Happy New Year!

I wish all RTs the best for the New Year!!!

Danny Pettry's Rec Therapy e-Newsletter

I just received a notice that Danny Pettry's January 2012 Rec Therapy e-Newsletter has been published. To view it go to:
http://ymlp.com/zdVBeU

Thanks & Use of Lessons Learned Book

As you may be aware, the old Hoosier RT (aka David Austin) authored a new book in 2011 titled Lessons Learned: An Open Letter to Recreational Therapy Students and Practitioners (Sagamore Publishing).

I would like to thank Professors Terry Long and Victoria Dawn Shelar for their positive book reviews of Lessons Learned. Terry's review appeared in 2011 in the Volume 45 (number 2) issue of TRJ. Dawn's review also appeared in 2011 in AJRT Volume 10 (number 2).

I also appreciate a number of colleagues who have also spoken highly of Lessons Learned. Among them are Charlie Dixon, Danny Pettry, Joe Wilson, and Jeff Wittman. And I'm sure I've left out others who have made positive comments on Lessons Learned. I appologize to them for not listing them here as I do sincerely appreciate all the support for my book.

Should any instructors using Lessons Learned wish me to do a telephone Q and A with their students, I would be more than glad to do so. Just contact me and we'll set up a time and date.

ATRA Webinars = Many and Varied

If you haven't taken a look at the long list of webinars to be presented by ATRA, go take a look. It is an impressive listing and there are sure to be a few titles that peak your interest.

ATRA Webinars on EBP

From Jean Folkerth via the ATRAnet Listserv:

Do you have your resolutions planned? Well if one of them is to learn more about Evidence Based Practice (EBP), have we got help for you! ATRA Webinars can assist you! The first in the 2012 ATRA Webinar Series is on evidence based practice!

Session A1: Evidence Based Practice: What, Why, and How
Date: January 18 Time: 1:00 – 2:00 EST
ATRA Academy Faculty: Gretchen Snethen, Ph.D., CTRS

This session is the first in a three part series on evidence based practice (EBP). EBP is a common phrase in health care and related service delivery settings. This session is designed as an introduction to EBP and will give practitioners some basic skills on integrating EBP into services. It will cover the definition of EBP, the reason EBP is critical in service delivery, how to identify EBP, and the steps to integrating EBP into practice. This session is appropriate for all levels of experience and provides a foundational knowledge of EBP, which will be helpful for the following sessions within this series.

Session A2: Health Benefits of Aquatic Therapy: Why Water Works
Date: February 1 Time: 1:00 – 2:00 EST
ATRA Academy Faculty: Ellen Broach, Ph.D., CTRS

This presentation is designed to increase the practitioners understanding of the effects of immersion on a person and how a practitioner can use this knowledge to prescribe appropriate aquatic based interventions to address treatment outcomes. For those unfamiliar with evidence-based practice, the overview session, presented by Dr. Snethen, is highly encouraged prior to this webinar.

Session A3: Community-Integration: What the Research Evidence Tells Us to Improve Our Practice
Date: February 15 Time: 1:00 – 2:00 EST
ATRA Academy Faculty: Norma J. Stumbo, Ph.D., CTRS

A very brief introduction to evidence-based practice is followed by presentation of the latest research results of community integration outcome studies. Learn about the research evidence and best practices in community integration research on a variety of populations. If you’re wondering about what client outcome skills your community integration program should focus on, this session is for you! Persons with all levels of experience, including undergraduate students, are encouraged to attend. For those unfamiliar with evidence-based practice, the overview session, presented by Dr. Snethen, is highly encouraged prior to this webinar.

