Meet our LEND Trainee: Nikki Naberhaus


Nikki NaberhausQ: What first attracted you to the LEND OT Fellowship?
A:I have always had an interest in working in pediatrics.  As a new graduate,  I was attracted to the LEND Fellowship as a way to expand and strengthen my knowledge of pediatric occupational therapy.  I found it particularly valuable to have the opportunity to spend the extended time focused on various specialties within the pediatric realm.  I couldn't imagine having another opportunity in my career to spend such time on extensive learning and professional growth, I thought what better way to launch into the field! 

Q: What has been the best part of your experience so far?
A: The best part of my experience thus far has been working on an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals.  I feel as though my skills as an occupational therapist have strengthened and expanded because of the insight gained from the many perspectives working towards one common goal.  From this interdisciplinary model, I anticipate the occupational therapy lens of which I approach a case is broader, deeper, and more complete.  I think it is fantastic to then work from this model in my community placement facility each week (which also happens to operate under an interdisciplinary model, with a slightly different design.)  Having the opportunity to work in the community and learn from an additional team of professionals allows for even further expansion my skill set.  Ultimately, this lends to comprehensive and thorough care for our clients.

Q: What are some of the challenges of the LEND fellowship?
A: I think a challenge of the LEND fellowship is managing the research and other experiential demands in addition to the demands of clinic.  Treatment planning, patient care, and documentation is the primary focus, though can take a great deal of time.  Subsequently, this often leaves little time to devote to the development and implementation of research.  As additional projects and responsibilities arise, it becomes increasingly more difficult to effectively manage my time.             

Q: How do you think this fellowship prepares you for a future career as a pediatric OT?
A: As I have mentioned above, I feel as though the LEND fellowship is an opportunity to spend nine months (or one year if you choose) strengthening my skill set as a new practitioner.  I will have understanding of a vast array of disabilities and conditions.  I will have more experience with evaluation and administering standardized assessment tools.  I will have knowledge into the specialties of occupational therapy, such as feeding.  I will offer insight into the value of an interdisciplinary team approach.  I will have spent additional time and energy beyond graduate school devoted to learning, in order to grow as an occupational therapist.         

For more information, please contact

Kim Solondz, M.S., OTR/L
Training Coordinator in Occupational Therapy
Child Development and Rehabilitation Center/OHSU
707 SW Gaines Street
Portland OR 97239
Email:
Telephone inquiries should be directed to: (503) 494-8315