Driving and Mobility Guest Lecture Reflection

My key takeaway points from the driving and mobility guest lecture were the following:

1.     The requirements to become a Certified Driving Rehab Specialist (CDRS) include being trained for 2 years, having passed the national exam, and having to maintain continuing education courses.

2.     Under Tennessee legislature, drivers must have 20/40 corrected or uncorrected vision in both eyes and be seizure free for 6 months. There are no laws for prosthetic use while driving and a license can be immediately suspended (within 10 days) by a physician.

3.     Hand controls include push/rock, push/right angle, push/twist, and push/pull. Pushing is always for break.

4.     Assessments to screen clients for driving ability include the SIMARD MD (identification of the cognitively impaired), Trail making A and B, and MMT/AROM.

Interventions:

1.     Educating and assisting an individual in fitting his/her car seat (i.e. distance from wheel to seat, line of sight, adjusting seat, seatbelt, and mirrors).

2.     Administering assessments during a low vision support group and educating about the dangers of driving with impaired vision. Then providing options on improving safety to those who qualify.

Nutrition Guest Lecture Reflection

My key takeaway points from this lecture were:

1.     Nutrition can be primary, secondary or tertiary prevention

2.     Older adults need more protein than adults but tend to consume less

3.     Loss of even a small percentage of lean body mass can have detrimental effects on the body

4.     Hospital stays lead to loss of lean body mass and malnutrition

Interventions:

1.     Creation and maintenance of a food journal for a group that may be at risk of malnutrition (i.e. older adults, exercise groups, diabetes support group).

2.     Individual meal prep and client education on the importance of a balanced, high-protein diet for older adults.

My Glyph Comparison

In comparing my two glyphs, created only five months apart, there are a few noticeable differences. The most obvious is the shape of the head. My original glyph had a square head indicating that I believe leadership derives from nurture rather than nature. However, my recent glyph had a triangle head, indicating that I believe leadership is an inborn trait. I believe that ultimately, leadership derives from both nature and nurture. Throughout my OT student career and observation of many leaders, I believe that there are certain traits that come naturally to most leaders, such as self-confidence, independence, and charisma. However, I believe that these traits can also be sought and developed in those who may not have them naturally, creating a leader through nurture.

Another difference is that my glyph went from pointy ears to round ears. This indicates the evolution in my viewpoint of technology. Five months ago, I believe that technology is important part of effective leadership and this week I believed that it is not. I have come to realize that, while technology may aid a leader in communication, advocacy, and resources, it is not as vital as I once believed. My opinion is that a leader can emerge using no technology and can remain a leader without technology. For example, there are many examples of great, historic leaders before modern technology was invented. It may be helpful to have technology, but it is not necessary.

            The most interesting difference between the two glyphs is my preference of how I personally like to take on leadership. My original glyph had curved eyebrows indicating that I liked to take the role of the leader in an out-in-front way. However, my recent glyph had pointy eyebrows, indicating that I liked to keep my leadership behind the scenes. I think this says a lot about how I’ve evolved through my OT school experience. While I do not mind taking the out-in-front leadership style when necessary, I have come to realize that I do not need the public recognition that I thought I once did. As long as my peers and colleagues respect my leadership position, I am happy to let others be the “front men.” I am very content in leading from the middle of the group rather than in front. 

            I found this exercise to be very interesting and eye-opening. It shocked me how much my view of leadership (and myself as a leader) changed in just a few months. I believe that situations such as OT school truly challenges our views on leadership. I would also anticipate that the first few years of practicing will also shift our view. It would be fascinating to create a glyph 2 years into our first job! Imagine the changes!