Careers at Bothell Pediatric & Hand Therapy

As an occupational therapist and CHT I have recently had the chance to work at Bothell Pediatric & Hand Therapy (BPHT) providing part-time hand therapy coverage. As an experienced therapist, I have valued the opportunity to be a part of BPHT’s professional atmosphere where each patient is provided with individualized treatment planning and care.

In my brief time working for BPHT I have enjoyed the diversity of working with post-operative patients from some of Seattle’s finest hand surgery practices to providing care for patients referred from local primary care physicians, rheumatologists, and general orthopedists. The professional environment provides the advantage of working with other highly experienced therapists who use evidence-based interventions and who are willing to try alternative treatment approaches to solve patient problems. Discussing patient treatment is always possible in the open clinical environment, which facilitates learning through observation and informal consultation with other skilled therapists making solving clinical problems enjoyable. I would recommend employment with Bothell Pediatrics and Hand Therapy based on its reputation for quality care, friendliness, comfort, and attentiveness to patient care.

BPHT has been an ideal setting to practice pediatric occupational therapy. From the first time that I visited the clinic until now I have felt the same level of excitement and inspiration to help children and families each day. What has impressed me so greatly is the warmth and inviting nature both of the physical layout of the clinic as well as the staff that the clinic is comprised of. There are smiles everywhere you turn and so many reasons to smile. The children and therapists enjoy their time working together. Parents are eager to be involved in the rehabilitative process. Administrative staff and therapy aides provide structure and order to the fast paced nature of the setting. The clinic owner effectively emphasizes and cultivates teamwork, leadership, the importance of positive thinking and is continually seeking strategies for improvement in every aspect of the clinic.

BPHT has allowed me to thrive as an entry-level OT due to the perfect balance of professional autonomy as well as group cohesion. It is not an uncommon occurrence for there to be an impromptu pizza party or box of doughnuts in the break room from a patient. It is also not an uncommon occurrence for there to be festive decorations and feasts in honor of employee’s birthdays or other reasons to celebrate each other. BPHT is anything but a mundane work environment. The variety of services offered reflects this. From aquatic therapy to animal assisted therapy, the SMILY yoga program to handwriting camps, social skills groups to feeding groups and the list goes on… the energy, enthusiasm and competent skills of the therapists are vast.

Of all of the above reasons that I have listed for enjoying my time spent working at BPHT, the most rewarding of all is seeing the progress of the children served here. While at times it may seem as though certain goals are way beyond attaining or intervention strategies have felt repetitive to no end…all of a sudden there is a break through and all of the time and energy devoted has been well spent. Life becomes easier for these kids and families in some way and it‚Äôs a breath of fresh air and a sigh of relief for everyone involved.

Working as a physical therapist at Bothell Pediatric and Hand Therapy has been incredible. BPHT is committed to community outreach, family education and successful outcomes. Each child receives an individualized treatment plan based on a thorough evaluation and child/family goals. BPHT values continuing education and therapist growth, and I had the opportunity to attend many seminars and courses. My colleagues at BPHT are incredible, and I have the utmost respect for each one. The therapists are professional, creative, and so FUN! I have learned so much from each one of my colleagues as well as the patients I have treated over the last two years. Thank you all for the wonderful memories.