Document: ADDIGEST_THERAPY_1ST_11-17-08_NOFOLIO17_B_T_17_42224;Page: 1;Trim size: (5.375 x 8.375 ");Plate: Composite;Date: 03 Nov, 2008 11:00:43
physical
St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital.“We come Pediatric areasofpractice
in with adifferentset of eyes, with adifferent
background andtraining. We absolutely are ■ Congenital,developmental,neuromuscular
andskeletaldisordersaddressingage-appropriatedevelopment the
best we canatthatpoint.” ■ Acquired diseases
■ Genetic disordersAspecial kind of therapist
■ Developmental delaysPediatrictherapistsdisplay aspecial
■ Cerebral palsymindsetthatrecruiterslookfor.
“Obviously youhavetoenjoy working ■ Spina bifida
with children,” Carter said.“That’s ■ Scoliosis
definitely different as farasbeing able to
■ Torticollisgetwiththe children at theirlevel —
whetherthat’smentallyorphysically, ■ Cardiopulmonarydiagnoses
psychologicallyoremotionally—and be ■ Fine andgross motorskills
able to understand where they areand not
■ Balanceand coordinationbe frustrated by that.”
Shesaidthatwithkids, ageand talking ■ Strength andendurance
levelcan be challengesthattherapistsmust ■ Cognitiveand sensoryprocessing and
have thepatiencetowork through. integration
“[Kids]are notgoing to be able to talk to
■ Newborn intensive careyoulikeanadult mightbeableto,”she said.
“Inmytreatingdays, oneofmyfavorite
places to be was in neonatal intensivecare.
Obviouslymypatientsdidn’ttalktome, but where atherapist actually comestothe
Ilovethatpopulation.” child’shomeand provides therapyservices
At AStepAhead PediatricTherapy, in thenatural environmentofthe child,”
MimBartos, managerand occupational Prothero said.“It’s agreat service. It’s
therapist,saidjob candidates’passion plays needed.It’sjustthatIndiana needstowork
apartinthe hiringdecision. outthe kinks.”
“Wehirepeoplewho arepassionateabout
workingwithchildren,peoplethatare Career satisfaction
open-minded, enthusiastic,respectfulofthe Pediatricphysicaltherapy is rewardingfor
families,”Bartossaid. practitioners, patients andfamily. According
to Carter,there’s beenahugedemandforTaking thoseFirst Steps
physicaltherapistssince the1980s.
Oneofthe issues facingpediatrictherapists “I thinkthatmost people whoend up in
in Indianaisgetting FirstSteps,the early- this career arepeople-oriented,”Cartersaid.
intervention program,ontrack.Afederally “Theywanttobeinaposition to feel they
funded program,First Steps offers services arereallymakingadifference andhelping
forqualified children up to 3years old. patients getwelland move back toward
“Depending on theincomelevel,the functional,independentliving. It makes it
family canget proratedorfreeservices, very worthwhile.” ●
FALL 2008 •INDIANA THERAPISTS QUARTERLY 17
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24