To find out about what other exciting webinars are planned for 2012, go to the ATRA website! Sign up now for Evidence Based Practice!!!! http://www.atra.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=8

Tri-State RT Conference Coming Up in January

A reminder from Charlie Dixon, M.S., CTRS, in his RT/TR Directory Newsletter:

Tri-State Recreation Therapy Conference - Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia
Friday, January 27, 2012
River Park Hospital
1230 – 6th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
Five (5) Clock Hours of Continuing Education – Cost is only $25

Any questions regarding conference?
Email: Danny@dannypettry.com
Call Jennifer Brumfield at: 304-526-9111 Ext. 125

Charlie Has Over 30 RT Jobs Posted

Charlie Dixon, M.S.,CTRS, recently sent out his RT/TR Directory Newsletter. In it was reminder that he has around 30 RT jobs posted. For RT jobs go to:
www.recreationtherapy.com/jobs

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the RT Blog!

Conference at Sea Seeking Interest

Via the ATRAnet Listserv from Allyson Dedic, CTRS:

Hello Everyone!

I know everyone is bogged down with all of the holiday festivities, but I am still feverishly working on our June 2012 Conference at Sea to Mexico, Belize, Isla Roatan, and Grand Cayman Island!! Just as a hotel makes a request for us to commit to a number of rooms, the cruise line also requests this. I would like to get an idea of how many people are interested so that we accurately block cabins. Please email me directly if you are interested in attending. The deposit is not due until March!

We still have some openings for presenters!

For more information, please visit www.whitehallboca.com/conference.html
______________________________________________
Allyson Dedic, CTRS
Director of Therapeutic Recreation
Whitehall Boca Raton
7300 Del Prado Circle South
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 237-3818 direct
(561) 392-6031 fax

TRJ Doing Vets Issue

The next issue of Therapeutic Recreation Journal focuses on Veteran Issues: The Role of Therapeutic Recreation.

What a great idea!

Hugs are good -- especially for children

From Disability.gov: "Hugs can do great amounts of good – especially for children." Princess Diana

Witman Comments on my book Lessons Learned

I recently received a very nice message from Dr. Jeff Witman, CTRS, a long term friend and colleague from York University. He wrote about his experience in using my new book, Lessons Learned: An Open Letter to Recretional Therapy Students and Practitioners (Sagamore Publishing) in one of his courses.

In part, Professor Witman wrote: "Lessons Learned was a good teaching resource- understandable for students and often a discussion starter. Used it in a variety of ways including having students present various lessons and how they would apply them, generating questions based on a particular lesson, debates (agree/disagree) with some of them, relevance to policies/procedures, and relating them to other documents (Standards of Practice, code of Ethics, etc.). Thanks for creating this valuable resource!"

I really appreciated his comments and Jeff taking the time to share them with me.

Free Publications on Physical Activity from NIA

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has two publications on physical activity that can be downloaded for free. They are Exercise & Physical Activity and Workout to Go.

The web address for Exercise & Physical Activity is:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ExerciseGuide_FINAL_
Aug2010_0.pdf

The web address for Workout to Go is:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/workouttogo.pdf

While these publications are of particular use by RTs working with persons who are elderly, I think they have information on physical activity and specific exercises that can be applied in many settings.

RT Opening within Corrections with 1/2/2012 Deadline

The Corrections Department of the State of Wisconsin has an opening for an RT:

Recreational Therapist - Fond du Lac
Job Announcement Code(s): 11-05854
County:Fond du Lac

Classification Title: / JAC: Job Working Title:THERAPIST 11-05854
Recreational Therapist

Type of Employment:
Full Time (40 hrs/week)

Salary:
Starting salary is $42,837 or more per year based on prior relevant experience. This position is included in the Patient Care bargaining unit. A six-month probationary period is required.

Postion:
This position is located at the Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin (Fond du Lac County). This position provides Recreational Therapy services to inmates.

Contact:
Jan Zadra - Human Resources Specialist (608) 240-5516 or Jan.Zadra@wisconsin.gov

Bargaining Unit:
Patient Care

Area of Competition:
Open

Deadline to Apply: 1/2/2012

The Department of Corrections administers Wisconsin’s state prisons, community correctional centers, and juvenile corrections programs. It supervises the custody and discipline of all prisoners in order to protect the public and seeks to rehabilitate offenders and reintegrate them into society.

