Do Physical therapists do much in hospitals?

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I am debating between nursing and physical therapy. I have a masters in nutrition but now I am looking for a biger challege. What do you hera from physical therapists?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The physical therapists at my workplace are generally happy people who are well-respected by doctors, family members, patients, social workers, and the other members of the interdisciplinary team. Physical therapists at my workplace also tend to work "normal" daytime hours and enjoy excellent salaries in my area ($70,000 to $100,000 yearly). The PTs who earn $100,000 per year tend to have a second agency job in addition to a full time gig.

Occupational therapy is another similar career pathway that you should explore. The occupational therapist at my workplace disclosed that he is being paid $500 per day through agency, which adds up to $10,000 per month, assuming he works 5 days per week.

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The physical therapists at my workplace are generally happy people who are well-respected by doctors, family members, patients, social workers, and the other members of the interdisciplinary team. Physical therapists at my workplace also tend to work "normal" daytime hours and enjoy excellent salaries in my area ($70,000 to $100,000 yearly). The PTs who earn $100,000 per year tend to have a second agency job in addition to a full time gig.

Occupational therapy is another similar career pathway that you should explore. The occupational therapist at my workplace disclosed that he is being paid $500 per day through agency, which adds up to $10,000 per month, assuming he works 5 days per week.

Ditto -- the PTs and OTs I have known over the years have all been v. happy with their career choice.

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I think the world of physical therapist. Everyone I have ever met has been very professional and an important part of the healthcare team as well as essential to the recovery process. Most of them seem happy and satisfied with their work. I think that getting to be one is not an easy thing. Keep in mind that not everyone that is in hospital needs a physical therapist but everyone needs a nurse. I do believe that there are positions outside of the clinical world where they work. What you need to do is talk to one.

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Ditto -- the PTs and OTs I have known over the years have all been v. happy with their career choice.

Ditto from me too . . . . one very good PT friend moved to Hawaii with his wife and 6 kids and is living a very nice life. Wake up and surf. Go to work. Take lunch and surf. . . you know the rest. ;)

steph

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I think the world of physical therapist. Everyone I have ever met has been very professional and an important part of the healthcare team as well as essential to the recovery process. Most of them seem happy and satisfied with their work. I think that getting to be one is not an easy thing. Keep in mind that not everyone that is in hospital needs a physical therapist but everyone needs a nurse. I do believe that there are positions outside of the clinical world where they work. What you need to do is talk to one.

The process of getting to be one is my greatest concern. But I am a very determined person and when I pursue something I end up getting it. I have a varied background with a Bachelor's in Education(Home Economics), Masters in Nutrition (but not registered as Dietitian yet). I feel like I have been short changed in life having been at the top of my class with a 4.0 GPA for both undergraduate and graduate yet I am stuck in a dead end career with no opprotunities for promotion and no job opportunities since I am not a dietitian.

I want to have a fresh start even though I have 2 young kids and a very flexible job where I even work at home sometimes. But sometimes I feel like the job flexibility has turned into a form of lazyniness. I feel like I will regret once my kids are all gone to school and still remain stuck in my flexible but very low paying and dull job. My long term goal is to pursue a doctorate but I can't imagine pursuing a doctorate in the field of nutrition. The field does not pay much neither is it well respected. In in my mid 30s. Some one-- tell me I am not loosing my mind. I really don't want to get into something I will regret later in life.

I am also doing alot of praying for divine direction since I am very confused right now.

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Specializes in Oncology, Ortho, Neuro.

I go between oncology/ortho/spine in my hospital and let me tell you those PT's are working their butts off! They are always really helpful and seem to enjoy their jobs.

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In the Burn unit we worked very closely with physical therapists. They did the heavy debridement in a special tub room if the patient was stable enough to be transported there. They were also instrumental in helping patients regain function and self-esteem. In the hospital I was at they also rotated through different areas of the hospital, so it was never the same thing day after day.

PT's are very skilled and knowledgeable, and great to work with. If you don't mind physical work and are able to get along with a wide variety of people (not everyone who gets physical therapy wants it!) it's something to look into.

Find one and see if you can shadow!

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Many friends of mine are PT's. I think the "career climate" is VERY different than it was, say 10 or 15 years ago. The field, in some areas, have been saturated with new therapists. So it seems the demand is a lot less than it was years ago. And the pay seems to be an issue as well, at least in the hospital setting. I worked with a girl who worked full time at the hospital where I worked and she said she only made about $65K, which seems low for a doctorate. Private practice on the other hand can be extremely proffitable, but like any small bussiness its probably really tough to get started. That being said, I can't imagine a new DPT not being able to find a job, and even in the hospital the schedule itself seems like it would be wonderful. Most PT's I know are very happy with thier choice.

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Specializes in LTC/SNF, Psychiatric, Pharmaceutical.

More and more, I see the actual "grunt work" of PT actually being done by PTAs. Physical therapists are increasingly involved more in the care-planning and administrative duties of PT work, while PTAs actually carry them out.

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BEst way to figure it out is to research job availability and the pay for these jobs, talk with real PT's and see what they say.

Advantages: straight days, M-F; can work independently (be self-employed)

Downside: not sure

Best wishes in your quest for a good life. I believe you'll succeed.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

Trudy, will you please PM me? I need to ask you a question. I'll give you my email address at that time.

Thanks, ebear

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