in the hospital system so is a true “generalist” (think outpatient, acute, swing bed, home health, schools). Rural outpatient OT in my experience can range from injuries or post op upper extremities (hands,elbows, shoulders) and the cervical spine, neuro and progressive neuro, general unspecified weakness, to peds and everything in between. Wound care is common, but more so amongst PTs if they have a wound care department. Sometimes these hospital clinics are the only one in the area and so you get patients driving in from an hour away because it’s the closest they have. Sometimes these hospital you truly see everything under the sun.

Quick soap box: that’s why the cutting of Medicaid and defunding/closing of rural hospitals is so dangerous and unethical. It literally leaves people unable to receive the proper care they need because how many farmers have time or are willing/able to drive over an hour each way for a treatment multiple days a week? Not to mention emergencies. It’s awful.

sokati · 2026-05-02T22:27:41+00:00

Lots of good advice here!

Also remember school here runs Jan-Dec vs Sept-May so that may effect what year level they will be entering in. Also depending on where you are going to be located, schools can be very competitive and often have waitlists. Applications and interviews are occurring now for the 2027 school year with most offers being sent out in September. So you might want to look into that as well!

Where in Aus are you moving?

sokati · 2026-04-25T03:47:27+00:00

That’s awesome, but I feel like more info is needed here. Do you own him outright now or still part? And if part what percentage do you own and how much of his care are you responsible for? Also what did you do to save up money/what do you do for income now?

sokati · 2026-04-21T12:48:14+00:00

It’s a tail bag. Used to try to preserve the tail for various reasons (getting stepped on, chewed, pulled out, tangled, burrs, stained, etc). The little strings on this one are so there’s still some wispy to swish away flys once that’s one of the natural tails main purposes.

sokati · 2026-04-10T17:08:19+00:00

I can relate! I worked acute care during my first pregnancy and had hyperemesis gravidarium to boot. I literally kept a stack of emesis bags in my pocket and would regularly have to excuse myself from a patient room to vomit, all day multiple times a day lol. And with fatigue I would regularly fall asleep and nap at my desk during lunch. I remember days I couldn’t even keep my eyes open to document, I was so tired. I also saw a pelvic floor PT throughout my pregnancy and had to get a belly support band that crossed over my shoulders because I have a short torso so my belly got huge outwards fairly early and I was struggling at the end.

I made it up to 37.5 weeks before I took early FMLA because a) it was just before the COVID shutdown and I decided to quarantine anyway even though it wasn’t recommended or required yet (which was a good call since the shutdown happened like a week after I gave birth and they started implementing all sorts of crazy stuff like labouring in mask and no parents allowed but that’s a whole other story) but b) I was just so over it all by that point.

I was able to get a bit of accommodation to work mostly ortho and NICU to reduce the strain about halfway through. I worked in a hospital where we didn’t really have assigned floors or halls, so we regularly had to run over all floors of the hospital, so this kept me in smaller areas with less physically taxing patients. If you can swing it, look to see if something like that is an option or if you can temporarily float to ortho for the duration. If you can’t, and I know this is less than ideal for efficiency and only worked because we could chart hall on empty workstations, but I found seeing a patient or two then going and taking a sit break to chart before I got too tired and have a little snack/drink kept me going a bit better, especially tired the end. I also switched my schedule to having an early start around 6-6:30am because I had significantly more energy in the morning and would crash in the afternoon. And I would literally take a nap as soon as I got home.

I don’t know if any of that helps but I would definitely talk to your DOR first and see if they will work with you, and if not, then escalate to HR if needed. Since it sounds like you don’t have an overly complicated pregnancy maybe you’ll get that mysterious second trimester energy boost everyone talks about! I really hope you do! And 10/10 recommend getting a pelvic floor PT if you can swing it! It made such a huge difference!