Good Time to Do Your Ph.D.

Have you noticed the large number of openings for RT faculty? If you've been thinking about going back to school for your Ph.D., the time is right.

Indiana University recently announced it is actively recruiting doctoral students for the 2012 academic year. IU has several assistantships available (for 3 years).

Anyone interested can contact using the information below for Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D., CTRS, who is the RT Coordinator at IU.

*******************************
Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D., CTRS
Indiana University
Associate Professor
Recreational Therapy Coordinator
mvp@indiana.edu
812.855.3093 (p)
812.855.3998 (f)

Faculty Position at Douglas College

From the ATRAnet Listserv:

Here is an announcement of a TR Faculty position opening at Douglas College in Vancouver. Please pass it along to interested colleagues and students. Contact Tricia Rachfall for further information [rachfallt@douglas.bc.ca]:

The Department of Therapeutic Recreation in the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies at Douglas College, is excited to invite applications for a regular probationary full time faculty member to teach in the Bachelor Degree in Therapeutic Recreation commencing in September 2012.
This unique and innovative program is located in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Douglas College operates two campuses, both located in surrounding suburbs of Vancouver. The program has an average enrollment of 130 students in full time and part time studies, with all classes having less than 35 students. Six faculty members bring a range of expertise and experiences that promote diverse and enriching teaching and learning experiences to the more than 25 core and elective courses within the Therapeutic Recreation curriculum. The chosen applicant will be expected to teach 5-6 courses per year coupled with practica, internship and research opportunities.
Successful applicants will meet the following criteria:
• Possess a doctoral degree with at least one degree having a major in Therapeutic Recreation preferred. ABD candidates near completion will be considered.
• Possess the CTRS designation or be eligible and willing to attain this designation
• Have demonstrated a strong commitment to innovative approaches to teaching, research and other scholarly activity
• Have a range of teaching experiences with experience teaching in a college/university environment preferred
• Have demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively with students, practitioners, faculty and administration, working cooperatively in a team setting
• Possess the ability to teach across the curriculum; preference given to teaching expertise and experience in therapeutic recreation, leadership, interpersonal communication, aging, and health promotion.
• Have a minimum of 3 years of varied work or teaching experiences
• Have and continue to demonstrate strong ties and participation in professional organizations

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION, THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED WITH A FIRST REVIEW DATE OF FEBRUARY 20, 2012.
Please use the following link for application information:
2011-123F: http://www.douglas.bc.ca/__shared/assets/2011-123F76547.pdf

For any questions, please contact Tricia Rachfall at rachfallt@douglas.bc.ca or 604-777-6237.

Tricia Rachfall, MEd, CTRS
Co-Coordinator
Therapeutic Recreation Program
Douglas College
David Lam Campus, Coquitlam
Mailing Address: PO Box 2503
New Westminster, BC
V3L 5B2

604-777-6237 telephone
604-777-6074 fax
www.douglas.bc.ca/tr

Check us out on Facebook - Therapeutic Recreation - Douglas College

AJRT Available at Student Rate

From the ATRAnet listserv:

We have had a Student Subcription Rate for the American Journal of Recreation Therapy. It is probably the best kept secret in the field.

If you follow this link http://shop.pnpco.com/category.sc?categoryId=2 pick the individual subscription and enter code AJRTST2012 your students will get the journal for $79.50per year. Scholarly journals are a great way to raise the level of student participation, education and skill. Please spread the word. Happy Holidays!


Richard A. DeVito Jr.
Publisher
Weston Medical Publishing, LLC
470 Boston Post Road, Suite 301
Weston, MA 02493 USA
radjr@pnpco.com
781-899-2702 ext. 107
781-899-4900 fax

ATRA Mid-Year in Baltimore

ATRA has announced that registraion is now open for the 2012 ATRA Mid-Year Forum on Public Policy: Taking Charge of Your Profession to be held on February 26-28, 2011, in Baltimore, MD.

A copy of the program for the Mid-Year is available on the ATRA website. The program looks strong with names such as Congressman GT Thompson listed.

