RT Blog

Name:
Location: Indiana, United States

I became a Professor Emeritus after serving 29 years as a recreational therapy faculty member at Indiana University. I'm a long-time Hoosier, having grown up in Hanover, Indiana. My RT practitioner work was in psych/mental health. After completing my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, my first faculty position was at the University of North Texas. RT has been a wonderful profession for me as I have had the opportunity to serve as an author and national leader.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Position in Billings

From Amanda Boerboom, MS, CTRS: There is a job opening in Billings. Officially available for hire as of today 5/21/14. It would be working with the addiction population developing and coordinating recreation for teens and adults with addiction. $15+/h depending upon experience plus benefits. Sunday-Thursday 8-5 (exempt) and opportunities for program development. Motivated, independent, and detail-oriented are great skills for this position. Please feel free to contact me directly on my cell if you have questions. Thank you, Amanda Boerboom MS, CTRS 402-770-1663 (Yes it is area code 402 not 406)

RT Position in FL

Enjoy working with seniors? Looking for a place you can truly make a difference? Then come join the team at Cypress Cove in the role of Recreational Therapist! Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree (B.S./B.A.) from four-year college or university with a degree in therapeutic recreation, Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services, Health Sciences or other health services degree. We are looking for a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Excellent customer service skills and good written and verbal communication skills are a must. Willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, and weekends is required. Ideal candidates will have a strong knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias; Knowledge of healthcare and medical issues affecting the elderly population; Knowledge of the Therapeutic Recreation process; Knowledge of Federal and State regulations related to practice setting. Job Summary: To plan, implement and evaluate Recreational Therapy Services using a variety of treatment modalities for residents with physical, social, psychological, and cognitive dysfunction. The Recreation Therapist will work as part of the treatment team and develop treatment plans designed to restore and rehabilitate in order to improve function and independence and reduce or eliminate effects of illness or disability. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  Provide clinical services including one-to-one treatments, small group treatments (2-5 people), co-treatments with other disciplines to improve physical, cognitive, and psychosocial well-being and quality of life.  Obtain physicians orders and referrals for Recreational Therapy services.  Conduct assessments, interviews, and chart reviews with residents and/or family members.  Develop and update careplans and documentation for each client as per federal and state regulations.  Maintain and continuously update knowledge of best practice approaches as it relates to care and treatment services.  Plan and develop programs and treatment sessions unique to each individual to address specific needs.  Modify, adapt, and implement treatment interventions based on individual needs, abilities, and limitations.  Evaluate efficacy and effectiveness of treatment interventions in relation to client progress.  Attend meetings as part of the interdisciplinary team.  Provide in-services to staff related to Recreational Therapy services, nonpharmacological interventions, and best practice approaches as needed.  Provide consultation to nursing and other direct care staff regarding physical, cognitive, emotional/behavioral, leisure, and social interventions for clients.  Follow-up and conduct cognitive testing per referral from Wellness nurse and provide recommendations to appropriate and available programs throughout the community.  Assist with budgetary responsibilities.  Assist with CQI projects and program evaluations.  Educate and advocate for Recreational Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation Programs.  Attend and participate in professional workshops, conferences, and/or seminars to keep abreast of recent research and techniques.  Oversee Music Therapy Program collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music.  Supervise Music Therapy practicum students under the guidance of Music Therapy Program Director through Florida Gulf Coast University.  Oversee and maintain the Music and Memory Project in conjunction with Activity Department, including supervision of students from FGCU that are obtaining service learning hours.  Serve as co-supervisor for Recreation Therapy internship program and student interns.  Collaborate with Canine Companion handler on implementing one-to-one and small group programs with designated facility dog.  Implement one-to-one multi-sensory program based on the needs of each resident.  Maintain and build upon connections with affiliated schools to ensure marketing materials for Recreational Therapy internship program are up-to-date.  Assist in planning and implementation for the Brain Fit and Falls Education Aquatic Training (F.E.A.T.) classes in collaboration with Independent Living Wellness Department. Feel free to visit our website at www.cypresscoveliving.org for more information about our community. Angie Sardina, MS, CTRS Recreational Therapist at Cypress Cove 10500 Cypress Cove Dr. Ft. Myers, FL 33908 Office: 239-415-5100 ext. 6155 Fax: 239-415-5135

Sunday, May 18, 2014

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

May is "National Physical Fitness and Sports Month" but how much do we in recreational therapy have to celebrate in terms of the numbers and quality of programs that asssit clients to become physically active and physically fit? It seems to me that RTs have a long way to go in terms of the adequate provision of physical activity programs, especially for persons with chronic conditions. What say you?

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Opening in Wyoming

Wyoming State Hospital, in Evanston, Wyoming, is recruiting for a Recreation Therapist to provide services to adults in an inpatient mental health setting. CTRS certification is preferred, but this position will allow qualified candidates up to one year to receive their CTRS after they are employed. This position is perfect for new graduates or those with limited experience in the field!! If you are interested in position, or know someone who is, please feel free to contact me for more information. Kathy Argyle, CTRS Wyoming State Hospital kathy.argyle@wyo.gov (307) 789-3464 ext. 468

Oregon State Hospital Workshop in June

Oregon State Hospital and Pacific Northwest ATRA Spring Therapeutic Recreation Forum 2014 Friday, June 6, 2014 Addressing Health Concerns in an Aging Population by Integrating Adaptive Yoga o By Nancy McFarlane, CTRS Alternatives to Pharmacological Intervention in the Care of Patients with Challenging Behaviors o By Dr. Keith Savell, CTRS Leisure, Health, and Disability: Leisure as Context for Health Improvement and Disability Reduction o By Norma J. Stumbo, Ph.D., CTRS, FALS • Cracking Creativity: Applying your creative skills in unconventional ways o By Christine White • The Invisible Patient: Therapeutic Recreation Approaches to Optimum Engagement o By Dr. Keith Savell, CTRS Information and Registration is now open online: http://t.co/ZvXcXCePcL

Another Positive Review of My Book

I just read a book review of the 7th edition of my book, Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques, in the latest edition of TRJ. I'm pleased to say that, like to AJRT book review, the TRJ review was very positive. Thanks AJRT and TRJ for the positive reviews!

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Positive Review of TR Processes and Techniques

In Vol 12, Number 4 of the American Journal of Recreation Therapythe 7th edition of my book titled Therapetic Recreation Processes and Techniques (2013, Sagamore Publishing) was reviewed by Professor Robin Kunstler. I am pleased to report that the review was extremely favorible.

Record Number on ATRAnet

500 of us now are on ATRAnet. I believe this is a record number. Thanks to Tim, Oklahoma State University, and ATRA for establishing ATRAnet!

Saturday, May 03, 2014

Position Opening in FL

Signature Healthcare is hiring for the facility in Hollywood, FL. Golfcrest Healthcare is a small facility that is making new progressive changes. There is even a CTRS that is a regional manager!! It is a great corporation to work for with A LOT of support to managers! Please apply on-line ASAP! A recruiter will call you if you meet their criteria!