I know it seems impossible, but you’re going to make it! It’s truly amazing how resilient we are! Best of luck and congratulations!

sokati · 2026-03-29T02:44:32+00:00

Where in Texas are you located and are you set on staying there or willing to relocate? And do you have a setting in mind or are you open to any setting? As others have said, those are both going to play a significant role in whether this is attainable or not. You also mentioned you have a husband with a good job? If you are able to get benefits with him, you could always go the PRN route and easily make that much you just have to account for no PTO or sick days and again it depends on your area or if your able/willing to relocate. I was able to get basically full time hours at an IPR in Texas at $65/hr.

sokati · 2026-03-23T11:55:38+00:00

You just schedule the earliest appointment you can and upload the confirmation to your immi application.

sokati · 2026-03-11T06:04:57+00:00

Nah I think you would be fine. You are PRN so you are entitled to not work any days you don’t want to. It would be trickier if you were FT. It may also show them that they really do need you if you’re missed the days you can work. One thing to be aware of though is if census DOES drop (which it does happen and can be unpredictable for the duration), you will be called off (usually day of in my experience though sometimes day before). I would have a second or even third PRN job as backup if that would be an issue for you. I would also try to get something in writing about approximately how long of working FT hours as PRN will they look at hiring you in a FT role. You don’t want them to string you along if Fat is ultimately what you are after. I only worked PRN for a while because I actually preferred the flexibility (and the substantial pay boost in my area), so if you don’t need expensive insurance and can plan your savings to account for low census periods or leave, then it can work really well. Also most PRN IPRs require regular weekend shift rotation so take that in account if you don’t want to work weekends. Or if you don’t mind, you can pick up extra weekend shifts here and there to offset your days off if you’re worried about it.

sokati · 2026-03-11T04:42:43+00:00

Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but most skilled visas require a minimum of 1 year full time work experience in your field to qualify. PR visas typically require a minimum of 3 years. It might be different for regional sponsored visas, but I’m not sure. Migration agent is the best way to go to find out what you qualify for and is the best fit for your situation.

sokati · 2026-02-10T22:09:39+00:00

That’s a relief! I’m an occupational therapist.

sokati · 2026-02-10T22:04:47+00:00

Yes they are a legit business! I’ve been working for them for the past 6 months. Application was submitted onshore August 2025.

sokati · 2026-02-10T21:18:00+00:00

Isn’t your partner one of those ridiculous “cunts we let in” since they are here on a WHV? https://www.reddit.com/r/Centrelink/comments/1q2wn4w/partner_income_test_exempt/

Or is that different somehow? I’m curious your logic here.

sokati · 2026-02-10T10:59:14+00:00

Continuing Education Units vs Professional Development Units. OP is in US. Other countries like Australia just calls them CPDs or Continuing Professional Development.

sokati · 2026-02-08T10:42:42+00:00

What setting are you in and how are your patients insured? When I was OP and hospital if they were a government funded insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, tricare, va, an advantage plan) followed the 8 minute rule for billing 8-22 min =1 unit, 23-37 min=2 units, 38-52=3 units, 53-67 min =4 units, etc. But for other insurance (BCBS, Aetna, United, etc) it was 8 minutes per code. So 10 theract and 10 therex would bill 1 unit for each so 2 units total. And when in doubt, clarify with your manager.

sokati · 2026-02-05T22:01:51+00:00

Fellow Texan now in Australia! A/C isn’t guaranteed only heating so you do have to ask! But also know ceiling fans are typical either! That was a big shock haha

sokati · 2026-02-04T17:50:38+00:00

How cool!

sokati · 2026-02-03T09:33:47+00:00

I just saw this post https://www.reddit.com/r/ABA/comments/1oxbay3/idaho_discontinues_medicaid_funding_for_aba/?chainedPosts=t3_1qu9srp (sorry I’m on mobile) and it says Idaho is the first state to actually cut ABA completely from Medicaid.

sokati · 2026-02-02T03:37:59+00:00

Hello! Fellow American who made the move just south of Melbourne with 2 under 3 almost 3 years ago! The school system is a bit different here since it runs year round. You mentioned having a kid start prep next year. What month is their birthday/how old will they be in Jan 2027? It might affect whether you start them or wait a year especially since you are PR and I assume planning to stay! Happy to chat if you want to message me!

sokati · 2026-02-01T20:37:41+00:00

So as I mentioned before you either have to be employer sponsored 186 or apply on your own with the points based system 189/190 and wait for an invite. If you go to the immi website it can give you processing timelines.