The Baltimore Inner Harbor is a wonderful feature for the city of Balitmore. If you haven't seen it, make sure you do during the Mid-Year.

Danny Pettry's New Book Out Today

From Danny Pettry, M.S., CTRS:

Dear friend,
Imagine how inspired you could feel if you were surrounded by the world’s most motivational people. Wouldn’t it be amazing to hear their messages of hope and inspiration daily?

Danny Pettry’s collection of motivational quotations can give you just that. You might find yourself in a hypnotic trance as you read each of these 101 magical, motivational, and spellbinding quotes.

Reading this collection of quotes could cause you to have a magical transformation. You just might wake up feeling ready to succeed in life. You’re intelligent enough to know that if the authors of these quotes can do it then you can do it.
As you read these quotes you may increase feelings of hope, inspiration, and encouragement. These quotations are tips and tricks for a better life.
Abracadabra and hocus-pocus – make your dreams come true with this amazing collection of motivational quotes.

Claim your copy at this link: http://www.dannypettry.com/quotes.html

Contents
•Chapter 1: Meaning of Existence
•Chapter 2: Attract Good Things
•Chapter 3: Generously Give
•Chapter 4: Imagination is Imperative
•Chapter 5: Create What You Want
•Chapter 6: Achieve Your Dreams
•Chapter 7: Learn for Life
But wait, there is more! This book includes 4 bonuses!
•Bonus # 1: Includes journal questions for each of the 7 chapters.
•Bonus # 2: Includes 11 fun activities that you can do with quotes. These are great for group activities or individual projects.
•Bonus # 3: Book Recommendations
•Bonus # 4: Access to E-Newsletter that includes book give-away each month -- (details on p. 78).
Claim your copy at this link: http://www.dannypettry.com/quotes.html
###

Thanks so much.
Your friend,
Danny

Contact info:
Danny Pettry, 1509 Walnut St. # 5, Kenova, WV 25530
Email: danny@dannypettry.com

IU Has Openings for Ph.D. Students

Via ATRAnet Listserv from Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D., CTRS:

Indiana University is actively recruiting doctoral students for the
2012 academic year. We have several assistantships available (for 3 years), and would appreciate your assistance in sending us quality applicants.

Anyone interested can contact me using the information below.

Cheers,
Marieke

*******************************
Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D., CTRS
Indiana University
Associate Professor
Recreational Therapy Coordinator
812.855.3093 (p)
812.855.3998 (f)

ECU Faculty Position Anticipated

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY,COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE STUDIES

ANTICIPATED POSITION:
East Carolina University is anticipating a nine-month, tenure track position in the Recreational Therapy program of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (RCLS) within the College of Health and Human Performance effective August 20, 2012.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ANTICIPATED POSITION:
Teach in the graduate and undergraduate Recreational Therapy (RT) degree programs and in the professional core. Contribute to the advancement and promotion of Recreational Therapy degree programs, supervise Recreational Therapy student field experiences, advise students on academic procedures and career goals, and engage in outreach with the health care community. Expectations include instruction, externally funded scholarly research; participation in research/creative activity and scholarly publication; and service to the university, community, and profession.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Doctoral degree required with at least one degree or emphasis/concentration in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy. Strong professional practitioner experience and NCTRC certification as CTRS required. Applicant must obtain licensure as a Licensed Recreational Therapist in North Carolina prior to employment (www.ncbrtl.org). Demonstrated record of teaching effectiveness, research, and publication required. The ideal candidate will complement or build upon at least one program area including: gerontology, behavioral/mental health, physical rehabilitation, youth development, aquatic therapy, or psychophysiology. Candidates expected to complete a doctoral degree by December 2012 will be considered.

RANK AND SALARY:
Rank and salary commensurate with professional background and experience.

