Thriving as a School-Based Physical Therapist: An Everyday Guide to Success

Whether you're feeling burnt out, creatively drained, or buried under a mountain of paperwork, we've got the prescription to help you overcome the challenges and reignite your passion for your work. Let's dive into the strategies and tips that will empower you to be the best PT you can be, no matter the time of year.

Flipping the Script on Work and Wellness

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a rut, just going through the motions day after day? It's time to flip the script and make every day an opportunity for growth and transformation. By prioritizing self-care, cultivating connections, and embracing gratitude, you can turn even the most mundane tasks into moments of joy and fulfillment. Say goodbye to the old habits that no longer serve you and hello to a new chapter of positivity and possibility.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Success isn't just about achieving goals – it's about setting yourself up for success every single day. Whether it's prioritizing personal energy management, embracing new treatment ideas, or revolutionizing your documentation process, small changes can lead to big results. By investing in yourself and your well-being, you'll become a better therapist and a happier, more fulfilled individual. Here are some actionable tips you can try this week: 

• Treatment plan on Sundays and say goodbye to the "Sunday scaries"! (if you need some ideas I got you covered over on my instagram @MovetoLearnPT) 
• Prioritize your personal energy management, and if you’re not, you’re starting now 😉
  
  I say that with all the love because here’s the bottom line, when we prioritize our own health and vitality we’re better equipped to care for others with compassion and strength 👏🏼
• The simplest habit that made the biggest difference…in my job AND  in my life, was the practice of gratitude 💖
  
  On hard days I got in the habit of finding the good and what a difference that can make on your well-being! That carries over into your treatment sessions, which spills into a positive mindset for documentation and then before you know it, right on home with you 🥰
  
  Our work can be so consuming because of the shear amount of time we spend there but this has truly affected my career way more than I expected!
  
  This is something I do with my course members too and it has been transformative for them as well!
• Stressing about treatment ideas? Steal this tip!
  
  Sometimes (heck a lot of the time) we gotta let go of control and let the child lead. 🥸 You can also gain A LOT of insights into your kiddos likes & strengths and use that in your treatment approach in successive sessions 😍
• 3 things you should start doing right now if you want to leave work with your documentation complete:
  
  1️⃣ Embrace efficiency with templates and tools for seamless documentation. Say goodbye to paperwork overwhelm and hello to a tool like my 3-step process for daily note writing!
  
  2️⃣ Technology is your friend! Harness the power of voice-to-text after each session, then breeze through a quick edit at day’s end. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for reclaiming your evenings!
  
  3️⃣ Stay ahead of the game by planning and organizing like a pro. My secret weapons? A caseload snapshot and monthly calendars keep me on top of what’s coming up, so I can focus on what truly matters – making a difference in students’ lives!
  
• 4 things I did today that make me a better PT and why (it’s not what you think) …
  
  1. Iced Americano: I ENJOY coffee! So starting off the day with this ritual makes me happy.
  
  2. Chocolate protein in my coffee: Protein leveraging is a one of my personal nutrition focuses right now and no one wants a hangry PT.
  
  3. A fresh hair do… need I explain more?! When you look good, you feel good. & when you feel good you’re generally better at whatever it is that you are doing!
  
  4. Date night with my husband: Prioritizing time for my marriage is essential to a happy home life and everyone knows your home life affects your work life.
  
  Here’s the bottom line, all of these things are ways I take care of myself. & when you start with you it is INEVITABLE that you will be a better PT (or whatever it is you do for work 😉).
  

Join the Movement

So, dear PTs, are you ready to take your practice to the next level? With these strategies and tips in your toolkit, you'll be well-equipped to overcome any challenge and achieve your goals. Here's to thriving as a school-based physical therapist – today and every day!

Ready to join a community that celebrates self-care, creativity, and camaraderie? Come join us at School-Based Therapist Amplified! Together, we'll support each other on our journey to success and fulfillment. Don't wait for the perfect moment – the time to thrive is now!

PS when you're ready to really dive deep, The Ultimate Guide to School-based Physical Therapy is always waiting for you here ❤️