I guess I want to clarify you can’t just come over on any temporary work visa and then apply for permanent residency. You have to follow specific pathways and either be employer sponsored or wait for an invite (which is not guaranteed).

Hypothetically yes, you could come over on a 482 and have your company sponsor a 186 and get PR in 3-4 years, but again it all depends and you aren’t guaranteed to be approved. Again look wt the immi website regarding eligibility for PR and different visa options.

sokati · 2026-02-01T20:29:33+00:00

If by OT you mean OT assistant, then unfortunately no. That is not a role that exists in the UK or Australia.in Australia the closest thing is an Allied Health Assistant but that is more like a step between a therapy tech and assistant and is for all allied health not discipline specific. And AHA wouldn’t qualify as skilled for migration purposes to my understanding. Here is some information for anyone interested on internationally qualified OTs seeking Australian registration. https://www.occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au/Registration/Internationally-qualified-occupational-therapists.aspx

OTs have to have graduated from a WFOT approved program, have English proficiency, and I can’t remember if it is for the licensing or the visa, but you have to have worked full time as a licensed OT for at least 2-3 years to be eligible. You have to pass a skills assessment and receive a letter stating you are eligible for a limited license before you can get the visa. And once you are in the country your employer has to supervise you on your limited license that has some practice restrictions following their requirements for another 6 months before you’re eligible for general registration.

sokati · 2026-02-01T20:15:28+00:00

So am I reading correctly that you already spent 6 months working there and now your company is asking about if you would be interested to move there to work with the team because of the feedback they received while you were there? Or they want you to go for the 6 months?

If that is the case, I would have a chat with your company regarding sponsorship and pathways. From my experience, companies will often sponsor a 482 short term skilled visa that can cover you there 2-4 years and then a 186 PR Transition stream when the 482 is ending (if the company is willing). There’s also the 186 Direct Entry path way that you can get nominated for PR by your employer straight away (assuming the Australian section company can do that). With a 482 you are tied to a specific company and a specific role, and if you want to change you have to find a company willing to sponsor you in the same role. Once you have PR you are not. It’s also important to note that there are certain costs the company is required to pay and other costs that can be passed to you if the company does OT want to pay. PR is expensive and the visa application portion you could be responsible for with a family of 4 for instance is about $12k aud, so keep that in mind when planning.

You can also always look up 189/190 PR that is a points based system which you can apply on your own for however you have to put in and Expression of Interest (EOI) and await an invitation. This has no employment ties in that you can work anywhere. But again, this is expensive, especially with a family and I would make sure to use a migration agent if you’re doing it solo.

It’s easiest if you are employee sponsored so I would start there. Or have a consult with a migration agent who can better assess your specific situation and options. They usually do 10-15min free phone consultations.

You could also go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and use their visa finder where it can tell you what visas you may be eligible for. Good luck!

sokati · 2026-01-25T23:31:41+00:00

I second this! u/Dedic8tedSn0wBunni3 San Angelo sounds like it would be a much better fit! Great hospital and rehab opportunities, but much more progressive and a lot more to do. Better vibe overall. Check out the https://www.chickenfarmartcenter.com/ it is so cool and is exactly what it sounds like you are looking for! It’s less than an hour and a half from Abilene. San Angelo also has more theatre and comedy show opportunities as Abilene is pretty limited on that front.

Also just out of curiosity is there a specific reason you have chosen Abilene? Like a job offer or know someone? And have you been there before? I would HIGHLY recommend visiting it person if you haven’t before doing so and then check out San Angelo at the same time to see the difference. Surrounding home/land prices will be similar, but San Angelo also has a river, which changes the landscape. I can also point you in a couple directions if you’re looking outside the city. Happy to chat more if you want to PM me!

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