THE DEPARTMENT:
One of three departments within the College of Health and Human Performance, the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is comprised of 18 full-time faculty members including seven Licensed Recreational Therapists/Certified TR Specialists. The RCLS curriculum has approximately 230 undergraduate majors in the department; Recreational Therapy has approximately 140 majors and 75 pre-majors. The master’s program offers degrees in Recreational Therapy Administration and Recreation and Park Administration, as well as graduate certificates in Biofeedback and Aquatic Therapy. The department is home to the Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Lab, the Sensory Observation Lab, and additional space for motor development work. Please visit www.ecu.edu/rcls for more information about the department.

THE UNIVERSITY:
East Carolina University, the third largest institution in the University of North Carolina System, is located in Greenville, approximately 90 miles east of the Research Triangle Park and 60 miles west of the Outer Banks and coastal resorts. A city of approximately 85,000, Greenville is within a five-hour drive of Washington, DC and it serves as the educational, cultural, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. A faculty of over 1,867 guide approximately 27,700 students enrolled in 104 Bachelor, 72 Master, 18 Doctoral, and 1 Medical Professional degree tracks. It is a Carnegie Doctoral Research Intensive university and consists of 12 colleges/professional schools, including the recognized Brody School of Medicine.

SCREENING AND APPLICATION:
The official position and full process for screening and application are anticipated to be posted mid-January 2012.

ECU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University and accommodates individuals with disabilities. Individuals requesting a disability accommodation should call the ECU Office of Disability Support Services at 252-328-6799 (Voice/TTY/Relay). Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. Official transcript required upon employment.

Video Conferencing in RT Courses

Earlier today I received an email message highlighting the virtues of using video confencing in classrooms. I'm not sure how much video conferencing is being employed in RT courses but it seems to me that faculty should certainly consider using it.

Part-Time RT Position in Evansville

From Jessica Decker Puntney:

Hello, I work at an in-patient mental health hospital in Evansville, IN. We have a part-time position open working with children ages 4-12. The position would be for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with one Saturday a month. If anyone is interested you can message me on facebook or you can e-mail a resume to me at Jessica.Puntney@deaconess.com

Faculty Position at Pittsburg State University

From Professor Dan Fergerson via ATRAnet Listserv:

As chair of the search committee I am pleased to announce that Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kansas) has a tenure track position available for the fall semester beginning in August of 2012.

We are primarily looking for a person to teach in our accredited Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis who is a CTRS. Our department is called Health, Human Performance and Recreation so we have both a physical education program and a recreation program with three emphases. They are Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Administration and Corporate, Community and Hospital Wellness. We are located in southeast Kansas about 2 hours south of Kansas City and 30 minutes from Joplin, Missouri. Our student body has grown every year and is approximately 7,500 students at the present time. All of our recreation emphasis areas are also in growth mode.

Pittsburg is a community of nearly 20,000 residents and is a very accessible, family oriented town. Below is a brief description of the position with links to the full position description and the department website. If you have questions you would like to ask you can call our office as the number provided.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT TENURE TRACK RECREATION FACULTY
Responsibilities: Teaching load will consist of undergraduate and graduate courses in Recreation, primarily Therapeutic Recreation, as well as advising students, and serving on departmental committees and advisory boards.
Please go to http://www.pittstate.edu/office/hr/jobs.dot for the full position announcement. Apply online at: HHPRSearch@pittstate.edu If you have specific questions concerning this position, please contact the Department at 620-235-4665.

How Lucky We Are

I attended the Indiana University RT Christmas Party earlier in the week. As I did I could not help but think how very fortunate we are to have Bryan, Marieke, and Jen on faculty at IU. All are tops for their career stages.

New Edition of Witman & Ligon Book

From Tom Blaschko, President of Idyll Arbor comes this announcement:

New Leisure Education Book
Jeff Witman and Mary Ligon's revised edition of their book on leisure education: Reflection, Recognition, Reaffirmation is now available. It is a practical handbook for implementing leisure education programs with a variety of populations in many different settings. It includes many activities to help clients reinforce the key concepts of reflection on the meaning of leisure, recognition of the role of leisure in their lives, and reaffirmation of their use of leisure resources.

