Feb 25 2013

Tatum, Britt

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Goal Statement:

My goal as a professional physical therapist is to eventually obtain a job working as an inpatient’s pediatric PT, treating a diverse population of children, and implementing up-to-date evidence based research. I have always had a soft spot for children, and through the coursework and my clinical experiences, I have further fueled my passion to help treat children. As I gain experience working with the pediatric population, I would like to become a pediatric clinician specialist.

Career Plan:

2013: Doctorate of Physical Therapy

2013- 2017: Inpatient Acute Care job (focused on neurology)

2017-2027: Children’s Outpatient Rehab

2028-2029/2030: Residency in Pediatric PT

2030: Obtain PCS

2030 -2050 : Inpatient Pediatric Clinician

2050-2053: Home Health Pediatric PT

2053- Retirement

Self-Assessment:

Strengths         

  • Communication Skills
  • Documentation
  • Compassion for the PT profession and patients
  • General knowledge of pediatric care.
  • Basic knowledge of Aquatic Therapy
  • Beginner/Intermediate Spanish skills

Areas for Professional Development

  • Manual Therapy Techniques
  • Assertiveness in Clinical Practice
  • Consistent use of evidence based research
  • Broaden spectrum of Pediatric PT care
  • Increase knowledge about Medicaid and Medicare laws

Objectives

1.Study, sit, and pass Board Certification to become a Physical Therapist

2. Develop Pediatric PT skills by completing a Pediatric clinical for Clinical Practicum IV, focusing on inpatient pediatric care, and able to demonstrate through an inservice case study.

3. Obtain employment as an inpatient PT, preferably pediatrics, in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.

4.  Participate in community activities, promoting the profession of physical therapy.

5. Become a Pediatric Clinician Specialist.

6. As I become a experienced clinician, serve as a mentor to other budding PT’s and PT students.

Strategies:

  • Find employment that promotes team dynamics and offers excellent mentorship.
  • Select appropriate elective coursework/CEU’s that will coincide with interest and potential future clinical practice.
  • Network with other PT’s in surrounding areas with similar areas of interest.
  • Become active in local APTA chapters of relevance for clinical practice.
  • Participate in more community involvement with programs for children and elderly with neuromuscular disorders.
  • Allot appropriate time towards focused studying for board certification exam. 

Outline for Clinical Courses, Electives and Capstone Project 

Health and Wellness:  Health and Wellness has increased my ability to be sensitive to patient’s needs, cultural or otherwise. This is especially important when working in the hospital setting as there is a very diverse type of patient who come from many regions to be seen for care. Understanding the underlying health concepts will improve the overall quality of care I provide to my patients and their caregivers.

Child/Family Assessment and Intervention:  This course allowed me to focus on specific diagnosis, assessment and treatment techniques for a variety of pediatric disabilities. I was exposed to appropriate uses of adaptive equipment, assistive devices and the diverse areas of pediatric PT.  I was able to gain knowledge on a variety of diagnosis with specific emphasis on Cystic Fibrosis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and pediatric oncology, which have contributed to my ability to evaluate and treat patients during my clinical practicum IV.

Reflection Statement

I am extremely proud to be included in the UNC eDPT program. Over the last 3 years, I not only have learned so much about the profession of physical therapy, but also about myself.  I have been able to soak up knowledge from my clinical experiences, professors, and classmates which have without a doubt contributed to my growth as a professional. As I finish with the last portion of my clinical experience, I realize how excited I am to begin my career as a physical therapist. I know there is still much to learn, but I feel I am at a confidant level to embark on my next steps of my professional career. As I do so, I hope I maintain all the skills learned in the eDPT curriculum and put to use the best evidence based practice for my future patients. Completing the UNC eDPT curriculum will allow me to use my skills to provide effective, efficient patient care and ultimately help people.

4 responses so far




4 Responses to “Tatum, Britt”

  1.   Mike McMorrison 24 Jun 2013 at 9:50 pm

    Britt,
    Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. I know you will be an asset to pediatric physical therapy.
    All the best to you!
    mike m

    Reply

  2.   Carla Hillon 25 Jun 2013 at 1:11 am

    Britt,
    Great job on your accomplishments throughout the DPT program. I enjoyed having you in the clinic with me during your first experience. You demonstrated interest in and compassion for each patient that came into the clinic.
    One suggestion to consider would be moving up your timeframe for participating in a pediatric residency program. If your primary professional desire is to work in pediatrics, you may want to work on transitioning into that earlier in your career and a peds residency could be a good bridge between your professional experience with an acute neuro population to full-time pediatrics.
    Keep looking for growth opportunities. You’ll do great!
    Carla

    Reply

  3.   Lisa Johnstonon 27 Jun 2013 at 8:40 pm

    Britt:
    Thanks for all your work and it is nice to see the things you have worked on and plan to work on. What I cannot see here is the samples of your work. If you could take a minute to post links to your work samples that would be great. Nice job on everything else. You will be a great therapist. Good luck
    Lisa

    Reply

  4.   Debbie Thhorpeon 01 Jul 2013 at 7:25 pm

    Britt
    I enjoyed reading your portfolio and have enjoyed seeing your interest in Pediatric PT intensify over the last 3 yrs! I want you to ammend your timeline though. If you continue to be immersed in peds, I can see you sitting for the PCS exam in no longer than 5 yrs and applying for a peds residency program in the next 5 yrs as well. You are very good with children and I enjoyed working with you with the young boy that we worked with in the pool. Please stay in touch and let me know if I can help you make connections in the specialty area of pediatric PT.
    Good luck!!

    Best
    Debbie

    Reply

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