You were a PT student once—deeply passionate about the field of Physical Therapy, equal parts excited and terrified to try your hand at improving human lives. Hopefully, you had a mentor who saw your passion and commitment and helped you become the PT you are today. Students can bring out the very best in those who mentor them and genuinely make their lives better. Let’s talk about how!
The Joy of Helping Others
At a very high level, human beings are happiest when they are helping others. This has been extensively researched over the past 30 years, and it is very clear that one of the key tenets of joy is caring and connection with other humans. Mentoring a soon-to-be Doctor of PT is one way to bring that principle into your work life.
Reducing Burnout
We also know from recent research that documentation burden and other administrative workload elements are some of the main drivers of burnout in healthcare. As a clinical instructor responsible for teaching your mentee about the ENTIRE profession, you will have some help from your student to complete those tasks. Sure, you may need to take a bit of time at the beginning to train them, but after a couple of weeks, you will find your efficiency skyrocketing.
Breaking Out of the Rut
Finally, we have all experienced occasionally getting into a rut as clinicians. We find ourselves mindlessly going through treatment routines without much challenge, excitement, or novelty. A student will get you out of that rut REALLY quick. Sometimes the question of WHY we are doing a technique is enough to spur some creativity. Other times, students bring their own experiences into the session and freshen things up for you and your patients.
Personal Experience
In my career, I have found that I am the best version of myself when I have a student. The joy of caring and connection, the excitement of new ideas, and the help I get to carry the loads we have as providers has consistently renewed my love for this field. So take a student, and improve your own life!
By mentoring a student, you can enhance your own professional experience, reduce your workload, and reignite your passion for the field. The benefits of taking on a student extend far beyond just teaching them—they can transform your own career in the most positive ways.
Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know! Contact our PT Success Team at ptlighthouse@thejacksonclinics.com
To learn more about The Jackson Clinics and to explore a career with us, please visit thejacksonclinics.com/careers