You can read more about it here.
http://www.idyllarbor.com/agora.cgi?p_id=B601&xm=on

We will be happy to send you a review copy if you think you might want to use the book in one of your classes.

All the best,
Tom Blaschko
President, Idyll Arbor
Tom@IdyllArbor.com

Danny Pettry's Rec Therapy Blog

From Danny Pettry, M.S., CTRS, via the ATRAnet Listserv comes this reminder on the Rec Therapy Blog:

Dear Rec. Therapist,

I’m writing to inform you about my Rec. Therapy blog (in case you don’t already know about it).

I’ve been inspired by two people who’ve used the internet to promote our profession.

• my professor in graduate school Dr. David Austin (RT blog) and;
• my good friend, colleague, and mentor Charlie Dixon who operates the TR Directory online.

You can view my Rec Therpy Blog at this link: http://www.dannypettry.blogspot.com/

Here are some of the recent posts. Click on the links you're interested in reading:
• Meaning of doodles from an Art Therapist
• Activity Coordinator for a Skilled Nursing And Rehabilitation Center in Palm Harbor, FL.
• Creatures -- the card game... is Fun! (use of this game to help with therapy goals)
• Meditation and Mindfulness
• skills for job seekers (good tips for RTs)
• Tri-State Rec. Therapy Conference. (Kentucky, Ohio, & West Virginia)
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• NEW TR Book! Get yours today!
• MRO Billing in RT
• The Johnston Family. (highest level of fx.)
• Steve Jobs -- 7 Rules of Success!
• Rock Creation Therapy!
• Bree McMahon (inspiration)
• Rec. Therapist needed for a school setting.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Faculty Position Opening at Indiana

Department: Department Of Recreation, Park, And Tourism Studies
Position: Assistant / Associate Professor

Description: Primary responsibilities: Engage in a focused line of scholarly inquiry related to the linkages of recreation, parks, tourism or leisure behavior to human health and well-being. Seek and secure extramural funding for research focused on recreation, parks, or tourism and public health. Provide high quality instruction in graduate program, departmental core classes, and majors courses as assigned. Recruitment and mentoring of graduate students. Provide service to the department, institution and profession. Engage in interdisciplinary research across the IU campuses, and in a global context. This focus on recreation, parks, or tourism and health may include, but is not limited to: The relationship of leisure behavior to health, healthy lifestyles, leisure behavior and chronic disease prevention, policy analysis, human/environment interactions, local economic development and/or impact, targeted populations, travel health, etc.

Qualifications: Doctoral degree required with at least one degree in recreation, park, or tourism studies, leisure behavior, or closely related disciplines is preferred. Evidence of a history of research funding related to the above responsibilities. A documented record of mentoring master and doctoral level students to successful completion of degrees. Demonstrated competence in designing and conducting advanced research related to recreation, parks or tourism and health. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Application deadline: Open until filled with review applications beginning January, 2012.

Application: Send letter of application, curriculum vita, and the names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone number of three references to: Dr. Bryan McCormick, c/o Deanna Davis, Professor and Chair, Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies, 1025 E. Seventh Street, HPER 133, Bloomington, IN 47405; telephone: 812-855-4711; fax: 812-855-3998; email: bmccormi@indiana.edu. After the Search Committee completes its initial screening, applicants will be notified of the status of their application. If appropriate, the committee will request permission to proceed to the next stage. With applicant’s permission, references will be contacted after screening.

Indiana University is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. Indiana University is strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and nominations of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Part-Time RT Position in Evansville, Indiana

From the Recreation Therapist of Indiana comes this post:

Facility: Deaconess Cross Pointe; Evansville, Indiana
Responsibilities:Provide daily therapeutic activity groups, complete assessments and treatment plans for mental health clients in an acute care setting.Primarily working with a child population.
Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy, music therapy, or art therapy required.Certification Preferred. Experience with a child mental health patients preferred.
Additional Info:Shift: Part-time (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) – DAYS.
Approximately one Saturday per month

If interested forward a resume to
Jessica.Puntney@deaconess.com

NCTRC Exam Prep Webinar Offered by ATRA

From Jean Folkerth:

Just a reminder that there is a webinar on NCTRC Exam Preparation scheduled for Wednesday December 7 at 7:00 EST. It is at a special rate of $25 per person or per college/university. This webinar will be presented by Dr. Norma Stumbo co-author of The Study Guide. Please go to the ATRA website and sign up now! You don't have to be a member of ATRA to take this webinar.

Age is...

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
Mark Twain

Therapeutic Recreation Position at Wisconsin-La Crosse

Therapeutic Recreation Position at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

The Department of Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is very pleased to announce the availability of a full-time, nine-month, tenure track Therapeutic Recreation position.

The person filling this position will join our progressive team at the Assistant Professor rank. Candidates should have both expertise and enthusiasm for teaching in the introductory and upper division Therapeutic Recreation undergraduate and graduate core courses. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a passion for involvement in scholarly activities such as research, grant writing, publication, and undergraduate and graduate research; and have a strong interest in professional service. Candidates must have the CTRS credential.

The Search Committee asks for your assistance in sharing the above information with individuals who may be interested in this position. A copy of the position announcement is attached. The first review of candidates will take place on January 16, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional information about the department may be found on our website at http://www.uwlax.edu/sah/rmtr/

For more information, please contact:
Patricia Ardovino, PhD, CTRS, CPRP, Associate Professor, Director, Therapeutic Recreation Undergraduate Program, Department of Recreation Management and Therapeutic RecreationUniversity of Wisconsin-La Crosse at 608-785-8217 or pardovino@uwlax.edu

On NY State Licensure

Posted several places is this by MaryBeth Pozzuto, CTRS:

LICENSURE IS COMING, BUT ARE YOU READY!

There are times when we come away from a session at a conference and are struck by the message that was conveyed. I had this experience the other day at the Downstate Conference when I attended Dr. Robin Kunstler’s session on “Expanding the Professional Therapeutic Recreation Environment”. As a member of the NYS TR Licensure Committee, I listened as Robin opened the door to issues we need to focus on as we continue our pursuit of licensure in New York State.

Much of our committee’s attention thus far has been geared towards getting the word out about licensure, encouraging our fellow recreational therapy colleagues to write letters, make phone calls, and meet with local legislators.

However, there is a question I have. Have we also educated our colleagues in the field about additional ways to gear up for licensure prior to it actually happening? Somewhat, but we need to do a better job. Robin’s session did just that!

She challenged everyone in the room to think about how our programs are defined by our profession, appear to our administration, and most importantly to our patients/clients. Do we typically have recreation programs where the focus is on activities? (“Activities are used for fun, socialization, relaxation; allow for learning and practice of skills”), or is our program a therapeutic recreation program that includes “interventions directed toward achieving an outcome, whether it be functional or existential.”

She challenged both the experienced therapist and new grads in the audience to take responsibility for developing this profession. Those with experience, become a mentor, be visible, educate and empower others. As a recreation therapist take initiative, take pride in your work, start a “pilot program” that focuses on the therapeutic value of recreation, and develop your skills in communication and documentation.

As we pursue licensure, these are some of the issues that will directly have an impact on our profession.Robin contacted the four other states that currently hold licensure and asked the question:
“What has been the effect of TR Licensure in your state?”

Utah: There are better qualified people and better educated therapists now who see there is a responsibility to follow the standards of practice and have such things as written plans of action, stronger requirements for interns and minimal standards for new hires.
New Hampshire: Having licensure has affirmed the value of having qualified professionals providing services in the state of NH. Genesis Healthcare, has been actively hiring CTRSs in our long tem care facilities especially to work with short stay patients and to provide treatment interventions for our long term residents who have dementia. We have had a few cases where the RT Governing Board has issued sanctions to practitioners and we also sanctioned an agency that indicated that they were providing RT but had no CTRSs on staff. The key element is not so much an affirmation of RT as it is a recognition that people can in fact be harmed when they do not receive services from a qualified professional
Oklahoma: The primary purpose for licensure is to protect the public. However there are obviously other benefits that can be difficult to measure. Recognition of our profession by other licensed health care professionals is certainly a big one. I believe that TR’s in Oklahoma are very proud of their license and we had the highest involvement in our state conference from practicing TR’s immediately after we achieved licensure. I believe we have to stick to increased professionalism and protecting the public when we speak about the importance of State Licensure.
North Carolina: When you do licensure, you raise the bar and all need to attend to their practice and the maintenance of their credentials. Respect is earned by performance not the credential. I think in general, folks are proud to be LRT. Agencies are realizing that RT is not activities. LRT’s have to deliver RT vs recreation. It has better defined the profession and services delivered.

If you’ve come across the NYS TR Licensure Committee information tables at conferences, you certainly have seen the brochures that state: The Time is Now! The time is now to support licensure, make necessary programmatic changes, and begin to change your scope of practice. Start to communicate with your colleagues &/or administrators, bring RT to a higher level. Licensure will happen…will you be ready?

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3rd we are celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Guidelines for Writing about People with Disabilities

In today's Disability.gov a link for the publication Guidelines for Reporting & Writing about People with Disabilities is provided.

The link is: http://t.co/YxMKuJRv

New Conference at Sea Announced

From Allyson Dedic, CTRS, via the ATRAnet Listserv:

Join us next June 16-23rd to visit Cozumel, Mexico; Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Grand Cayman Island! Earn between 22-24 hours of CEU’s in ONE WEEK!! Conferences at Sea offer many amenities at no additional charge and actually provide a financial savings! When traveling in ‘peak season’, costs will be higher but it offers an opportunity for more therapists to attend. Guests may also attend at the group rate!

“Land Conference”
Hotel for 7 days: $1085 (including taxes)
Food for 7 days: $350
Entertainment: $150
Conference Cost: $275
TOTAL: $1860

“Conference at Sea”
Hotel for 7 days: $895 (including taxes & port charges)
Food for 7 days: INCLUDED
Entertainment: INCLUDED
Conference Cost: $150
TOTAL: $1045

44% SAVINGS!

Visit www.whitehallboca.com/conference.html for more information and to download speaker proposals, cruise details, and registration forms! Please help us by passing this information onto colleagues and co-workers!

_______________________________________________
Allyson Dedic, CTRS
Director of Therapeutic Recreation
Whitehall Boca Raton
7300 Del Prado Circle South
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 237-3818 direct

Structured Group Activity Slows Dementia Progress

Highly structured group activity, including both motor and cognitive stimulation, has been shown to slow the progress of degenerative dementia, according to a study which appeared online in BMC Medicine. The research was conducted in 5 nursing homes where structured group activities were conducted for 2 hours a day, six days per week. A total of 10 residents at each home took part in the group activities conducted by two RNs.

I gained this information from MedPage Today. The source reference is: Graessel, E., et al (2011). Non-pharmacological, multicomponent group therapy in patients with degenerative dementia: A 12-month Randomized, Controlled Trail. BMC Med.

This study sure seems to supply empirical evidence of the value of recreational therapy group activities for persons with dementia.

World AIDS Day is today.

World AIDS Day takes place on December 1st.

Position Opening in Charleston, SC

From Kathryn Walker posted today on the North Carolina Recreational Therapy Association page:

HIRING:
Activity Director Position, CTRS Preferred but not required
132 bed long term care facility located in CHARLESTON, South Carolina
Star 5 long term care facility. Would be in charge of creating programs, leading group activities, etc... Great salary, awesome benefits, and a very good spendable budget for the facility. You would be working along side me, the CTRS Recreation Therapist for the Rehab facility.

WE are looking for someone with experience in Care Facilities and someone who is very energetic and can get along and work well with others.

Please email me for more details kwalker@whiteoakmanor.com

(note: Charleston is a wonderful city. One of my favorite places in the USA.)